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Kiss Me Goodbye

Kiss Me Goodbye

A hauntingly romantic comedy.

1982101 minPGMidcredits score: 46th percentile of all films
Director
Robert Mulligan
Starring
Sally Field, James Caan, Jeff Bridges, Claire Trevor

Not until three years after the death of her husband Jolly, Kay dares to move back into their former home, persuaded by her new fiancée Rupert. But soon her worst expectations come true, when not only her old memories haunt her, but also Jolly's ghost, who doesn't approve of her new mate. Invisible to anyone but Kay, he tries to prevent the wedding.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Kiss Me Goodbye?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Kiss Me Goodbye streaming on Disney+.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Kiss Me Goodbye?

Kiss Me Goodbye earns 4 badges, led by Preferred by Women and Preferred by US Viewers.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Kiss Me Goodbye worth watching?

Kiss Me Goodbye's Midcredits score is the 46th percentile of all films, from 3.8K ratings across 4 sources. 44% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

46th percentile

Better received than 46% of films

52nd percentile among Comedy48th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)44th

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

53rd percentile among Comedy49th percentile among 1980s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

44% liked it

44th percentile of all films

48th percentile among Comedy46th percentile among 1980s
44% rated it 7–1056% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical

Reach

How many have seen it

62nd percentile

3.8K ratings across platforms

56th percentile among Comedy57th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 103% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$1.3M
Domestic gross$16M
Worldwide gross$16M

79th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A light romantic comedy about a widow caught between her late husband's ghost and her new fiancé, leaning on its cast's charm.

Fans praised

  • Sally Field's touching and comedic performance
  • Lighthearted charm and sweet tone
  • James Caan and Jeff Bridges' engaging performances

Detractors panned

  • Lacks the vitality and sexiness of the Brazilian original
  • Sitcom-level humor and flat direction
  • No romantic chemistry among leads

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

Sally Field, James Caan, Jeff Bridges all give committed but mismatched performances

CharactersDivisive55

Poorly written motivations, especially the ghost's aimless interference

HumorDivisive50

Mildly amusing but often forced or sitcom-like

DialogueDivisive50

Occasional witty lines but often stilted

Emotional impactDivisive50

Sweet and touching for fans, overly sentimental for detractors

PacingDivisive45

Slack and disinterested rhythm

Plot and storyDivisive40

Thin, derivative premise with forced comic situations

Originality30

Pale remake of a Brazilian classic lacking distinct identity

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 25 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 21 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Kiss Me Goodbye like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
WarmJoyfulBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its romantic fantasy premise straight and affectionately, never winking at the audience; the comedy arises from situation, not irony.
The rideThe film maintains a light, affectionate register throughout, with the emotional weight shifting to bittersweet as Kay must say goodbye to Jolly.
StructureThe story unfolds linearly from Kay's return to the house, through the ghost's antics, to the resolution of the love triangle.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you believing that letting go of the past for new love is worthwhile, with a light, upbeat spirit.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% (this title) · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Romantic comedy: Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA widow is visited by her deceased husband's ghost days before marrying a new man; the central conflict is comic, driven by mistaken perceptions and the ghost's interference.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsGrief · 6% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores a widow choosing between the memory of her late husband and a new romantic future.
StanceThe film affirms Kay's choice to move on and embrace new love, treating the ghost as a lovable obstacle to be overcome.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticMagical realism
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · hybrid · Ralph Burns
Settinga brownstone in New York City and a country inn
MusicFeatures a Dusty Springfield song at the opening and closing.

Content guide

Is Kiss Me Goodbye okay for kids?

PG

Kiss Me Goodbye is rated PG. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (11/100), sexual content at mild (27/100), language at mild (22/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at minimal (11/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (17 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Kiss Me Goodbye have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Kiss Me Goodbye?

Cast

Sally Field
as Kay
James Caan
as Jolly
Jeff Bridges
as Rupert
Claire Trevor
as Charlotte
Mildred Natwick
as Mrs. Reilly
Paul Dooley
as Kendall
Michael Ensign
as Billy
William Prince
as Rev. Hollis
Maryedith Burrell
as Mrs. Newman
Bernadette Birkett
as Mother

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Kiss Me Goodbye?

Movies like Kiss Me Goodbye include Three Men and a Little Lady (1990), Love with the Proper Stranger (1963) and Isn't It Romantic (2019). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Charlie Peters, and most are films set in New York.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its subject: romantic love. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Kiss Me Goodbye?

759 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: screwball comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.