Red Dawn
Seen it?1984 | 114 min | Thriller, War, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
People are still talking about it, but middling reviews (50% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and history buffs. If you loved Civil War, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 54 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.
It is the dawn of World War III. In mid-western America, a group of teenagers band together to defend their town—and their country—from invading Soviet forces.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
50% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$38 million worldwide on a $17 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 449K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Milius
- Patrick SwayzeJed
- Charlie SheenMatt
- C. Thomas HowellRobert
- Lea ThompsonErica
- Darren DaltonDaryl
- Jennifer GreyToni
- Powers BootheAndy
- Brad SavageDanny
- Ben JohnsonMason
- Harry Dean StantonMr. Eckert