Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979)

79% of critics liked it
(24 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(14,139 ratings)

Rock 'n' Roll High School is a prime example of a 1970s movie phenomenon: a cult film that was deliberately designed to be a cult film. High-schooler Riff Randell's (P.J. Soles) efforts to meet the Ramones are continually thwarted by rock & roll-hating principal Evelyn Togar (Mary Woronov). Ms.… More Rock 'n' Roll High School is a prime example of a 1970s movie phenomenon: a cult film that was deliberately designed to be a cult film. High-schooler Riff Randell's (P.J. Soles) efforts to meet the Ramones are continually thwarted by rock & roll-hating principal Evelyn Togar (Mary Woronov). Ms. Togar is the zealous sort who conducts experiments on laboratory rats to prove the adverse effect of rock music on innocent teenagers. Riff knows that she'll have to be twice as clever and devious as Togar to get her daily supply of Ramones -- and thereby hangs our tale. A secondary plot involves the efforts of pimply student Eaglebauer (Clint Howard) to arrange a date with the very particular Riff. A deliciously anarchistic climax caps this never-a-dull-moment spoof of 1950s rock & roll musicals. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Allan Arkush
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 4, 1979 Wide
On DVD: May 2, 1999
Studio: New World Pictures

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
It's more cleverly cut than shot -- which means that it moves quickly and energetically even as the concepts and characters disintegrate.
John Rockwell, New York Times
The pity is that with a bit more care and flair, it could have been a really sweet little movie.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
casting the Ramones ranks as a real coup
Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com
... a pure, cheerfully juvenile blast of blitzkrieg guitar rock, Looney Tunes sight gags, teenage hormones and rebellion against authority because it's there.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Delectable
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Nothing is taken seriously and nothing should be -- it's only rock 'n' roll.
, Time Out
For all its throwaway humour, this is basically just a pleasant reworking of the kids versus adults rock'n'roll movie format of the '50s.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A spirited spoof on high school life.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
We may never again see a teen comedy in which a school can explode and the movie can still be considered essentially good-hearted.
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
It's not like Rock 'N' Roll High School was pioneering brilliant cinema, but it is a brilliant little piece of work within its own framework.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...the overwhelming vibe of silliness eventually becomes exhausting.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
The Ramones make Ringo Starr look like Alec Guinness
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
This is the second greatest rock and roll movie ever made.
Jovanka Vuckovic, Rue Morgue Magazine
What punk rock lovin' fiend doesn't love the Ramones?

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Spencer S

A movie musical that straddles the fine line between sugary sweet and punk rock chic, Rock 'n' Roll bridges that gap between Grease and High School Musical, with songs that aren't nauseating and characters that are against the establishment but don't broach on… More
A movie musical that straddles the fine line between sugary sweet and punk rock chic, Rock 'n' Roll bridges that gap between Grease and High School Musical, with songs that aren't nauseating and characters that are against the establishment but don't broach on Fonzie territory. Somehow this movie makes a case for punk music but in a feel good kind of way. The characters are all high school students up against the new principal, Togar, who hates The Ramones and tries to make an example of the high school's hippest rock and roll protege Riff Randell. Riff loves The Ramones, and most of the movie is about her getting to meet them, seeing them in concert, and the fight against the principal. A lot of rock and punk music is featured, especially showcasing The Ramones. Casting the band was a brilliant move, and they really shine here as silent versions of themselves, ribbing with the rest of the characters. The movie also moves really fast from one idea to the next, more of the cuts being featured than the editing. It's also funny in many ways, including sight gags, references, and a brand of humor that I can only closely describe with parody but on its own superficial level. I loved the mood, the costuming, the gun ho attitude of the students and the unavailability of the entire film. It was truly manic, Looney Tunes' fun, and if you love The Ramones on top of everything else, than this is the film for you.
AJ V

An incredibly fun and adventurous rock and roll movie. Plus, the Ramones are in the movie.I love this movie!
Byron B

Good music! The plot was a waste.
nefnie l

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you love the Ramones; you will appreciate the music and campiness of the film.
Jason R

The Ramones!!!! Can't get any better than this, well maybe you can but who the hell would want to?
Leo L

Good.!