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

88%

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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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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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