Police Academy

R

Released Mar 16, 1984

1 hr. 35 min.

Comedy

List

56%

32 Reviews

Tomatometer

64%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

When the mayor of a crime-ridden city loosens the restrictions on entering the police academy in order to get more cops on the street, all manner of oddball characters enlist to join the force. Among the cadets are suave Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), hulking Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith), beautiful Karen Thompson (Kim Cattrall) and sound effects-generating Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow), who all have to show initiative and courage when they are faced with tough situations out on patrol.

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Critics Consensus

Police Academy is rude, crude, and proudly sophomoric -- which is either a condemnation or a ringing endorsement, depending on your taste in comedy.

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Audience Member

A comedy that has been infamous for 40 years even spawning several sequels Mayor Mary Beal has changed the requirements of the city's police force New recruits would no longer have any restrictions signing up A colorful cast includes Steve Gutenberg, Kim Catrall to name a few This follows along the lines of other spoofs such as Naked Gun and Monty Python with a hint of Stripes So many jokes and visual gags that are part of the every day norm in this world The recruits have to of course face certain scrutiny or face being washed out A lot of this humor wouldn't fly today being more PC but this was a product of the time being what they had to work with It does make for a silly watch though putting a humorous spin on the police force poking at authority The most lively scene has to be the city's rioters since all the recruits are called in The movie is mostly erratic but fun in all the right ways

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

Full Review

Daniel B

Undoubtedly one of the greatest film comedies of all time. Yes bits and pieces of it stand out a bit in today's ultra-PC world but the film doesn't have a mean bone in its body. The film and it's brilliant cast want only one thing - to make you laugh. And they'll succeed!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/24

Full Review

Archie W

A cheesy yet enjoyable comedy and an 80's classic. Doesn't keep up with a lot of similar modern comedies but certainly contains some great humour that you would not find in a movie of this decade.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/13/23

Full Review

Mike H

Hands down a highlight of 1980's comedy. You absolutely have to suspend reality in order for any of this movie to take place but once you do its a delight. A decent combination of over-the-top (almost eye roll) gags combined with some actual heartfelt moments. A good time overall.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/31/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 35 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/23

Full Review

Jelisije J

An enjoyable police comedy movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/06/23

Full Review

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Hugh Wilson

Director

Steve Guttenberg

Cadet Carey Mahoney

Kim Cattrall

Cadet Karen Thompson

Michael Winslow

Cadet Larvell Jones

G.W. Bailey

Lt. Thaddeus Harris

George Gaynes

Commandant Eric Lassard

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Mark Dinning

Empire Magazine

The Friday The 13th of the comedy genre.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 4, 2023

Full Review

Rita Kempley

Washington Post

Police Academy is the most uproarious film to come along in years. You have the right to remain silent, but you can't help bt laugh out loud.

Mar 6, 2019

Full Review

Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Police Academy is a dumb-funny movie that succeeds by virtue of sheer invention.

Mar 5, 2019

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The movie isn’t really much funnier than its sorry sequels, but it’s the best of the bunch simply by virtue of being fresh (or as fresh as this moldy premise can get).

Rated: 2/4

Nov 25, 2023

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...somewhat erratic yet mostly affable...

Rated: 3/4

Jun 23, 2022

Full Review

Sean Collier

Box Office Prophets

It's a collection of easy laughs, no brain required.

Rated: 5/10

Dec 4, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

When the mayor of a crime-ridden city loosens the restrictions on entering the police academy in order to get more cops on the street, all manner of oddball characters enlist to join the force. Among the cadets are suave Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), hulking Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith), beautiful Karen Thompson (Kim Cattrall) and sound effects-generating Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow), who all have to show initiative and courage when they are faced with tough situations out on patrol.

Director: Hugh Wilson
Executive Producer: Alan Ladd Jr.
Screenwriter: Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Hugh Wilson
Production Co: Ladd Company, Warner Bros.
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 16, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009

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