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The Blues Brothers

Play trailer Poster for The Blues Brothers R Released Jun 18, 1980 2h 13m Musical Comedy Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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71% Tomatometer 91 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) -- collectively known as the "Blues Brothers." Jake's first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together. However, after playing several gigs and making a few enemies, including the police, the brothers face daunting odds to deliver the money on time.
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The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers

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Critics Consensus

Too over the top for its own good, but ultimately rescued by the cast's charm, director John Landis' grace, and several soul-stirring musical numbers.

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Critics Reviews

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Victoria Luxford BBC.com One of the great American comedy films... It’s just a joy to watch even forty three years on. John Belushi was never better as the lead. He’s funny just standing there. Rated: 5/5 Aug 24, 2023 Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune The Blues Brothers is the year's best film to date; one of the, all-time great comedies; the best movie ever made in Chicago. All are true, and, boy, is that ever a surprise. Rated: 4/4 Dec 21, 2020 Full Review Charles Champlin Los Angeles Times Despite the temporary lift that the old pros give the picture, it is difficult for the non-cultist to feel anything but dismay, again, that so much has been squandered to produce so little that is truly artful or genuinely entertaining. Dec 21, 2020 Full Review Sean Burns Crooked Marquee As a little kid, 'The Blues Brothers' taught me the foundations of American music. It also taught me that cops, Nazis and good old boys are to be mercilessly mocked and messed with. Jun 3, 2024 Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia It ends up frequenting common places where the dry humor supplied by Aykroyd and Belushi's chemistry wears out like a car tire. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 5/10 May 7, 2024 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews More energetic than funny. Rated: C+ Jan 20, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Spencer Please keep putting old movies in theaters Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/07/25 Full Review Marc's Mom Loved the music, the comedy, just all of it! took me back to a better time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/30/25 Full Review Callum B Greatest film ever made; although I have probably watched better films... Or maybe not best film ever but best feeling ever given when Elwood and Jake open up on vocals and the band kick in. It's a time we will never know or replicate. It's a universe of blues, poverty and Catholics. Press play and live the hard life of honest Jake and Elwood and the Blues Brothers they are on a mission from God and the lord shines down on them. Great acting, story and music. Enjoy! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/19/25 Full Review Doug C The Blues Brothers: A Timeless Ride of Chaos and Cool” Few movies can claim the sheer audacity, unrelenting energy, and sheer fun that The Blues Brothers delivers, and yet this one does it effortlessly. From the first iconic strains of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” to the jaw-dropping car chases that defy both physics and common sense, this film is a masterclass in controlled chaos. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd are pure magic together, blending impeccable comic timing with genuine heart. The supporting cast reads like a who’s-who of entertainment greatness — Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Ray Charles grace the screen with performances that make your soul dance. What makes The Blues Brothers truly timeless is its fearless embrace of everything fun and outrageous. The musical numbers are electric, the stunts are legendary, and the humor lands just as sharply today as it did in 1980. It’s a movie you don’t just watch — you experience. If you’ve never seen it, prepare for a ride that will make you laugh, cheer, and maybe even reconsider the limits of cinematic chaos. If you have, then you know exactly why it remains one of the all-time greatest. The Blues Brothers isn’t just a movie — it’s a full-throttle celebration of music, friendship, and sheer cinematic bravado. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/16/25 Full Review John Y. Goes way over the top. And then goes higher. Not perfect, but not meant to be. It’s not the story, it’s the cast. And then goes music. And the stunts. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/10/25 Full Review This P Saw it as a student, nearly 40 years ago, and liked it. Watched it again recently, thinking it might seem old and stale. But I absolutely loved it. Wonderful film. Clever and funny and wild and tender hearted. Superb. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/07/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Chased by the Cops The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Chased by the Cops 2:58 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Everybody Needs Somebody to Love The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Everybody Needs Somebody to Love 3:20 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Mall Chase The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Mall Chase 2:52 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Filthy Mouths & Bad Attitudes The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Filthy Mouths & Bad Attitudes 2:57 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Nazis Take a Dive The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Nazis Take a Dive 2:23 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Shake A Tail Feather The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Shake A Tail Feather 2:46 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Rawhide The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Rawhide 2:49 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - The Bluesmobile Does a Backflip The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - The Bluesmobile Does a Backflip 2:49 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Paying the Price The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Paying the Price 2:56 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) -- collectively known as the "Blues Brothers." Jake's first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together. However, after playing several gigs and making a few enemies, including the police, the brothers face daunting odds to deliver the money on time.
Director
John Landis
Producer
Robert K. Weiss
Screenwriter
Dan Aykroyd, John Landis
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Universal Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Musical, Comedy, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 18, 1980, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 15, 2012
Runtime
2h 13m
Sound Mix
Dolby, Mono
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