Back to School

Back to School (1986)

  • 92% of critics liked it
    (24 reviews)

  • 61% of users liked it
    (32,254 ratings)

Self-made wealthy guy Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) decides he needs a better education -- and also to spend some time away from his cheating new wife. Thornton joins his son, Jason (Keith Gordon) at college. Dad hopes to gain his son's respect (isn't that always Dangerfield's… More

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PG-13,
Directed By
Genres
Comedy
In Theaters
Jun 13, 1986 Wide
HBO Video

Critic Reviews

  • Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

    In this very funny Rodney Dangerfield comedy, there has been an important shift in Rodney's entertainment persona, a shift that has made this small film a monster hit.

  • Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

    It's a good character for Dangerfield, one that veers him away from the 'I don't get no respect' pathos that comes too easily to him, and enough attention is paid to the minimal plot to integrate Dangerfield's classically constructed one-liners.

  • , Time Out

    [An] acceptable time-passer.

  • Nina Darnton, New York Times

    The film is a good-natured potpourri of gags, funny bits, populist sentiment and anti-intellectualism.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    This is exactly the sort of plot Marx or Fields could have appeared in. Dangerfield brings it something they might also have brought along: a certain pathos.

Read all 15 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Luke B


    Rodney Dangerfield is one of the greatest stand up comedians ever. His timing and delivery are simply perfect. This films shows that he also had some great acting talent. Nothing that pushes him too far, but certainly enough to propel the story along. Dangerfield decides to attend his… More

  • AJ V


    A very funny, but somewhat stupid, comedy starring Dangerfield. There are a couple of really funny jokes, but there are also some not very funny jokes. My favourite part is when Oingo Boingo plays at the party.

  • Conner R


    Rodney Dangerfield at the top of his game, giving out laughs and a heartfelt father/son story. The premise is hilarious in itself, but the execution of it is what really makes it great. Kieth Gordon is a great straight man to the very lively and over the top nature of his onscreen… More

  • Mark H


    Not sure why, but this Rodney Dangerfield film actually improves with repeated viewings. Classic 80s comedy.

  • Ken S


    The movie is genius

Read all 18 featured audience ratings

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