Road House

R

Released May 19, 1989

1h 52m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

List

44%

Tomatometer

50 Reviews

67%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

The Double Deuce is the meanest, loudest and rowdiest bar south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and Dalton (Patrick Swayze) has been hired to clean it up. He might not look like much, but the Ph.D.-educated bouncer proves he's more than capable -- busting the heads of troublemakers and turning the roadhouse into a jumping hot-spot. But Dalton's romance with the gorgeous Dr. Clay (Kelly Lynch) puts him on the bad side of cutthroat local big shot Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara).

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Critics Consensus

Whether Road House is simply bad or so bad it's good depends largely on the audience's fondness for Swayze -- and tolerance for violently cheesy action.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

Silly, yet plays it straight, and everyone involved knows exactly the type of genre-pleaser they’re making... aspires to be nothing more and nothing less than a goofy experiment in translating the arc of the Western lone gunman to being a bouncer.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 29, 2024

Full Review

Sean T. Collins

Decider

...it isn't just so bad it's good. In its own bad way, it really is good!

Jul 12, 2019

Full Review

Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

But in deep "Road House" country... and the undefined made crassly visible, there isn't a whiff of romance anywhere, any more than there's a single jot of common sense.

Mar 27, 2019

Full Review

Robert Roten

Laramie Movie Scope

While the basic story is predictable, the acting is solid and the music is great. This movie has a lot going for it. The Jeff Healey Band provides much of the movie's soundtrack, playing all through it. This band is really impressive.

Rated: C+

Apr 13, 2024

Full Review

Don Shanahan

Cinephile Hissy Fit Podcast

A sweaty and brawny classic of excess and coolness.

Mar 31, 2024

Full Review

Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

Not controlled or competent enough to work as a spoof, a serious action flick, or anything in between.

Rated: 1.5/4

Mar 29, 2024

Full Review

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Michael E

Patrick Swayze embodies the character of Dalton with his charm and natural charisma. Another bright Star that lost his life too soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/24

Full Review

Michael P

So watched this after I saw the 2024 remake and, whilst the action is better in the original, the story and overall engagement with this movie was quite a bit better. Swayze is great and whilst it's cheesy at times, the stuff between him and Sam Elliot was charming.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/11/24

Full Review

Koi P

Satisfying story of good guys standing up to the bad guys.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/25/24

Full Review

Jr B

I give this movie a 9.5. Blast from the past. Patrick was awesome and some of the quotes will never be forgotten. Must watch from me!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/18/24

Full Review

Sean D

Patrick Swayze is the key element to the movie's success. He has a strong performance here as the lead, where other actors lack in the movie. The fights scenes are enjoyable to see on screen as well.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/13/24

Full Review

Vladimir D

A classic of its time, much like the Merc that gets sadly destroyed near the end (spoiler). The characters are likeable and you can't help but laugh at times. The fighting isn't brilliant by any means, but it's satisfying. There's a dark plot near the end, worth a watch. Simple and fun... And slightly dark.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/11/24

Full Review

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Rowdy Herrington

Director

Patrick Swayze

Dalton

Kelly Lynch

Doc

Sam Elliott

Wade Garrett

Ben Gazzara

Brad Wesley

Marshall R. Teague

Jimmy

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Road House: Official Clip - Find That Prick!

1:29

Road House: Official Clip - Monster Truck

2:01

Road House: Official Clip - I Love You, Mijo

2:13

Road House: Official Clip - The Old-Fashioned Way

2:10

Road House: Official Clip - Prepare to Die!

2:01

Road House: Official Clip - The Double Deuce

2:11

Road House: Official Clip - You're Too Stupid to Have a Good Time

1:43

Road House: Official Clip - Three Simple Rules

2:07

Road House: Official Clip - Pain Don't Hurt

2:07

Road House: Official Clip - The Polar Bear

1:27

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Synopsis

The Double Deuce is the meanest, loudest and rowdiest bar south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and Dalton (Patrick Swayze) has been hired to clean it up. He might not look like much, but the Ph.D.-educated bouncer proves he's more than capable -- busting the heads of troublemakers and turning the roadhouse into a jumping hot-spot. But Dalton's romance with the gorgeous Dr. Clay (Kelly Lynch) puts him on the bad side of cutthroat local big shot Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara).

Director: Rowdy Herrington
Producer: Joel Silver
Screenwriter: R. Lance Hill, R. Lance Hill, Hilary Henkin
Distributor: United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Silver Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 19, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 20, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.4M
Runtime: 1h 52m
Sound Mix: Surround

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