Rebel Without a Cause

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Rebel Without a Cause

PG-13

Released Oct 27, 1955

1h 51m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

93%

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60 Reviews

87%

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50,000+ Ratings

After moving to a new town, troublemaking teen Jim Stark (James Dean) is supposed to have a clean slate, although being the new kid in town brings its own problems. While searching for some stability, Stark forms a bond with a disturbed classmate, Plato (Sal Mineo), and falls for local girl Judy (Natalie Wood). However, Judy is the girlfriend of neighborhood tough, Buzz (Corey Allen). When Buzz violently confronts Jim and challenges him to a drag race, the new kid's real troubles begin.

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Critics Consensus

Rebel Without a Cause is a searing melodrama featuring keen insight into '50s juvenile attitude and James Dean's cool, iconic performance.

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Jack Moffitt

The Hollywood Reporter

It contains some extraordinarily good acting by the late James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo. The direction by Nicholas Ray is outstanding... This is a superficial treatment of a vital problem that has been staged brilliantly.

Oct 30, 2018

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Kate Muir

The Times (UK)

With his slicked-up quiff, turned-up jeans and revved-up attitude, Dean instantly achieved icon status.

Dec 31, 2017

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Charlotte O'Sullivan

London Evening Standard

Looks and sounds so good it makes your heart thump.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 18, 2014

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Tom Hutchinson

Radio Times

It's Dean who remains most memorable, and his heartfelt portrayal epitomised his tragically short career.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 30, 2024

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... the ultimate expression of teen alienation in an adult world of its era.... [James] Dean’s wound-up performances and stumbling delivery perfectly captures the flailing desperation of an adolescent searching for a role model.

Aug 19, 2023

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A superb study of teen angst that still retains its power despite the number of inferior rip-offs that followed in its wake.

Rated: 4/4

Apr 27, 2023

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Joseph V

Never seen this classic till now. Loved it. Thanks Harkins for showing it

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/05/22

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Anthony L

an absolute classic that I adore

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/06/21

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Garrett B

An unforgettable performance from the late James Dean.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

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Farah R

My sisters and I found ourselves laughing more watching this movie than any comedy we've ever seen. The melodrmaamtic line deliveries, the overacting, and the outdated story made it difficult to take this so-called classic seriously.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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Tim M

Featuring a legacy-defining performance from James Dean, Rebel Without a Cause is the quintessential treatise on teen angst and 1950s counterculture.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/25/25

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Melissa M

I was curious to watch this film as I had never seen anything with James Dean in it before. His red jacket photos from this film are iconic so I was looking forward to seeing it. Sadly, the movie felt messy, extremely rushed, and unrealistic/over the top as far as what real people would act like. It’s like every character has some personality disorder. SPOILERS BELOW!!! Plato is revealed at the very beginning to kill puppies. How on Earth am I supposed to feel any kind of connection or remorse for him? The other teens in the gang and Natalie Wood’s role as Judy, were all boring, spoiled, needy, and lacking any character development. James Dean definitely over-acted at times but I could see why people thought he was good in this. He has a very James Franco (troubled ladies man) vibe going on. The cringiest part of the movie was Judy wanting to kiss her dad on the lips and be his “little girl” even though she’s not a little girl anymore. Her dad calls her a tramp at the beginning of the movie. Her character is written like a girl who can’t live one minute without a boy. She and the other main characters have hardcore daddy issues. Also, looking into the movie trivia about Woods, the director, and the actor playing her dad…it is disturbing to say the least. Natalie had an affair with both men who were middle-aged while she was only 16!! I know this is old Hollywood but it’s still gross. I REALLY DONT WANT TO WATCH THIS AGAIN.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

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Nicholas Ray

Director

James Dean

Jim Stark

Natalie Wood

Judy

Sal Mineo

John "Plato" Crawford

Jim Backus

Frank Stark

Ann Doran

Mrs. Stark

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Rebel Without A Cause (1955) Presented by TMC: Fathom Events Trailer

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Synopsis

After moving to a new town, troublemaking teen Jim Stark (James Dean) is supposed to have a clean slate, although being the new kid in town brings its own problems. While searching for some stability, Stark forms a bond with a disturbed classmate, Plato (Sal Mineo), and falls for local girl Judy (Natalie Wood). However, Judy is the girlfriend of neighborhood tough, Buzz (Corey Allen). When Buzz violently confronts Jim and challenges him to a drag race, the new kid's real troubles begin.

Director: Nicholas Ray
Producer: David Weisbart
Screenwriter: Nicholas Ray, Irving Shulman, Stewart Stern
Distributor: Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 27, 1955, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2008
Runtime: 1h 51m

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