
The Bad News Bears
Seen it?1976 | 102 min | Family, Comedy, Drama
Why it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), it made about 5 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 and families. If you loved The Rookie, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, feel-good.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1976: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
An aging, down-on-his-luck ex-minor leaguer coaches a team of misfits in an ultra-competitive California little league.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$42 million worldwide on a $9 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 226K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The RookieSaturday SpecialAnother sports drama, and a Saturday Special.
The SandlotSunday Safe BetAnother sports dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Perfect GameWeeknight WatchAnother sports drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Little GiantsWeeknight WatchAnother sports comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Rookie of the YearMonday Morning MaybeAnother sports family film. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Michael Ritchie
- Walter MatthauMorris Buttermaker
- Tatum O'NealAmanda Whurlitzer
- Vic MorrowRoy Turner
- Joyce Van PattenCleveland
- Ben PiazzaBob Whitewood
- Jackie Earle HaleyKelly Leak
- Alfred LutterOgilvie
- Chris BarnesTanner Boyle
- Erin BluntAhmad Abdul Rahim
- Gary Lee CavagnaroEndelberg