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The Legend of Billie Jean

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The Legend of Billie Jean

PG-13

Released Jul 19, 1985

1h 36m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Restless teenager Billie Jean Davy (Helen Slater) and her brother, Binx (Christian Slater), dream of leaving oppressive Corpus Christi, Texas, for Vermont. When Binx's scooter is trashed by bully Hubie Pyatt (Barry Tubb), Billie Jean goes to ask Hubie's father (Richard Bradford) for $608 for repairs, only to have Mr. Pyatt try to rape her. As she flees, Binx finds Mr. Pyatt's gun and unintentionally shoots him. Billie Jean and her brother go on the run, becoming folk heroes in the process.

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Critics Consensus

Rebellious in spirit and anarchic in style, this Helen Slater-starring vehicle holds a certain youthful cool but is otherwise a disjointed retelling of an oft-repeated legend.

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Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

Although it's obviously a B picture, The Legend of Billie Jean has quite a lot going for it. The film doesn't get many points for finesse, but it has energy, good performances and more wit than you'd expect.

Nov 17, 2023

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Patrick Goldstein

Los Angeles Times

The film makers may have envisioned Billie Jean as some sort of free-spirited Joan of Arc, but spirit is just one of the many key ingredients missing from this jumbled teen-age fable, enough to try the patience of -- ahem -- a saint.

Nov 17, 2023

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Sid Smith

Chicago Tribune

Teenagers, who may not have seen this picture's many hero/outlaw predecessors, might like its the pop soundtrack, better-than-average acting and modest punk attire. Everyone else is likely to find Billie Jean the very thing that becomes a legend least.

Rated: 2/4

Nov 17, 2023

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Joe Baltake

Philadelphia Daily News

The plot of this teen revenge fantasy may be hard to swallow, but the movie itself goes down easy, thanks in large part to the presence of stunning Helen Slater, who is totally credible as a young woman turned into an outlaw/heroine.

Nov 17, 2023

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Laurie Horn

Miami Herald

Director Matthew Robbins keeps the pace light, nonviolent, and more entertaining than a made-for-TV movie. The fashion show’s the action.

Nov 17, 2023

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Marylynn Uricchio

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Legend of Billie Jean comes complete with a stupid ending, but fortunately, the audience has been well prepared.

Nov 17, 2023

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Nick O

This underrated teenage outlaw road movie is a special rare moment from the 1980’s! It really deserves to not only be talked about more, but also held in high regard as a truly inspiring achievement.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/04/25

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Laura B

This classic 80 film is a must watch for any nostalgic 80s fans! Great characters and story line. Fantastic sound track!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/26/25

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Mike R

Classic 80s cult movie. Rebellious, let's kick ass, on a scooter with Christian Slater's debut role. A fun and campy watch with plenty of nostalgia for Gen X. A great soundtrack.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

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Landon J

Decent little teen rebel movie. Some good moments, some overdone moments. Worth a watch for 80s teen movie fans as this is oozing with period style and mannerisms.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/29/24

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Bruce R

Great movie about Hubie getting kicked in the balls

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

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mike s

Classic 80s movie, not a oscar winner but remember movies are not just supposed to be art they can be fun....This was a fun 80s movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/11/24

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Matthew Robbins

Director

Helen Slater

Billie Jean

Keith Gordon

Lloyd

Christian Slater

Binx

Richard Bradford

Pyatt

Peter Coyote

Ringwald

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Synopsis

Restless teenager Billie Jean Davy (Helen Slater) and her brother, Binx (Christian Slater), dream of leaving oppressive Corpus Christi, Texas, for Vermont. When Binx's scooter is trashed by bully Hubie Pyatt (Barry Tubb), Billie Jean goes to ask Hubie's father (Richard Bradford) for $608 for repairs, only to have Mr. Pyatt try to rape her. As she flees, Binx finds Mr. Pyatt's gun and unintentionally shoots him. Billie Jean and her brother go on the run, becoming folk heroes in the process.

Director: Matthew Robbins
Production Co: Guber-Peters Company
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 19, 1985, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2012
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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