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Poster for House Party

House Party

Seen it?

1990 | 104 min | Comedy

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 11 times its budget, though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

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. If you loved Booksmart or Heathers, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Light and funny.
The pace
Breezy, at 1 hr 44 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Young Kid has been invited to a party at his friend Play's house. But after a fight at school, Kid's father grounds him. None the less, Kid sneaks out when his father falls asleep. But Kid doesn't know that three of the thugs at school have decided to give him a lesson in behavior.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $26 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 97K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Reginald Hudlin

  • Christopher ReidKid
  • Christopher MartinPlay
  • Paul AnthonyStab
  • Bowlegged LouPee-Wee
  • B-FineZilla
  • Tisha CampbellSidney
  • A.J. JohnsonSharane
  • Martin LawrenceBilal
  • John WitherspoonMr. Strickland
  • Barry DiamondCop #1