American Graffiti
Seen it?1973 | 112 min | Comedy, Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes), it collected a shelf of major awards, it made about 257 times its budget and people are still talking about it. Make plans for this one.
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 Lady Bird or Radio Days, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1973: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A couple of high school graduates spend one final night cruising the strip with their buddies before they go off to college.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 97 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Golden Globe Awards: Best Director – Motion Picture. Also nominated for 5 Oscars, 1 more Golden Globe and 1 BAFTA. Plus 6 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerVery strong
$200 million worldwide on a $777K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 619K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Lady Bird Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed coming-of-age dramedy.
Radio Days Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed coming-of-age dramedy that fewer people know today.
Almost Famous Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama.
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Weeknight WatchAnother dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Last Word Weeknight WatchAnother dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by George Lucas
- Richard DreyfussCurt Henderson
- Ron HowardSteve Bolander
- Paul Le MatJohn Milner
- Charles Martin SmithTerry 'The Toad' Fields
- Cindy WilliamsLaurie Henderson
- Candy ClarkDebbie Dunham
- Mackenzie PhillipsCarol
- Wolfman JackXERB Disc Jockey
- Bo HopkinsJoe Young
- Manuel Padilla Jr.Carlos