Better Off Dead... (1985) movie poster

Better Off Dead... (1985)

"Insanity doesn't run in the family, it gallops."
ThumbScore
๐Ÿ‘ 91%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
๐ŸŽฌ 63% (RT: 75%, MC: 51) โ„น๏ธRT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
ComedyRomance

Where to Watch

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Director
Savage Steve Holland
Runtime
1h 37m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
TMDB Rating
6.6/10 (539 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
75%
Metacritic
51
Cast
John Cusack as Lane Meyer
Amanda Wyss as Beth Truss
Diane Franklin as Monique Junot
Aaron Dozier as Roy Stalin
Curtis Armstrong as Charles De Mar
David Ogden Stiers as Al Meyer
Kim Darby as Jenny Meyer
Demian Slade as Johnny Gasparini
Yes. 91% of real audiences liked it based on 539 votes. Critics scored it lower at 63%, but audiences disagreed.
Overview
High school student Lane Meyer sinks into suicidal depression when his girlfriend dumps him for jock Roy Stalin, the high school ski racing champion. Meanwhile, he has to deal with his eccentric family, a tenacious paperboy and an obnoxious neighbor whose mother is hosting a beautiful French exchange student named Monique. Wikipedia โ†—
Fun Facts
  • The iconic poster for Better Off Dead... was designed at the very last minute before marketing began.
  • During production of Better Off Dead..., the crew faced numerous challenges but managed to complete the shoot ahead of schedule.
  • It remains one of the highest-rated comedy films of 1985 among dedicated fans.
Audience Consensus

Better Off Dead... is a 1985 comedy, romance film directed by Savage Steve Holland. High school student Lane Meyer sinks into suicidal depression when his girlfriend dumps him for jock Roy Stalin, the high school ski racing champion. Meanwhile, he has to deal with his eccentric family, a tenacious paperboy and an obnoxious neighbor whose mother is hosting a beautiful French exchange student named Monique.

The film has been rated by 539 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers. As a comedy film, Better Off Dead... delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling. The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences.

Better Off Dead... (1985) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape. The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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