Drop Dead Fred

PG-13

Released Apr 19, 1991

1h 43m

Fantasy

TRAILER

for Drop Dead Fred: Trailer 1

List

11%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

77%

Audience Score

100,000+ Ratings

An unhappy housewife (Phoebe Cates) gets a lift from the return of her imaginary childhood friend, Drop Dead Fred (Rik Mayall).

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

In Theaters

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Rent Drop Dead Fred on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

Tackling mature themes with an infantile sensibility, Drop Dead Fred is an ill-conceived family comedy that is more likely to stir up a headache than the imagination.

Read Critics Reviews

Michael Wilmington

Los Angeles Times

Drop Dead Fred is an erratic stab at making madness sensible, a slapstick nightmare that goes too sane, that tries too hard to be both good and rotten.

May 5, 2014

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

This is easily one of the worst films I've ever seen.

Rated: 0/4

May 5, 2014

Full Review

Steven Rea

Philadelphia Inquirer

The episodic flashbacks are cast in an unfunny Freudian light -- domineering mother, helpless hubby, the tragically withdrawn child. What a laugh riot!

Rated: 1.5/4

May 5, 2014

Full Review

Tony Black

Cultural Conversation

The crucial problem of course is that for a comedy, it's not really very funny.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 16, 2021

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Fred is a particularly crass, unappealing imaginary friend, going out of his way to stir up trouble more than engaging in fun activities.

Rated: 5/10

Sep 11, 2020

Full Review

Jorge Loser

Espinof

A fantastic cult comedy. [Full Review in Spanish]

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 11, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Suzie S

This film has brought me such joy. Is it stupid? Yes. Is it fantastic? I would say yes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/13/24

Full Review

Anthony M

A Classic. One of a Kind.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/29/24

Full Review

Ric K

This film is like marmite, you either love it or hate it. To take in consideration it was made in 1991, watching it back today I personally love this film... The late Rik Mayall was a very talented wacky actor. This film is a classic to be enjoyed with humour

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/14/24

Full Review

Donna C

Iconic movie my generation and my kids loved all to this day

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/24

Full Review

Robert C

One of my all time favorites.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

Full Review

Lizz B

Not always appropriate for young children but absolutely hilarious and relatable. We all need a little drop dead Fred in our lives.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/26/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Ate de Jong

Director

Phoebe Cates

Elizabeth

Rik Mayall

Drop Dead Fred

Marsha Mason

Polly

Tim Matheson

Charles

Carrie Fisher

Janie

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Paperhouse

100%

71%

Paperhouse

Dream a Little Dream

9%

67%

Dream a Little Dream

Radio Flyer

35%

72%

Radio Flyer

TRAILER

for Radio Flyer

Prelude to a Kiss

63%

39%

Prelude to a Kiss

Heart and Souls

58%

76%

Heart and Souls

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Drop Dead Fred: Trailer 1

2:08

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

An unhappy housewife (Phoebe Cates) gets a lift from the return of her imaginary childhood friend, Drop Dead Fred (Rik Mayall).

Director: Ate de Jong
Producer: Paul Webster
Screenwriter: Elizabeth Livingston, Carlos Davis, Anthony Fingleton
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: New Line Cinema, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 19, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.9M
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround, Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

Most Popular at Home Now