Stand by Me (1986) | Rotten Tomatoes

Stand by Me

R

Released Aug 8, 1986

1h 29m

Comedy

Drama

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Stand by Me: Trailer 1

1:15

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92%

Tomatometer

63 Reviews

94%

Audience Score

250,000+ Ratings

After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix) and Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman) encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys' adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.

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Critics Consensus

Stand By Me is a wise, nostalgic movie with a weird streak that captures both Stephen King's voice and the trials of growing up.

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James Jackson

Times (UK)

[The boys] petty bickering and self-revelations unfold convincingly and with great humour, bottling that uncertain moment in life between childhood and adolescence.

Apr 25, 2023

Full Review

Adam Nayman

The Ringer

It's among the light sprinkling of King tales that elide the supernatural entirely. But that doesn't mean it isn't morbid...

Sep 5, 2019

Full Review

Carrie Rickey

Philadelphia Inquirer

Stand by Me is a small, quiet film that walks tall and resonates long after.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 26, 2013

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Stand By Me is a "coming of age" tale with moments of vulnerability that make it somewhat relatable while still keeping it unusual.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 11, 2023

Full Review

Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

It’s difficult to watch this film exactly as it is without reminiscing even a little bit about one’s own life as an adult, which I think speaks to Reiner’s approach in adapting the work.

Dec 8, 2023

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Rob Reiner (directing his first drama) captures the texture of adolescent friendship and draws superb, vital performances from his young cast.

Oct 6, 2023

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Morvia 8thsin/ 3

The movie is very spirited portraying of younger acting as well as teenage years which is a more modern spin of Rebel without a Cause as it reflects that era.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/11/24

Full Review

Carson K

Usually, I make long reviews for my favorite films. However, my opinion of this movie is something else. It’s something hard to put into words. This movie felt like watching myself. It deeply connected to me in a way not many other films have. The acting, cinematography and writing were all absolutely top notch. This movie opened my eyes about how important childhood is, so thank you steven king and rob reiner

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/24

Full Review

Hargie M

It's a film that speaks to the heart of what it means to grow up, to forge connections that last a lifetime, and to cherish the memories that shape who we are.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/27/24

Full Review

matthias s

"Stand By Me" is a cinematic gem that captures the essence of Stephen King's storytelling prowess while celebrating the poignant journey of adolescence. I absolutely adored the brotherhood between the kids, a bond so authentic it felt like a slice of my own childhood. As a Stephen King aficionado, seeing his narrative magic translated onto the screen was a delight. The film beautifully explores the complexities of growing up, offering a profound character study that resonates long after the credits roll. The soundtrack is a perfect accompaniment, enhancing the immersive worldbuilding and adding depth to every scene. And that ending? Heartbreaking yet unforgettable, leaving a bittersweet taste that lingers. "Stand By Me" not only deserves a spot in the pantheon of great coming-of-age films but also inspired me to delve into the pages of King's book. Four stars, and a standing ovation from this fan!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/21/24

Full Review

Jack E

Absolutely brilliant loved it since I was 7

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/17/24

Full Review

Tom F

This holds up pretty well.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/05/24

Full Review

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Rob Reiner

Director

Wil Wheaton

Gordie Lachance

River Phoenix

Chris Chambers

Corey Feldman

Teddy Duchamp

Jerry O'Connell

Vern Tessio

Kiefer Sutherland

Ace Merrill

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Stand by Me: Official Clip - You're Not Taking Him

2:11

Stand by Me: Official Clip - Milk Money

2:11

Stand by Me: Official Clip - The Kid Was Dead

2:13

Stand by Me: Official Clip - Goodbye to Childhood

1:10

Stand by Me: Official Clip - Leeches

2:10

Stand by Me: Official Clip - The Body

2:09

Stand by Me: Official Clip - Train!

1:59

Stand by Me: Official Clip - The Pie-Eating Contest

2:11

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Stand by Me: Trailer 1

1:15

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Synopsis

After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix) and Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman) encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys' adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.

Director: Rob Reiner
Producer: Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon, Andrew Scheinman
Screenwriter: Stephen King, Raynold Gideon, Bruce A. Evans
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 8, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $46.7M
Runtime: 1h 29m

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