Friday

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Friday

R

Released Apr 26, 1995

1h 31m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

30 Reviews

91%

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250,000+ Ratings

It's Friday and Craig Jones (Ice Cube) has just gotten fired for stealing cardboard boxes. To make matters worse, rent is due, he hates his overbearing girlfriend, Joi (Paula Jai Parker), and his best friend, Smokey (Chris Tucker), owes the local drug dealer money -- and that's all before lunch. As the hours drag on, Jones and Smokey experience the gamut of urban life, complete with crackheads, shoot-outs and overly sexual pastors, concentrated into one single, unbelievable Friday.

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Critics Consensus

What Friday might lack in taut construction or directorial flair, it more than makes up with its vibrant (albeit consistently crass) humor and the charming, energetic performances of its leads.

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Michael Rechtshaffen

The Hollywood Reporter

While the character-driven script has a weakness for toilet humor (Mel Brooks would be proud), its inhabitants are given some oddball quirks and tics that keep things percolating when the plot development runs a little thin.

Apr 26, 2019

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

I knew the picture was in trouble when its first gag involved an old lady spewing obscenities.

Rated: 1/4

Aug 16, 2017

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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Friday has energy, and sass, and the nerve to suggest that the line between tragedy and comedy may be in the bloodshot eye of the beholder.

Rated: B

Jul 6, 2010

Full Review

Chance Solem-Pfeifer

Willamette Week

Friday soars every time John Witherspoon (as Craig’s dad) is on screen, embarking on unstoppable improv jags about his job as a dog catcher.

Jan 22, 2025

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Sheila Reid

Women in the Life

This film is a laugh a minute and portrays realistic characters each of us can relate to.

May 16, 2022

Full Review

Anderson Jones

Philadelphia Daily News

Director F. Gary Gray chooses to develop tension in this often over-the-top farce in a very unfunny, almost baffling way.

Rated: 1.5/4

Apr 26, 2022

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Bob M

I thought this movie was pretty damn good.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/02/25

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 31 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Drug Use, A Brutal Fight and Pervasive Strong Language!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $27,400,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

Full Review

Mateo M

My new favorite movie not going to lie to you

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/29/25

Full Review

TROYS S

This movie is hilarious! As far as comedies go about the hood, this one is hands down the best. Chris Tucker and Ice Cube really mix up nicely in this one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/07/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Absolute banger of a movie...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/24/25

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DennisFeinsteinCEO

A straight classic. Highly recommend for ANY comedy fan, new or old. ☝️

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

Full Review

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F. Gary Gray

Director

Ice Cube

Craig Jones

Chris Tucker

Smokey

Nia Long

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Synopsis

It's Friday and Craig Jones (Ice Cube) has just gotten fired for stealing cardboard boxes. To make matters worse, rent is due, he hates his overbearing girlfriend, Joi (Paula Jai Parker), and his best friend, Smokey (Chris Tucker), owes the local drug dealer money -- and that's all before lunch. As the hours drag on, Jones and Smokey experience the gamut of urban life, complete with crackheads, shoot-outs and overly sexual pastors, concentrated into one single, unbelievable Friday.

Director: F. Gary Gray
Producer: Patricia Charbonnet
Screenwriter: Ice Cube, DJ Pooh
Distributor: New Line Cinema, New Line Home Video [us]
Production Co: New Line Cinema
Rating: R (Drug Use|A Brutal Fight|Pervasive Strong Language)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 26, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.4M
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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