The sequel to the beloved 2012 ensemble comedy-drama arrived in 2015, reuniting the original cast and asking whether a second hotel can match the charm of the first. For viewers deciding whether to stream it tonight, this review weighs the critical reception and current streaming options to help you decide. The film holds a 66% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 184 critic reviews.

Last checked: 2026-09-18

Film: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015 comedy-drama) · Sequel to: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel · Written by: Ol Parker · Starring: Dev Patel, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith

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How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-09-18.

Sources reviewed: film reference databases, review aggregators, streaming platform listings, film criticism blogs.

We did not conduct original reporting from the film set, nor region-by-region streaming license verification, nor primary interviews with cast or crew.

At a glance

1 U.S. theatrical release
  • March 6, 2015 (IMDb)
2 Runtime
  • 2 h 2 min (122 min) (IMDb)
3 Tomatometer
  • 66 % (Rotten Tomatoes)
4 Director
  • John Madden (Rotten Tomatoes)
DetailValue
FilmThe Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015 comedy-drama)
Sequel toThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Written byOl Parker (Rotten Tomatoes)
Directed byJohn Madden (Rotten Tomatoes)
StarringJudi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, David Strathairn, Richard Gere (Rotten Tomatoes)
Runtime122 minutes (IMDb)
RatingPG (suggestive comments, some language) (Common Sense Media)
Tomatometer66 % (Rotten Tomatoes)
Metascore51/100 (Metacritic)
U.S. box office grossUS $33.0 million (Rotten Tomatoes)

Is The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel worth watching?

Directed by John Madden and written by Ol Parker, the 2015 sequel brings back the full ensemble from the original. The story follows Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) as he juggles opening a second hotel and planning his wedding, while the returning residents – Evelyn (Judi Dench), Muriel (Maggie Smith), and Douglas (Bill Nighy) – navigate new romantic entanglements. Richard Gere and David Strathairn join the cast as an American hotelier and a writer, respectively.

Critical reception has been mixed. Rotten Tomatoes’ critics consensus notes that the film is “about as original as its title” but adds that “with a cast this talented and effortlessly charming, that hardly matters.” The Tomatometer sits at 66 %, while Metacritic assigns a Metascore of 51/100, indicating mixed or average reviews. The user score on Metacritic is 6.1/10 in the current listing snapshot.

“The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is about as original as its title – but with a cast this talented and effortlessly charming, that hardly matters.”

Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus

What works: The cast chemistry remains the film’s strongest asset. Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Bill Nighy deliver warm, nuanced performances that elevate even the more predictable plotlines. The India-location photography is as vivid as ever.

What doesn’t: Critics have called the sequel “sluggish compared to its predecessor” (Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter). The plot adds new characters and diverges from the original’s central hotel concept, which some viewers found less focused.

The bottom line: For fans of the original who miss the characters, the sequel offers a warm, if uneven, reunion. First-time viewers will enjoy the lively cast, but the original remains the stronger entry. Verdict: Worth a stream if you’re a fan of the ensemble or looking for light-hearted comfort viewing; not essential otherwise.

The bottom line: The bottom line: For fans of the original who miss the characters, the sequel offers a warm, if uneven, reunion. First-time viewers will enjoy the lively cast, but the original remains the stronger entry. Verdict: Worth a stream if you’re a fan of the ensemble or looking for light-hearted comfort viewing; not essential otherwise.

Where can I watch the second most exotic Marigold Hotel?

Streaming availability varies by region. In the United States, JustWatch U.S. lists rental or purchase options on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home, with no free streaming options currently available. Netflix maintains a title page for the film, but availability depends on your local catalogue – check before relying on it.

In the United Kingdom, Flicks UK shows the film is available to stream on Disney+ and can be rented or bought on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google TV, YouTube, and Microsoft platforms. Sky’s page indicates the title was previously available on Sky Go but “content no longer available” in the current snapshot.

Australian viewers can stream it on Disney+ according to JustWatch Australia, and digital purchase/download is offered on Apple TV Store, Fetch TV, and Amazon Video. In New Zealand, Flicks New Zealand lists Disney+ streaming and rent/buy through Apple TV Store and YouTube. Switzerland also has a Disney+ browse page for the title, indicating catalog availability there.

Note: Rights can expire quickly. Prime Video’s listing currently shows the title as unavailable in at least one region due to expired rights. Always check the service directly for the most up-to-date regional access.

The trade-off: If you want to watch immediately, renting or buying on a digital platform is the most reliable route in most markets; inclusion on a subscription service like Disney+ depends on your country’s catalogue. If the film’s hotel setting leaves you wanting a real-life hotel deep-dive, you can compare Hotel Flamingo: Compare the Resort, Book Series & History or Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang: History, Buffet & Dress Code.

What is the famous line from the Marigold Hotel?

The best-known quote from the franchise comes from the first film, not the sequel. Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) delivers the line: “Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end.” The line has become synonymous with the series’ optimistic spirit. It does not appear in The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The pattern: The franchise’s cultural impact is often measured by this single quote, which captures the warmth that made the original a hit – a quality the sequel strives for but doesn’t fully recapture.

Is there a 3rd Exotic Marigold Hotel movie?

Based on all sources gathered – IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, Wikipedia, and Netflix – only two films exist: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012) and The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015). No third instalment is listed or confirmed anywhere across these databases. Any speculation about a third movie remains unconfirmed.

What this means: The franchise appears to have ended with the 2015 sequel. Fans hoping for a third film should temper expectations; there is no announcement or credible indication of a continuation.

How old was Maggie Smith in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel?

Maggie Smith was born on December 28, 1934. At the time of the original film’s release in early 2012, she was 77 years old. Her last film before her death is widely reported as The Miracle Club (2023). She had two sons, both actors, according to public records. Smith’s performance as the prickly yet vulnerable Muriel Donnelly is a highlight of both films.

The implication: The Marigold Hotel films serve as a late-career showcase for Smith, alongside Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and other esteemed British actors. Their presence is a major reason why the franchise continues to draw viewers, even for the less acclaimed sequel.

Who should watch The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel?

  • Fans of the original Marigold Hotel – If you loved the ensemble and the warm tone of the first film, you’ll enjoy revisiting these characters, even if the story feels less fresh.
  • Fans of Judi Dench and Maggie Smith – Both actresses have substantial screen time and deliver the kind of nuanced, witty performances their reputations promise.
  • Dev Patel fans – Patel returns as Sonny with even more screen time, balancing comedy and earnestness.
  • Viewers seeking a light-hearted comedy-drama – The film is rated PG and offers a low-stakes, visually pleasant escape.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel vs. The Second Best: Which should you watch?

FilmRelease statusFocusWhere to watch
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (original)2012 – releasedRetirees relocate to a chaotic Indian hotel; the central theme is the hotel itself and the thrill of a fresh startVaries by region — see the streaming notes above.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (sequel)2015 – releasedSonny tries to open a second hotel while wedding planning and romantic subplots take centre stageStreaming varies by region; Disney+ and rent/buy options are noted above.

The original holds a 77 % Tomatometer and a Metascore of 62, both higher than the sequel’s 66 % and 51. If you’re new to the franchise, start with the first film. The sequel is best seen as an extended coda – enjoyable if you’re already invested, but not the stronger work.

Our recommendation: Watch the original first. If you want more of the same charm after that, the sequel is a worthy – if slightly lesser – follow-up.

Our pick

First-time viewers: Start with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It’s the more focused, better-reviewed film and the one that introduced the world to Sonny, Evelyn, Muriel, and Douglas. If you finish it wanting more, the sequel is a pleasant – if derivative – extra helping.

Fans of the original: The sequel is worth a stream. The cast remains the franchise’s superpower, and the India backdrop hasn’t lost its warmth. You’ll likely forgive the muddier plot for the pleasure of seeing these actors together again.

Additional sources

rottentomatoes.com, zaguan.unizar.es, imdb.com, rottentomatoes.com, wikidata.org, moviesanywhere.com, reddit.com, en.wikipedia.org, metacritic.com, editorial.rottentomatoes.com, metacritic.com, flicks.com.au, 20thcenturystudios.com, roku.com, amazon.com, reelgood.com

Frequently asked questions

Is The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel a sequel?

Yes. It directly follows The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012). The same writer, Ol Parker, penned both films, and John Madden directed the sequel.

Who wrote The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel?

Ol Parker wrote the screenplay. He also wrote the first film.

Who plays Sonny Kapoor in The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel?

Dev Patel reprises his role as Sonny, the enthusiastic young hotel manager.

How does The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel end?

Without spoiling: Sonny’s wedding proceeds, the second hotel opens in a creative way, and each resident finds a satisfying resolution to their romantic subplot. The final scene reinforces the franchise’s message about embracing new chapters.

How does the sequel compare to the first film in critical reception?

The sequel scores lower: 66 % Tomatometer vs. the original’s 77 %, and 51/100 Metascore vs. 62/100. Critics generally praise the cast but find the plot less original.

Sources cited