Heathers

R

Released Mar 31, 1989

1 hr. 42 min.

Comedy

List

95%

57 Reviews

Tomatometer

83%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Veronica (Winona Ryder) is part of the most popular clique at her high school, but she disapproves of the other girls' cruel behavior. When Veronica and her new boyfriend, J.D. (Christian Slater), confront clique leader Heather Chandler (Kim Walker) and accidentally poison her, they make it appear a suicide. Soon Veronica realizes that J.D. is intentionally killing students he does not like. She races to stop J.D. while also clashing with the clique's new leader, Heather Duke (Shannen Doherty).

Read More

Read Less

Prime Video

Apple TV

Watch Heathers with a subscription on Prime Video, rent on Apple TV, or buy on Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

Dark, cynical, and subversive, Heathers gently applies a chainsaw to the conventions of the high school movie -- changing the game for teen comedies to follow.

Read Critics Reviews

George R

After hearing the musical soundtrack, I knew I had to watch the original movie. Great choice to make. The dark humor is hilarious, and the pacing of the movie is great. JD works as a great “villain” character, and Veronica is portrayed perfectly by Winona. The 80s-edging-90’s vibe is incredible and makes me appreciate older movies, compared to the modern flicks of today. Absolutely would recommend it if you’re looking for a dark, hilarious thriller. And if you’re up for a more song-oriented version of the classic, I would also recommend watching the musical. Same story, just with songs to fill in the key plot points. 4.5/5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/19/24

Full Review

IVMI

It's humorous, emotional, and perfect. All in one movie. I love it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/15/24

Full Review

ActualBiscuit

Brilliant in its writing, great in its execution, iconic in its aphorisms, Heathers is a movie whose impact on subsequent movies is obvious. This underrated cult-classic mixes satirical high school tropes with somber themes and confronts you with important philosophical questions on morality, responsibility, and the unfairness of teens living in an adult world and being treated as exploited children. I particularly enjoyed JD's intense utilitarianism, and Miss Flemings exploitative usage of the students pain and suffering. A timeless piece that is sadly still relevant. In short, a must-watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/06/24

Full Review

Josh H

I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH! It's honestly the most hilarious movie I have seen in a very long time! Can't wait to rewatch it, it'll be so very!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/24

Full Review

Bill C

Classic. This is what dark comedy should be.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/29/24

Full Review

Ema J

Still my favourite movie all these years on

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/19/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Michael Lehmann

Director

Winona Ryder

Veronica Sawyer

Christian Slater

Jason 'J.D.' Dean

Shannen Doherty

Heather Duke

Lisanne Falk

Heather McNamara

Kim Walker

Heather Chandler

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

94%

81%

House Party

TRAILER

for House Party

91%

49%

The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom

9%

57%

Where the Heart Is

16%

51%

Mo' Money

35%

62%

Crazy People

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The Jungle Book, The Lobster, and More Certified Fresh Picks on Netflix and Amazon Prime

24 Best-Looking Movie Bad Guys

Interview: Abel Ferrara Says Ms. 45 Terrified a Grindhouse Crowd

View more photos

Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

Still shocking after 30 years... this definitive blast of teenage nihilism is strong medicine indeed.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 10, 2018

Full Review

Richard Combs

Sight & Sound

If there's a weakness of motivation in Heathers, it may be because the whole film is rather dream-like, a product of Veronica's fevered writing and imaginings, with a consequent chaos and interchangeability of roles.

Aug 10, 2018

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Heathers really is odd, like a mix of something by Stephen King and Bret Easton Ellis...

Rated: 4/5

Aug 9, 2018

Full Review

Terry Francis

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

Roughly the first two-thirds of Heathers is sharp and illustrative. Finally, though, it lapses into teaching the audience a moral, that good ultimately triumphs over evil.

May 9, 2023

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

With so many classic quips, is it any wonder Heathers has long been regarded as one of the best high school movies ever made?

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 18, 2022

Full Review

CJ Sheu

Review Film Review

If it could've just given one f**k less, it would've been a masterpiece.

Jul 1, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

Veronica (Winona Ryder) is part of the most popular clique at her high school, but she disapproves of the other girls' cruel behavior. When Veronica and her new boyfriend, J.D. (Christian Slater), confront clique leader Heather Chandler (Kim Walker) and accidentally poison her, they make it appear a suicide. Soon Veronica realizes that J.D. is intentionally killing students he does not like. She races to stop J.D. while also clashing with the clique's new leader, Heather Duke (Shannen Doherty).

Director: Michael Lehmann
Executive Producer: Christopher Webster
Screenwriter: Daniel Waters
Production Co: New World Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 31, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 4, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.1M
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now