Billy Madison

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Billy Madison

PG-13

Released Feb 10, 1995

1h 29m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

42%

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50 Reviews

79%

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250,000+ Ratings

Man-child Billy Madison has been a spoiled rich kid all his life, and spends his days drinking and partying. When his father, hotel magnate Brian, becomes fed up with his son's irresponsible ways, he issues an ultimatum. Since Billy passed all his schooling thanks to his father's influence and bribes, he must retake and pass every grade in 24 weeks. Otherwise, the business will be turned over to Brian's conniving associate, Eric.

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Critics Consensus

Audiences who enjoy Adam Sandler's belligerent comic energy may find him in joyously obnoxious form as Billy Madison, but this thinly-plotted starring vehicle surrounds its star with an aggressively pedestrian movie.

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Janet Maslin

New York Times

If you've ever had a yen to relive the third grade, this must be the next best thing.

Mar 31, 2019

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John Petrakis

Chicago Tribune

Billy Madison is a textbook example of a half-decent idea that never got developed beyond the "lying around drinking beer and making jokes with your buddy" stage.

Rated: 0.5/4

Mar 31, 2019

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The latest entry in the American cinema's investigation of dumb-and-dumber heroes.

Rated: 1/4

Mar 31, 2019

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

While not award-worthy, Billy Madison’s absurd humor and Sandler’s charm made it a cult favorite that kicked off his film career.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 28, 2025

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Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

The Adam Sandler milieu of male mistakes and fixation on frustration was perhaps never more concentrated than it was in his first film — which commits as deeply to its sincerity as it does to its rampant silliness.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 25, 2025

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Viewed as an absurdist comedy by many, Billy Madison is nonetheless the product of a director who specializes in cautionary tales about the temptations of sin putting one's soul in jeopardy.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 3, 2022

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Thomas L.

I am not quite sure why this movie is rated 41 percent. I thought this movie was quite funny. This may be a little bit of an immature film but overall it’s a good movie to relax for an 1hour and 30minutes and have a nice laugh. The good: There were some really funny scenes. I would like to explain but you should watch it (I don’t wanna spoil it). The bad: The plot is not the best and surely not realistic but that’s what’s gonna happen in this type of movie

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/25/25

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stephen b

Were all Sandler movies from this era this dumb? And I hate saying that about a movie with Norm MacDonald and a great Steve Buscemi cameo.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

07/25/25

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Simon R

One of Adam's best films

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/24/25

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Jen O

Mr. Madison, what you've just said... Is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point, in your rambling, incoherent response, were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

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Alexander S

Billy Madison undoubtedly showcases one of Adam Sandler’s most memorable and hilarious roles. However, I don’t believe this film stands out as much for humor as Happy Gilmore, if we compare his best early works. Grading: C+

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

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Jackson E.

I love Adam Sandler. But I feel like he doesn’t do the best in this film. It’s a bit too much and has some jokes a lot might not understand. Sorry, Adam. There were a few times that made me laugh a lot and for those I give this two stars. Not one or half.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

Full Review

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Tamra Davis

Director

Adam Sandler

Billy Madison

Darren McGavin

Brian Madison

Bridgette Wilson-Sampras

Veronica Vaughn

Bradley Whitford

Eric Gordon

Josh Mostel

Principal Max Anderson

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Billy Madison: Official Clip - May God Have Mercy On Your Soul

2:56

Billy Madison: Official Clip - The Academic Decathlon

2:56

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Study Time

3:00

Billy Madison: Official Clip - High School Loser

2:57

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Motivational Musical

2:34

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Childish Billy

2:58

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Billy Pees His Pants

2:23

Billy Madison: Official Clip - T-T-Today, Junior!

3:00

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Rizzuto

2:30

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Synopsis

Man-child Billy Madison has been a spoiled rich kid all his life, and spends his days drinking and partying. When his father, hotel magnate Brian, becomes fed up with his son's irresponsible ways, he issues an ultimatum. Since Billy passed all his schooling thanks to his father's influence and bribes, he must retake and pass every grade in 24 weeks. Otherwise, the business will be turned over to Brian's conniving associate, Eric.

Director: Tamra Davis
Producer: Robert Simonds
Screenwriter: Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Robert Simonds Productions
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 10, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.6M
Runtime: 1h 29m
Sound Mix: Surround

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