The Blues Brothers

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The Blues Brothers

R

1980

2h 13m

Musical

Comedy

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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

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

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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

D P

I don't get it. I suppose this was funny back in 1980.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/03/25

Full Review

Enrico S.

Everyone should watch this movie once in their lifetime, great music acts and great comedy moments, a piece of American popular history.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/21/25

Full Review

Gavin H

An absolute classic. For the music the energy the stunts and special effects and the humour. All the cameos by music greats make this film all the more worth while.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/17/25

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

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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

3:20

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Mall Chase

2:52

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

2:57

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Nazis Take a Dive

2:23

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Shake A Tail Feather

2:46

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Rawhide

2:49

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

2:49

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Paying the Price

2:56

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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

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