Breaking Away

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Breaking Away

PG

Released Jul 18, 1979

1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

42 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Dave (Dennis Christopher) and his working-class friends Cyril (Daniel Stern), Moocher (Jackie Earle Haley) and Mike (Dennis Quaid) spend their post-high school days in Bloomington, Indiana, sparring with snooty students from the local university, chasing girls and--in Dave's case--dreaming of competitive bicycle racing. The four friends face opposition from all corners as they decide to make Dave's dreams come true in the university's annual bicycle endurance race.

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Critics Consensus

At once a touching, funny coming-of-age story and a compelling sports film, Breaking Away is a delightful treat.

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Linda Holmes

NPR

It's very, very much worth seeing.

Mar 14, 2021

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

I seriously can't imagine anyone not liking it.

Rated: 4/4

Mar 14, 2021

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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

There are a few moments when the picture's easygoing pace turns into wobbliness, but these are insignificant compared with its many moments of shrewd insight into the lives of amusingly shaded but very recognizable human beings.

Aug 3, 2008

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Phoenix Staff

Boston Phoenix

A commercial American movie with a real feeling for its Midwestern locale, and an unsentimental generosity towards its characters.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 23, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A textbook definition of a sleeper hit.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 11, 2021

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Rob Hunter

Film School Rejects

Part coming of age comedy, part underdog sports tale, and part glimpse into small-town America, the film is an effortless joy as it explores a tight friendship approaching the inevitable.

Mar 14, 2021

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Albert S

An absolute gem. Feels like a movie that had no clue how good and timeless it was going to be… dunno. So good.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/25

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Ethan S

One of the all-time great sports movies. And it's about... cycling?! So so good.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/24/25

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 40 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

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Christian S

This movie is a classic that entertains today as much as it did when released! Not much are better than this. Writing, cast and acting top notch. Caio!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

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Ray J

A classic coming of age film & something truly special for cycling aficionados (especially those of us born in the 70s) Bellisimo 👌

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/17/24

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Anthony P

What else can be said. I was thing that oddly Breaking Away is underrated. But think I am wrong. It is mostly under-appreciated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/28/24

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Peter Yates

Director

Dennis Christopher

Dave Stoller

Dennis Quaid

Mike

Daniel Stern

Cyril

Jackie Earle Haley

Moocher

Barbara Barrie

Evelyn Stoller

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Synopsis

Dave (Dennis Christopher) and his working-class friends Cyril (Daniel Stern), Moocher (Jackie Earle Haley) and Mike (Dennis Quaid) spend their post-high school days in Bloomington, Indiana, sparring with snooty students from the local university, chasing girls and--in Dave's case--dreaming of competitive bicycle racing. The four friends face opposition from all corners as they decide to make Dave's dreams come true in the university's annual bicycle endurance race.

Director: Peter Yates
Producer: Peter Yates
Screenwriter: Steve Tesich
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 18, 1979, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Runtime: 1h 40m

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