Xanadu (1980)

41% of critics liked it
(22 reviews)
59% of users liked it
(18,705 ratings)

In this film, the mysterious Kira (Olivia Newton-John) appears to assist and inspire a young artist, Sonny Malone (Michael Beck). When she helps him meet up with the rich Danny McGuire (Gene Kelly), the two join up together to create an artistic and business success, an unique club called "Xanadu."… More In this film, the mysterious Kira (Olivia Newton-John) appears to assist and inspire a young artist, Sonny Malone (Michael Beck). When she helps him meet up with the rich Danny McGuire (Gene Kelly), the two join up together to create an artistic and business success, an unique club called "Xanadu." ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Robert Greenwald
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1980 Wide
On DVD: Jul 20, 1999
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Brian Orndorf, BrianOrndorf.com
Look at Xanadu with an eye toward storytelling superiority and your head will explode. To appreciate the madness within, one must take in the blinding neon sights with an open heart and at least one nostril-coating line of cocaine.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
Xanadu isn't stupid. It's just a little slow.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
While the movie is every bit as garish and overly shellacked as the other bomb musicals of its era, at least this one looks like irresponsible amounts of money were thrown around.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Semi-Gloss Newton-John, Gene Kelly fantasy musical is dated, but kind of fun.
Nathaniel Rogers, Film Experience
Kooky abandon and unembarassed chutzpah make it a movie nobody dared to love
Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Great tunes fill this flavorful bubble gum movie.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

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

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This movie is generally regarded as one of the worst movies ever, but it does have some good music, so I gave it one star.
Ken S

Xana-Don't! (unless you love bad movies) When the daughter of Zues meets the leader of the Warriors, she inspires him to team up with Gene Kelly and open a roller disco. Then they fall in love. All with phoned in music by ELO and glittery 70's style animation. What's… More
Xana-Don't! (unless you love bad movies) When the daughter of Zues meets the leader of the Warriors, she inspires him to team up with Gene Kelly and open a roller disco. Then they fall in love. All with phoned in music by ELO and glittery 70's style animation. What's most amazing it is directed by the guy who made the Outfoxed and Walmart: The High Cost of Low Prices.
Randy T

I caught this one on opening night, mainly because Olivia Newton-John was HOT and Michael Beck was COOL (see The Warriors). Boy was I disappointed. Little did I know that "Xanadu" is muse-talk for "lame ass movie". :(
Jason S

Singing on roller skates.
Mark H

Big budget musical fantasy based on the 1947 movie Down to Earth updated to Los Angeles, circa 1980. Graphic artist Sonny Malone finds his muse in the form of a stunning Olivia Newton-John sent down from Mount Halcyon [sic] to inspire him to open a roller disco… More
Big budget musical fantasy based on the 1947 movie Down to Earth updated to Los Angeles, circa 1980. Graphic artist Sonny Malone finds his muse in the form of a stunning Olivia Newton-John sent down from Mount Halcyon [sic] to inspire him to open a roller disco club. The musical numbers, combining animation, 1940s big band, disco, country, rock and of course roller skating, must be seen to be believed. The production design is an unapologetic celebration of the glamour and excess of the late 1970s. The climactic scene reaches heights of such joy, rarely, if ever, seen in a musical. It kept a smile on my face from beginning to end.
Lafe F

This movie is in its own slice of happy disco-rollerskating turn-of-the-decade greatness, which probably only lasted six months. The filmmakers might have been trying to start a new trend, but it didn't catch on. Great soundtrack album by Olivia Newton John and E.L.O. It's… More
This movie is in its own slice of happy disco-rollerskating turn-of-the-decade greatness, which probably only lasted six months. The filmmakers might have been trying to start a new trend, but it didn't catch on. Great soundtrack album by Olivia Newton John and E.L.O. It's all very lighthearted with the ability to cheer me up. The story is filled with fun, fantasy, romance and music. I love the opening scene where the 7 women (Muses) come out of the wall mural whilst an electric "I'm Alive" is played. There is also the classic "Magic" song sung by Olivia, and the animated musical interlude (drawn by Don Bluth of "Dragon's Lair" fame.) The final scene at the grand opening of the "Xanadu" club is truly magical, when Olivia starts singing the movie's title track.
jay n

despite a fun spot here and there, including the song magic, this is quite a mess
Dannielle A

This is one of the cheesiest movies... but it's so fun.
Yinalí R

Boring. Needles to say, it's a good musical, but 70's music and low-graphics aren't good enough for me.
Andrew F

Worst. Movie. Ever. Not even joking.
Lee K

ca-ca
Sunil J

Wow. This movie is really bad but I would give anything to see the musical, which seems a thousand times better!