The Blues Brothers

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The Blues Brothers

R

Released Jun 18, 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

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

Peter W

The Blues Brothers is an incredible movie that guarantees a good time! The film has top-notch comedy, music, wild stunts, and thrilling car chases. It's hard to find any faults in this movie. The story is unpredictable, and each scene is engaging and exciting. The film culminates in a fun concert, which is a perfect finale. The on-screen chemistry between John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd is excellent, and their banter and mannerisms make their performances even more enjoyable. If you haven't watched this movie yet, I highly recommend getting it today and turning up the volume.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/25

Full Review

Jonathan E

An action packed musical comedy featuring some of the greatest R & B musicians of all time! James Brown, Ray Charles, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, "Pinetop" Perkins, Aretha Franklin, and more.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/25

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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