Beverly Hills Ninja

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Beverly Hills Ninja

PG-13

Released Jan 17, 1997

1h 28m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

16%

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31 Reviews

53%

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250,000+ Ratings

When a young American boy washes ashore near a village populated by skilled Japanese warriors, they raise the child as one of them and instruct him in the ways of ninjitsu. Unfortunately, he grows up to be the overweight and inept but very enthusiastic Haru (Chris Farley), who remains intent on becoming a real ninja. Haru's first assignment -- protecting a beautiful woman from California -- doesn't go smoothly, since he's both uncoordinated and completely unaccustomed to Western culture.

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Critics Consensus

Far from silent but comedically deadly, Beverly Hills Ninja proves painfully unfunny.

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Rita Kempley

Washington Post

Farley, a real lightweight compared to such late, great predecessors John Belushi and John Candy, brings none of Belushi's edgy intelligence, nor Candy's gentle pathos to this comic caricature.

Jan 22, 2002

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

A satisfying and sturdy vehicle for Farley that ought to please his fans, youngsters especially.

Feb 14, 2001

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John Hartl

Film.com

This formulaic tale of a ninja klutz trying to break a counterfeit ring can be recommended only to undemanding children, and even they may find it a drag.

Jan 1, 2000

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Rob Lowing

The Sun-Herald (Australia)

[A] dim-witted but amiable adventure.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 23, 2025

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Director Dennis Dugan might be best known for the eight movies he made with Adam Sandler, but other dumdum comedies can be found scattered like so much used kitty litter across his filmography. One such effort is this witless comedy.

Rated: 1.5/4

Jul 22, 2024

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Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

If watching bruise-inflicting fat jokes is your idea of an evening out, this is 90 minutes for you.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 10, 2022

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bao s

The two Chris' rock this jam!

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/02/25

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Demonic S

Somehow I never saw this until now, and it is so much funnier than I expected. Granted, it is incredibly stupid, but if you're fans of movies like Who's Harry Crumb, Naked Gun, and just non-stop gags, this movie will be right up your alley. Not 30 seconds goes by the whole film without something ridiculous or stupid happening on screen. Farley delivers a 110% performance taking big falls, ridiculous dialogue and completely over the top energy. I used to think Tommy Boy was his best, but now I might have to say Beverly Hills Ninja is the true Farley classic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/04/25

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Audience Member

Chris Farley’s over the top portrayal of a clumsy, slow witted “ninja” let’s the viewer know what they are in for - much to the expense of Huru’s ninja “brother”. Fun watch, oh and Nicolette Sheridan also stars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

Full Review

Js S

So many films take their q from this guy. One of the greatest comedy films ever made. Remember it was made mid 90s, perfect time for this film

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/15/25

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Melissa M

The soundtrack like the movie kicks butt. The counterfeit storyline isn't very original. But the movie makes up for that with LOL moments like the training sequence of the ninjas at the beginning of the movie. And the interactions between Joey & Haru. Chris Farley & Chris Rock are comedic gold. Robin Shou's comedic timing is as sharp as his ninja skills. Nicolette Sheridan shows that she can do a comedy movie just as well as she could do drama. This is one of the few comedy movies no matter how many times you see it. It's still LOL. One part I didn't particularly like is when haru throws the satellite dish. after he throws it you can hear a screeching cat. Why do so many comedies find it necessary to have a scene with a screeching cat. It's far from funny. And it's so overdone & overplayed. Other than that I think this movie should be considered a cult classic.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/26/25

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Mike G

This is a must see from the comedic genius Chris Farley. I don't know why the low ratings. Absolute classic!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/25

Full Review

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Dennis Dugan

Director

Chris Farley

Haru

Nicollette Sheridan

Allison Page

Robin Shou

Gobei

Nathaniel Parker

Martin Tanley

Chris Rock

Joey

Beverly Hills Ninja: Official Clip - Haru Battles Tanley

2:13

Beverly Hills Ninja: Official Clip - I Will Be Watching Your Every Move

2:13

Beverly Hills Ninja: Official Clip - Haru the Hibachi Chef

2:12

Beverly Hills Ninja: Official Clip - No One Messes With My Brother

2:10

Beverly Hills Ninja: Official Clip - Hibachi Brawl

2:10

Beverly Hills Ninja: Official Clip - The Great White Ninja

2:13

Beverly Hills Ninja: Official Clip - Haru Says Goodbye

1:42

Beverly Hills Ninja: Official Clip - A Trained Master

2:03

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Synopsis

When a young American boy washes ashore near a village populated by skilled Japanese warriors, they raise the child as one of them and instruct him in the ways of ninjitsu. Unfortunately, he grows up to be the overweight and inept but very enthusiastic Haru (Chris Farley), who remains intent on becoming a real ninja. Haru's first assignment -- protecting a beautiful woman from California -- doesn't go smoothly, since he's both uncoordinated and completely unaccustomed to Western culture.

Director: Dennis Dugan
Producer: Brad Krevoy, Bradley Jenkel, Tony Shimkin, Steven Stabler
Screenwriter: Mark Feldberg, Mitchell Klebanoff
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Motion Picture Corporation of America
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $31.2M
Runtime: 1h 28m
Sound Mix: Surround, SDDS

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