Back to School
Seen it?1986 | 96 min | Comedy
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), it made about 8 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh.
- The mood
- Light and funny.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 36 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason's college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, giving way to hilarious antics.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 68 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$91 million worldwide on a $11 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 170K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Playdate
Monday Morning MaybeAnother comedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Legally Blonde
Sunday Safe BetAnother comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Drillbit Taylor Monday Morning MaybeAnother comedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
The Toy Monday Morning MaybeAnother comedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
The Distinguished Gentleman Monday Morning MaybeAnother comedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Alan Metter
- Rodney DangerfieldThornton Melon
- Sally KellermanDiane
- Burt YoungLou
- Keith GordonJason Melon
- Robert Downey Jr.Derek
- William ZabkaChas
- Paxton WhiteheadPhillip Barbay
- Adrienne BarbeauVanessa
- M. Emmet WalshCoach Turnbull
- Terry FarrellValerie