Adventures in Babysitting

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Adventures in Babysitting

PG-13

1987

1h 42m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

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46 Reviews

70%

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100,000+ Ratings

When plans with her boyfriend fall through, high school senior Chris Parker (Elisabeth Shue) ends up babysitting the Anderson kids, Brad (Keith Coogan) and Sara (Maia Brewton). What should be a quiet night in, however, turns into a series of ridiculous exploits, starting when they leave the house to pick up Chris' friend Brenda (Penelope Ann Miller). Soon, Brad's buddy Daryl (Anthony Rapp) is involved, and the group must contend with car thieves, blues musicians and much more.

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Critics Consensus

Sweet and spry, Adventures in Babysitting gets by on its amiable tone.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Adventures in Babysitting holds up because it is so remarkably progressive in its depiction of its primary female characters.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 24, 2022

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Carrie Rickey

Philadelphia Inquirer

In many ways, Babysitting is interesting for what it is not: namely, a John Hughes selfish-teen movie that asks, "Will the girl from the wrong side of the tracks get invited to the prom by the preppie?"

Rated: 3/4

Jun 26, 2021

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Jay Carr

Boston Globe

Although far from original. "Adventures in Babysitting" is a likable exercise In soft-core juvenile anarchy.

Jun 26, 2021

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a larger-than-life premise that’s employed to fun, inventive effect by Columbus...

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 5, 2024

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Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

A romp of a family film that hasn't aged particularly well in its treatment of POC, but features a fun, sexy lead performance by Elizabeth Shue and an escalating number of ridiculous "the city is scary" developments that make for a very entertaining time.

Rated: 4.5/5

Jan 25, 2023

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

This kind of teen-oriented movie died out in the 1990s, and today that leaves Babysitting without a comfortable place to sit.

Rated: 6/10

Sep 12, 2022

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Sergio N.

I saw on YouTube of a cover music video of this movie and decided to watch it, it was great love old school movies, classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/07/25

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Melissa L

I love '80s movies, and this movie didn't disappoint!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/03/25

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Audience Member

Nostalgic little watch, I liked the blast to the past and 80s feel to it. One of, if not, the best decade ever. Wish they made movies like this today. It is obviously more childish, so it wasn't fully for me. But I had fun with it nonetheless.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

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Dave C

A very entertaining, well directed, well acted YA romp that stands the test of time as it doesn't focus on anything other than the story. I cannot believe I've not seen it before. I mean, it's a solid watch for the hairstyles alone, right?!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

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Zachary E

My full thoughts and opinions can be heard on The Knife Partty Podcast episode 306

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

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Dale R

A Touchstone release about a teen’s babysitting job that goes horribly wrong. Elisabeth Shue stars in the lead and does a fine job, as do her children co-stars. There are a few questionable camera angles and character choices in the writing. The tone felt off as well. I wasn’t sure if this was meant for children as there was plenty of swearing, but the plot felt aimed toward a younger crowd. A serviceable movie that I think is worth your time.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/07/24

Full Review

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Chris Columbus

Director

Elisabeth Shue

Chris Parker

Maia Brewton

Sara Anderson

Keith Coogan

Brad Anderson

Anthony Rapp

Daryl Coopersmith

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Synopsis

When plans with her boyfriend fall through, high school senior Chris Parker (Elisabeth Shue) ends up babysitting the Anderson kids, Brad (Keith Coogan) and Sara (Maia Brewton). What should be a quiet night in, however, turns into a series of ridiculous exploits, starting when they leave the house to pick up Chris' friend Brenda (Penelope Ann Miller). Soon, Brad's buddy Daryl (Anthony Rapp) is involved, and the group must contend with car thieves, blues musicians and much more.

Director: Chris Columbus
Producer: Debra Hill, Lynda Obst
Screenwriter: David Simkins
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Surround

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