Look, let’s be honest. It Runs in the Family 2003 is one of those movies that shouldn’t have worked on paper, and in many ways, it barely does. But there is something deeply, almost uncomfortably hypnotic about watching a real-life dynasty play out their dysfunction on a cinema screen. You’ve got Kirk Douglas. You’ve got Michael Douglas. You’ve even got Cameron Douglas and Diana Douglas. It’s a Douglas-palooza.
It’s weird.
Most people remember this film—if they remember it at all—as a curiosity. It wasn’t a box office smash. Critics weren't exactly lining up to hand out Oscars. Yet, looking back at it through the lens of 2026, it feels like a time capsule of a Hollywood era that doesn't exist anymore. It’s a movie about legacy, ego, and the sheer weight of being a "Douglas."
The Douglas Dynasty on Screen
The plot is basically your standard "New York family with issues" setup. Michael Douglas plays Alex Gromberg, a successful lawyer caught in the middle of a generational sandwich. On one side, he’s dealing with his father, Mitchell (Kirk Douglas), a stroke survivor who is as stubborn as a mule. On the other, he’s trying to connect with his son, Asher (Cameron Douglas), who is basically drifting through life and making every mistake a privileged kid can make.
It’s meta. Super meta.
Kirk Douglas actually had a stroke in real life years before filming, which makes his performance feel less like acting and more like a documentary. When he struggles to speak or moves with that labored gait, that’s not a "method" choice. That’s Kirk. It’s raw. Honestly, it’s a bit heartbreaking to watch the legendary Spartacus navigate the fragility of old age in such a public way.
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Why the casting was a double-edged sword
The gimmick was the draw. "See the Douglases together for the first time!" That was the marketing hook. But that’s also why the movie struggles. When you see Michael and Kirk arguing about their past, you aren’t thinking about "Alex and Mitchell." You’re thinking about Michael and Kirk. You’re thinking about the decades of real-world tabloid headlines, the legendary Hollywood parties, and the inevitable friction that comes with having a father who is a literal icon of the Golden Age.
Director Fred Schepisi had a massive task. How do you direct a family that has more combined industry power than most small studios? You kinda don't. You just let them inhabit the space.
The film also features Diana Douglas, Michael’s real mother and Kirk’s ex-wife. They hadn't worked together in decades. There is a scene where they dance together, and you can feel the weight of fifty years of history in that one moment. It’s not just a movie scene; it’s a closure.
The Reality Behind It Runs in the Family 2003
Here is the thing: the movie didn't make much money. It grossed somewhere around $17 million against a budget that was significantly higher once you factor in the marketing. Why did it flop?
Maybe it was too personal.
Audiences in 2003 were looking for big spectacles or sharp, edgy comedies. A meditative, somewhat slow-paced drama about wealthy New Yorkers complaining about their feelings felt a bit... out of touch? Or maybe people just felt like they were intruding on a private family therapy session.
A Snapshot of Cameron Douglas
We have to talk about Cameron. At the time, he was the "next generation." In the film, his character is dealing with drug issues and a lack of direction. Fast forward a few years after the release, and Cameron’s real-life struggles with addiction and his eventual prison sentence became major news.
Rewatching the movie now, his performance feels incredibly prophetic. There is a nervous energy to him. He isn't quite the polished movie star his father or grandfather were. He feels like a kid trying to find oxygen in a room full of giants. It makes the movie way more interesting in retrospect than it was at the time of release.
Critiques and the "Nepo Baby" Conversation
If this movie came out today, the "nepo baby" discourse would be deafening. It’s the ultimate example of a family using their collective clout to greenlight a vanity project. But back then, we didn't really use that term. We just called it a "star vehicle."
Critics like Roger Ebert were somewhat kind, noting that while the movie was sentimental, the chemistry was undeniable. Others, like those at The New York Times, felt the script was a bit thin. They weren't wrong. The writing often relies on the actors' real-life personas to do the heavy lifting.
- The Script: Written by Jesse Wigutow. It tries to balance comedy and drama but often lands in a middle ground that feels a bit safe.
- The Setting: New York City. It looks great. It captures that early 2000s, pre-smartphone vibe perfectly.
- The Stakes: Low. Nobody is going to die. No one is going broke. The stakes are purely emotional.
It’s a "small" movie with "big" people in it.
How to Watch It Now
You can usually find it on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or sometimes buried in the library of MGM+. It’s worth a watch if you’re a film historian or if you just like seeing the evolution of acting styles. Kirk is theatrical. Michael is precise. Cameron is raw.
If you decide to sit down with it, don't expect a masterpiece. Expect a home movie with a multi-million dollar production value. It’s a chance to see three generations of men try to figure out what it means to be a man, even if they don't quite get the answer right.
Key Takeaways for the Casual Viewer
- Watch the body language. Notice how Michael mimics Kirk’s mannerisms. It’s subconscious and fascinating.
- Focus on the silence. The best moments aren't the scripted arguments; they’re the quiet moments between Kirk and Diana.
- Context is everything. Read up on Kirk Douglas’s recovery from his 1996 stroke before watching. It changes how you see his performance.
The Legacy of the Douglas Name
Ultimately, It Runs in the Family 2003 serves as a final bow for a certain type of Hollywood royalty. Kirk Douglas lived to be 103, passing away in 2020. This film remains the only time the three generations shared the screen. That alone gives it a value that transcends its IMDB score.
It’s a flawed film about flawed people made by people who weren't afraid to show their flaws. In a world of filtered Instagram lives and perfectly curated PR personas, there is something refreshing about that.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into Hollywood history, your next step should be checking out Kirk Douglas’s earlier work like Paths of Glory or Michael Douglas’s turn in The Game. Comparing those high-octane performances to the vulnerability they show in this 2003 collaboration provides a complete picture of their artistic range. Start with a double feature of Spartacus and Wall Street before revisiting this one; the contrast is wild.