The Blues Brothers

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The Blues Brothers

R

1980

2h 13m

Musical

Comedy

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

92 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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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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Victoria Luxford

BBC.com

08/24/2023

5/5

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.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

12/21/2020

4/4

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.

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Charles Champlin

Los Angeles Times

12/21/2020

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.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Apr 19

Best movie starring SNL alumni

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Sean Burns

Crooked Marquee

06/03/2024

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.

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

05/07/2024

5/10

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]

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Spencer

Aug 7

Please keep putting old movies in theaters

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Marc's Mom

04/30/2025

Loved the music, the comedy, just all of it! took me back to a better time.

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Brenda V.

@vierrabre 4d

My all-time favorite movie.

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Walden C

@lazerlemur Apr 20

Pure 80s cheese at its finest. Akroyd and Belushi’s deadpan reactions to the over-the-top action are priceless, and while some of the car chases to drag on to the point where the excitement wears off, the spectacular musical performances more than make up for it.

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Bret M.

@BretM-3 Apr 12

One of my favorite movies of all time! I love this one! For starters, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd are great! Not only do they have good chemistry, but they’re believable as brothers. I’ve also always loved all the music related cameos in this movie from people like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Joe Walsh. And the non-music related cameos like Carrie Fisher and John Candy are great as well. They all add that extra 80s feel I love about this movie. I also think this movie has one of the best soundtracks of all time. All the songs are great on their own and fit in perfectly. The dance sequences also go great with their accompanying songs. I’ve also always loved how weird and goofy the final sequence of the movie is. The chase scene with literally everyone chasing the Blues Brothers never gets old. So overall, I can’t recommend this movie enough. It’s hilarious, tells a good story, has great music and great acting. ABSOLUTE CINEMA!

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Per S

@RT83737705 Apr 4

It just happened because Dan Akeroyd and John Belushi were part of Saturday Night Live, and sat one night listening to blues records, and ended up creating the two characters Jake and Elwood Blues. The rest is film an music history. For some reason many don't consider it a musical - but it's one of the greatest.

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John Landis

Director

John Belushi

Jake Blues

Dan Aykroyd

Elwood Blues

James Brown

Reverend Cleophus James

Cab Calloway

Curtis

Ray Charles

Ray

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Chased by the Cops

2:58

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Everybody Needs Somebody to Love

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The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Mall Chase

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The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Filthy Mouths & Bad Attitudes

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The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Nazis Take a Dive

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The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Shake A Tail Feather

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The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Rawhide

2:49

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - The Bluesmobile Does a Backflip

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The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Paying the Price

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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