The Breakfast Club (1985)

91% of critics liked it
(43 reviews)
90% of users liked it
(470,659 ratings)

John Hughes wrote and directed this quintessential 1980s high school drama featuring the hottest young stars of the decade. Trapped in a day-long Saturday detention in a prison-like school library are Claire, the princess (Molly Ringwald); Andrew, the jock (Emilio Estevez); John, the criminal (Judd… More John Hughes wrote and directed this quintessential 1980s high school drama featuring the hottest young stars of the decade. Trapped in a day-long Saturday detention in a prison-like school library are Claire, the princess (Molly Ringwald); Andrew, the jock (Emilio Estevez); John, the criminal (Judd Nelson); Brian, the brain (Anthony Michael Hall); and Allison, the basket case (Ally Sheedy). These five strangers begin the day with nothing in common, each bound to his/her place in the high school caste system. Yet the students bond together when faced with the villainous principal (Paul Gleason), and they realize that they have more in common than they may think, including a contempt for adult society. "When you grow up, your heart dies," Allison proclaims in one of the film's many scenes of soul-searching, and, judging from the adults depicted in the film, the teen audience may very well agree. Released in a decade overflowing with derivative teen films, The Breakfast Club has developed an almost cult-like status. ~ Dylan Wilcox, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: John Hughes
Written By: John Hughes
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: May 15, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Sep 2, 2003
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

Michael Booth, Denver Post
In nine hours of threatening, bickering and, eventually, poignant (but never maudlin) self-revelation, the stereotypes dissolve and re-form.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
John Hughes's 1985 film seems meant to explain 80s youngsters to yesterday's youth, and comes to the comforting conclusion that they're just as alienated, idealistic, and vulnerable as the baby boomers of the 1960s.
Variety Staff, Variety
Does director John Hughes really believe, as he writes here, that 'when you grow up, your heart dies.' It may. But not unless the brain has already started to rot with films like this.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The Breakfast Club doesn't need earthshaking revelations; it's about kids who grow willing to talk to one another, and it has a surprisingly good ear for the way they speak.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Mr. Hughes, having thought up the characters and simply flung them together, should have left well enough alone.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
In The Breakfast Club, Hughes has created a surprisingly enduring motion picture that is still effective 13 years after its theatrical debut.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
A movie that has far more problems than its reputation would suggest, the kind of flaws that can be very readily glossed over in a fit of fond remembrance.
Simon Crook, Empire Magazine
It's a movie for anyone who's ever had zits.
Brian Orndorf, DVDTalk.com
There's not a single false beat to be found, concluding Breakfast with a singular display of emotional discharge unheard of in its genre.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Time capsule.
Simon Crook, Empire Magazine
Good and bad, it's still the definitive '80s teen movie.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
One of the few teen-oriented films that truly addresses the troubles of its characters, yet it falters in dealing with the issues raised.
, Time Out
An iconic movie of the '80s, with all the unappealing baggage that suggests.
Brad Laidman, Film Threat
The Breakfast Club was teen-auteur John Hughes' attempt to take a step back and evaluate the large horde of teens our schools turn out and how they desperately search for identity.
Scott Weinberg, DVD Clinic
Equal parts funny, smart and sincere, it's a movie that delved a little deeper into the teenage psyche and came back with something more challenging than "nerds want sex."
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Teen comedy-drama, over easy.
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
Anyone who has ever been to high school can relate to at least one of these kids.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
...Hughes may have been the first filmmaker to attempt to put plausible teenagers on screen
Clint Morris, Moviehole
One of the best films ever made...I mean it!

Read all 19 critic reviews

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

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Featured Audience Ratings

Paulo G

Often funny and easy to relate to, The Breakfast Club captures the nature and essence of being caught within the entrapment of pressure and stereotypes during teenage years. It tackles the society's imposition of a high school hierarchy in a meaningful and heartfelt way, but that… More
Often funny and easy to relate to, The Breakfast Club captures the nature and essence of being caught within the entrapment of pressure and stereotypes during teenage years. It tackles the society's imposition of a high school hierarchy in a meaningful and heartfelt way, but that doesn't matter when watching this iconic masterpiece. What matters is realizing that you are never alone, whether you chose to or not.
KJ P

The Breakfast club, gleefully, may just be the only movie I have ever seen that has absolutely no flaws. There is always a way of picking out things from a film, but to me, it seems impossible here. The backstories of the characters are so charismatic, that when taking them seriously,… More
The Breakfast club, gleefully, may just be the only movie I have ever seen that has absolutely no flaws. There is always a way of picking out things from a film, but to me, it seems impossible here. The backstories of the characters are so charismatic, that when taking them seriously, you have to cry by the time the movie finishes. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this film, but having five completely different people, mixed together to become friends, is something that moved me in many ways, and I will grasp onto this story forever. Charishable, Unforgettable, and my personal favourite movie of all time! Easily said.
Idrees K

For any piece of work to become a classic, it has to tackle themes and ideas that transcend time. And it has to do this in a way that can be understood/related to by anyone. The Breakfast Club is about a group of seemingly small-minded teenagers stuck in detention, who then proceed… More
For any piece of work to become a classic, it has to tackle themes and ideas that transcend time. And it has to do this in a way that can be understood/related to by anyone. The Breakfast Club is about a group of seemingly small-minded teenagers stuck in detention, who then proceed to discover ideas way beyond their level of education. At it's core, The Breakfast Club is a movie about friendship and the pains of growing up. However, it expands into something much much greater. It presents this idea that we are quick to categorize and label people instead of attempting to truly understand who they are. If we believe that we have never shared the same fears or challenges as them, then we simply lob on the first idea of "their type" that is presented to us. We never take the time to understand what make them tick, and prefer to just assume that we know. We forget that we are all human. And while we can only really relate to someone else insofar as our experiences go, it is possible that their experiences are comparable to ours. It is humorous and well-written and, of course, emotional.
Sam B

It's easy to see why 'The Breakfast Club' is often seen as influential and iconic. it's as honest and sentimental as they come, but it's also painfully obvious to me that this movie is exclusively powerful for those who were actually teenagers in the 80s, and… More
It's easy to see why 'The Breakfast Club' is often seen as influential and iconic. it's as honest and sentimental as they come, but it's also painfully obvious to me that this movie is exclusively powerful for those who were actually teenagers in the 80s, and who mirrored the angst-filled teens it stars. Only a couple decades later, the film manages to come off as overly dramatic, and unfortunately, the fact that so many have 'borrowed' from Hughes also makes the characters feel more cliched than they undoubtedly were when the movie first released. In the end, despite the fact that there is still a lot teenagers today can learn from 'The Breakfast Club', it seems more like a relic of the past, and will only feel more dated as time passes. It's worth watching for its place in film history, and the performances are pretty good all around, but I prefer and would recommend the 90s 'Dazed and Confused' for a similar but more relatable representation of young adults attempting to understand themselves and the world they live in.
Cassie H

The greatest teen comedy. There has never been a movie made like this awesome movie. There will never be another movie with so much hilarity, teen angst, and such great music! :) This is how I got interested in the 80s! :) :) :)
Jeff "

John Hughes The Breakfast Club is an incredible drama film about five teens spend a Saturday in detention. These teens are very different, coming from different backgrounds, yet they all have the same problems. This is a brilliant film that not only teens can relate to. As an adult, I… More
John Hughes The Breakfast Club is an incredible drama film about five teens spend a Saturday in detention. These teens are very different, coming from different backgrounds, yet they all have the same problems. This is a brilliant film that not only teens can relate to. As an adult, I was blown away by this film. The film has such a simple story, yet works so well because of its terrific cast. John Hughes was a phenomenal talent, and I've seen a few of his films, but The Breakfast Club really stood out for me, this is the film that will be remembered as the essential John Hughes classic. A wonderful film with drama and comedy, The Breakfast Club is one of those films that you can relate to because, we all feel at times frustrated, just like the characters in this film. The film is still relevant today, and watching this film reminded me of all the great films that were made in the past. This is a wonderful, well thought film that has a mix of everything that any viewer can relate to. The cast that star in this film are absolutely wonderful, and this film is a near flawless piece of cinema. The beauty of its simplistic story mixed with great acting makes The Breakfast Club one of the best teen drama comedy films ever made. Usually teen films tend to be brainless and insult the audience because of their age, but The Breakfast Club doesn't do that whatsoever. Instead director John Hughes treats the subject with respect and embodies everything a teenager can feel while fitting in, and finding his or hers place. This is a film that has stood the test of time, and it's a well acted and told story that really anyone can relate to. The Breakfast Club is a winner, and a classic of cinema.
Brad W

I LOVED this movie, it was funny, had a great deep meaning, and was possibly one of the best high school movies in the history of film, a amazing movie.
Alexander D

John Hughes manages to blend hysterical laughs with tear-shedding drama in this classic dramedy.
Bethany M

A classic!
erika b

This film is about four really different teens that add up in detection or very different reasons. At first they do not get along but over the course of day they learn how to accept each other. They also learn that people form different cliques could be friends good plot and good… More
This film is about four really different teens that add up in detection or very different reasons. At first they do not get along but over the course of day they learn how to accept each other. They also learn that people form different cliques could be friends good plot and good acting. The scene that cracks me up the most is the scene where they started whistling and they got in trouble for it, I think this film puts a positive message to it that people can be friends even so if they are different. It really shows what high school kids were like. One of the best 80's films ever made. I do not think this is a chick flick. If u is looking for a high school drama/comedy or a good coming to age film, you should give this one a try.
♥Robyn

It is the weekend, and five students have weekend detention. Theres a jock, a princess, a misfit, a nerd, and a lout~!! ... not much in common, except for having to give up their day, sit in the school library, and write an essay for the principal....being from such widely different… More
It is the weekend, and five students have weekend detention. Theres a jock, a princess, a misfit, a nerd, and a lout~!! ... not much in common, except for having to give up their day, sit in the school library, and write an essay for the principal....being from such widely different backgrounds and having such completely different personalities, it is inevitable that some frictions and shenanigans develop, especially when the principal leaves the room.......
Tim S

For my money, it's the most the authentic and entertaining teen experience ever committed to film - superceding everything that came before or after it. It also turned me into a John Hughes fan and made me realize what a fantastic filmmaker he really was. Hands down, one of my… More
For my money, it's the most the authentic and entertaining teen experience ever committed to film - superceding everything that came before or after it. It also turned me into a John Hughes fan and made me realize what a fantastic filmmaker he really was. Hands down, one of my favorite films of all time.
AJ V

An 80s classic! One of the best teen movies ever made. It's hilarious and full of great dramatic scenes as well. Plus it has a fantastic cast. This is a must see movie.
Dean !

A great film that has stood the test of time! One that laid out the stereo types many other teen films since have taken on. Simple story yet brilliantly done and featuring a good cast. Great soundtrack to!
Conner R

While I thin it's one of the most negatively dated Brat Pack movies, it's still really fun and doesn't do any harm. It's a little corny and implausible, but the characters still work which was the main desire. Like it or not, a lot of the stereotypes still exist… More
While I thin it's one of the most negatively dated Brat Pack movies, it's still really fun and doesn't do any harm. It's a little corny and implausible, but the characters still work which was the main desire. Like it or not, a lot of the stereotypes still exist today; showing the true genius of John Hughes analysis. The cast is fun, even though there are some truly forced melodramatic performances at certain times. It has a fan base for a reason, it's a very close representation of all the cliques from High School and promotes change. For that it's pretty deserving of its reputation.
Chris W

Quintessential John Hughes and a classic of the 1980's. Very iconic and memorable. Required viewing. PERIOD. Seeing as how I was only born a year after this movie came out, I don't have the nostalgia for it that many do. I did however, first discover it at a young and… More
Quintessential John Hughes and a classic of the 1980's. Very iconic and memorable. Required viewing. PERIOD. Seeing as how I was only born a year after this movie came out, I don't have the nostalgia for it that many do. I did however, first discover it at a young and impressionable age, so, even though it doesn't resonate with me on a level like something from my own generation, it still hits big emotionally and with experiences and relatability. In a way, this movie isn't really dated becasue of that, and the message in general. It may be set in the 80s, and deal with instances and situations anchored in that time, but the overall impact and point is timeless, and I'd like to think that that was the whole point all along.
Jay H

Perhaps I was expecting a slightly different movie. I was hoping for (and got to a large extent) an emotional drama that fully delved into and examined the high school psyche. 70 or so percent of the film is a comedy, not a terribly funny one, I may add, in which each of the five… More
Perhaps I was expecting a slightly different movie. I was hoping for (and got to a large extent) an emotional drama that fully delved into and examined the high school psyche. 70 or so percent of the film is a comedy, not a terribly funny one, I may add, in which each of the five stars gets to make sure we know who they are and what they superficially represent. It takes longer than they need; we get the point after twenty or so minutes, though these scenes occupy at least an hour of the runtime. But in that remaining third of the film, when emotions fly and my original expectation is met, this film is absolutely top-notch; it gets it all absolutely right. My dad was almost exactly my age when this was released. Apparently high school is exactly the same now as it was then, because 25 years later, this film still gives remarkably accurate insight into the teenage mind.
Anthony L

Nostalgia is the only thing really going to for this film in my opinion but check out my rating, I love it!
Spencer S

A cult classic that defies logic. John Hughes really knows his teenage angst.
Richard C

B