Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthy

Bittersweet love story about two teenagers overcoming class obstacles and forming a relationship.

Flixster Users

81% liked it

101,633 ratings

Critics

79% liked it

29 critics

PG-13, 96 min.

Directed by: Howard Deutch

Release Date: February 28, 1986

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DVD Release Date: August 20, 2002

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Stats: 10,718 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (10,718)


  • August 8, 2009
    This is a typical teen dilemma story at its heart, one which I somewhat suspect I watched far more often than is healthy when I was a young boy aged six or so. Guys be warned - that's what having a sister who is eight years older gets you when you're growing up... Anyway, I'm sur...( read more)e this film added to my gender confusion as a kid and turned me into the mild-mannered softie that I am today!

    Having to watch it so often during the early stages of my development might have been far more damaging to me if everything about the film didn't suggest that its heart was in the right place. John Hughes was lucky enough to have a fantastic cast gathered together who help to breathe life into his writing. Ringwald especially was a terrific teen actress to snag for this type of material, because there was no-one who could do 'vulnerable' better than her at the time. If the audience connects with your lead character then it gradually becomes a trickle-down effect, which must be a tremendous help for the supporting players, too. Throw in Andrew McCarthy at the height of his powers before his career went into free-fall, plus sidekick duties performed by a young and zany Jon Cryer, and that's a winning trio you have. It doesn't matter that the crises don't add up to much when you think about it, as long as they're sold to us in a way we can identify with.

    So far so snug, then. The only glitch appears in the resolution, where our heroine is encouraged to give up her individuality and that of her friend as a way for her to be finally accepted into 'the cool crowd'... What?! That isn't a fairytale ending, it's a graceful swan-dive toward conformity! It's not a message I expected Hughes to be advocating, and it taints the wholesomeness of the tale a little bit. Aside from that blip so close to the finishing line, however, this is an unashamedly feel good movie that won't corrupt impressionable young minds and is a unisex bit of fun. (Or at least that very last part is what I tell myself, anyway... :-) )
  • January 24, 2009
    It has the sweet awkward teenage romance elements down, but this is more teen drama than romantic comedy. Jon Cryer gets the most laughs between being very annoying. It's an understandable annoying though. We see how he annoys other characters but has their best interests at hear...( read more)t. Ringwald is her cute self and Spader is slimey and very at home as a rich yuppie. It's simple teenage fun that treats the romance as a teen fling as opposed to the ridiculous ones where they suggest the high school sweet hearts will live happily ever after. Very 80's with an awesome soundtrack.
  • October 14, 2008
    Who doesn't love this movie? It's a classic. Jon Cryer is just adorable.
  • September 18, 2008
    John Hughes should of just directed this brat pack piece, this is the only film out of the trilogy of mid-80's teenage comedies that he didn't direct, probably cuz Andrew McCarthy sucks some d and killed Bernie. This is still classic though, great scenes and typical Hughes chara...( read more)cters and plot.
  • September 6, 2008
    A cult classic about surviving high school and coming of age, over coming class divide. This has inspired so many of the high school love stroy, rom-coms of the 90's and early 00's.
  • November 7, 2009
    classic 80s....duckie
  • November 7, 2009
    one star from that pink dress which i didnt like at all..
  • November 1, 2009
    HAHA THIS MOVIE IS AWESOME!!!! JOHN CRYER LOOKS SO DIFFERENT FROM WEN HES IN TWO AND A HALF MEN!!!!!!
  • October 28, 2009
    Comercial or Stupid!
  • October 28, 2009
    This movie is a awesome movie that I want my kids to see. This movie is one of my first movies that got me into the 80's music, movies and some of the clothes. Molly Ringwald was/is my idol. She made this movie awesome. Andrew McCarthy as her love interest is not a complete good ...( read more)mix for her but he is ok.
    My favorite part is when Duckie is dancing to Otis Redding is one of my top favorite movie scenes. Watch. LOVE. Own.

Critic Reviews


January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Although it is not a great movie, it contains some moments when the audience is likely to think, yes, being 16 was exactly like that. full review

View more Pretty in Pink reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • Pepsirockxxz
    July 8, 2009
    Do you remember 80's Teen Idol ?
    I've made a quiz! Come try it and see how you do.

    http://www.flixster.com/user/pepsirockxxz/quiz/80s-teen-movie-the-teen-idols?invitorId=849191937
  • ksbl
    March 27, 2008
    What's your favourite John Hughes flick?
    Take the poll:
    www.flixster.com/poll/which-john-hughes-film-is-the-greatest
  • jennicrystel
    September 26, 2007
    Its my favourite movie everrrrrrrrrrrr !!!!!!! :P
    Go Dukie !
  • precioustweety4
    June 21, 2007
    i just wanted to say pretty in pink is a great movie i see it all the time when it comes on tv. its a good show i really like molly ringwald she,s a good actress. i,m a big fan of hers i would really like to meant her in preson. have you stated to make any new movies it. can't wait thank you for your movies. precious_tweety_4
  • ladodg4life
    May 28, 2007
    this movie rocks my sox
  • charmainesciortino
    May 27, 2007
    I Really LoVe Blain x x He s So Dreamy
  • ladodg4life
    May 20, 2007
    I CAN WATCH THIS MOVIE OVER AND OVER AGAING
  • charmainesciortino
    May 9, 2007
    I TOTTALLY ADORE THIS FILM 11 molly is great x :)
  • franciscaheadrick
    March 29, 2007
    Ducky is second only to my guy. Had he only been real.
  • kermit08051
    March 23, 2007
    Pretty in pink what can you really say its just one of those movies that you can't help but love.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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