Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Louise Parker, Drew Barrymore

Jane is a night club singer, out of work. Robin is a quirky real estate agent looking for a ride-share to accompany her to California. Her advertisement is answered by Jane, who at first was uncertain...( read more  read more... ) about her. A stop in Pittsburgh picks up a third, Holly, escaping a violent and drug-dealing partner. Girls on the road, reaching understanding, respect, and care for each other. But this trio is different - Jane a lesbian, Robin suffering with AIDS, Holly running from her past, seeking one-night stands and a good man.

Flixster Users

66% liked it

31,428 ratings

Critics

71% liked it

31 critics

R, 113 min.

Directed by: Herbert Ross

Release Date: February 3, 1995

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DVD Release Date: November 6, 2001

Stats: 731 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (731)


  • November 30, 2007
    so so so good
  • April 16, 2007
    I loved this film - which is probably a bit sad in itself but there you go. Three women with totally different backgrounds and ways of life each have their reasons to escape and do it together. In spite of their differences they bond like probably no other friendship would.

    ...( read more)You know I think the German title for this movie is far more apt than the English original. Kaffee, Milch und Zucker.... it translates as Coffee, Milk and Sugar. Three totally different things, which thrown together, make a perfect match.
  • March 20, 2007
    The adage 'feminist road movie' is probably overused in description of this picture, but it is perfectly apt.
    Three wildly contrasting young women set out on the road after one party's boyfriend becomes violent. They incapacitate him, but a few days into the journey, he is repor...( read more)ted dead. The trio flee in panic, and in the process get into various situations that require them to pull together despite differences.
    Boys On The Side is well acted, the leads are pretty convincing in their roles as modern lesbian, bookish housewife and, well, tart, and the script does allow for some top comedy moments (Barrymore reads 'morte' - "Who's Morty?", and various sight gags), all of which keep the tone mature and affecting.
    Unfortunately it does suffer from the typical Hollywood rot setting in about fifty minutes in, in which the rest of the yarn becomes painfully predictable. Relationships are broken, there's a handsome stud, disease/disfigurement, lessons are learned, yadda, yadda, yadda. Oh, and there's some cast singing too. I can be subjective about chick flicks, and this is certainly better than most. But when the plot more or less gives up in defeat after some sparkling opening scenes, they're never going to command more respect than from the already intended audience. Worthwhile.
  • March 1, 2007
    Very good movie but very sad. Awesome soundtrack.
  • November 9, 2006
    Good film.
  • November 20, 2009
    I think I have seen this one
  • October 19, 2009
    A beautiful movie about love and friendship and love.
  • September 29, 2009
    Thelma & Loise Lite with a little heart added in!
  • August 9, 2009
    I love this movie. I watch it everytime I see that its on the television. I loved all the acting think its a great movie.
  • August 6, 2009
    Well-rounded characters, decent plot, Indigo Girls ... talked Tanya into watching and she found it a LOT better than expected. I got points.

Critic Reviews


January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It's an original, and what it does best is show how strangers can become friends, and friends can become like family. full review

January 1, 2000
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Goldberg and Parker are extraordinary. full review

View more Boys on the Side reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

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Boys on the Side Trivia


  • What movie did Drew Barrymore go on a road trip with a lesbian?  Answer »
  • Who starred in U-571, Boys On The Side, and The Wedding Planner?  Answer »
  • Which film won the GLAAD media award for outstanding film in 1996?  Answer »
  • Name the Movie that Starred Drew Barrymore,Whooppi Goldberg and Matthew McConaghuy?  Answer »

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