Rebel Without a Cause

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Rebel Without a Cause

PG-13

1955

1h 51m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

92%

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77 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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Helen Bower

Detroit Free Press

In spite of all its diffusion, [the film] can be commended for the acting of the late James Dean...with magnified sorrow the public may see what personality, charm and force were lost to the future in young Dean's fatal car crash.

Oct 23, 2025

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Chicago Tribune Staff

Chicago Tribune

While, in several instances, the film seems a bit overdone, for the most part, it is impressive, shocking, and frequently poignant.

Oct 23, 2025

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Eric D. Snider

Film.com

There's no question that Rebel Without a Cause has been influential, and that some of its mythic status comes as the result of Dean's tragic death just before it was released.

Oct 23, 2025

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Dick Banks

Charlotte Observer

"Rebel Without a Cause" is certainly one of the least "preachy" or pious films about juvenile delinquency.

Oct 23, 2025

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Ed Kowalewski

Buffalo News

While "Rebel Without a Cause" is not intended as a horror movie, it will make your flesh creep just the same.

Oct 23, 2025

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Nathan Kamal

Spectrum Culture

...Nicholas Ray’s masterpiece is many things: a critique of American parents and children, a glimpse of a youth culture so far gone that it practically seems a parody of itself and a star vehicle for a dead man.

Oct 23, 2025

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Skrillahz

Finally saw them. Dean is still an enigma to me.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/06/25

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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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Kyle M

A structurally influential classic that subsequentially weighs formulaically through the coming-of-age genre, with this being signified over the palpable angst in increased gravitas pondering over how the cautious reality tragically shatters. Most films of the very genre that followed plays it off as intense fun in seeking thrills, but this feels comparably raw while also took a step further in insightfully demonstrative honesty displaying a comforting reminder. Irrational but thoughtful with excelled deliverance over its subject matter, bolstered by James Dean’s performative testament that gives a haunting sense. (B+)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/22/25

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Luke S

Hyper-dramatic - ohhhh the angst of being a teenager when no one understands you. It is a twistingly beautiful portrait though of teenage-hood in the mid-50's. There is presumably a lot of Dean in his character in terms of authenticity and genuine-ness. I saw this for the first time at Cine Paris, a rooftop theater in Athens, in the summer. The Greek audience roared with laughter at the end - tensions are wound so high - two teenagers dead, another wounded and then "Mom. Dad. This is Judy." The tension is broke introducing the parents to the new girlfriend. This is Judy - she's accessory to two murders, including her boyfriend. We're in love. Ahhhh hahahahahaha.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

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Garrett B

An unforgettable performance from the late James Dean.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

Full Review

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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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