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Rudy

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1:58

Rudy

PG

Released Sep 18, 1993

1h 53m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

50 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame, but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend (Christopher Reed) dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob (Jon Favreau), Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school's fabled football team.

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Critics Consensus

Though undeniably sentimental and predictable, Rudy succeeds with an uplifting spirit and determination.

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Johanna Steinmetz

Chicago Tribune

Anspaugh, whose Hoosiers showed he knows from feel-good movies, directs this story as if he were conducting Bolero, carefully building climax upon climax as the story spirals to an underdog triumph every bit as tearful as that of Rocky.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 23, 2016

Full Review

Jeff Shannon

Seattle Times

The film is so effective because Rudy is never seen as mock-heroic, and he's never lifted toward unrealistic achievement. He simply does the very best he can.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 23, 2016

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Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

Underneath its rah-rah spirit, the PG-rated Rudy is straightforward enough to raise, albeit unintentionally, some troubling questions.

Aug 23, 2016

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Rudy is all heart, which provides a greater contrast in the face of continuing pitfalls, as well as a decent protagonist for this uplifting, encouraging tale.

Rated: 7/10

Feb 6, 2025

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JD Duran

InSession Film

A great example of how "Hollywooding" something up a little can turn a fantastic true story into something that can affect the viewer even more than just the truth. These are the kinds of films that can only be done in America.

Rated: A+

Aug 15, 2024

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A likable if rather bland underdog tale, with director David Anspaugh and screenwriter Angelo Pizzo (who both scored with 1986’s meatier Hoosiers) dutifully checking off the boxes inherent in such Americana fare.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 19, 2023

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Christian F

Rudy is a heartfelt movie about a guy who dreams to play at Norte dame and gets his dream and even tackles the qb for gerogia tech he has a lot of ups and downs but it works out for him

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/30/25

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Matt O

“The Ultimate Underdog Story” – 5/5 Rudy is everything you want in an inspiring sports movie. It’s the kind of film that makes you believe no matter how many obstacles you face, if you work hard enough and never give up, anything is possible. Sean Astin brings so much heart to the role, and the story is simple but powerful. It’s not about fancy plays or big wins, it’s about grit, determination, and pure passion for the game. The way the movie builds up to that final moment? Goosebumps every time. Sure, it’s a little predictable, but that’s part of the charm. Sometimes you just want a movie that reminds you why you love sports and why dreams matter. Rudy nails that perfectly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/22/25

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Aron M

This movie makes you feel like you’re not doing enough in life. Imma sign up for astronaut school tomorrow.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/11/25

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Conrad C

While the movie has plenty of heart, it's hard to feel the story was a complete triumph. Still, it's hard not to cheer for the underdog, and in this case the movie itself as it tells a true story that is much truer to life than most.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/09/25

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Ken H

A young man who WON by SPIRIT with all odds against him..He inspired millions who watched this movie of his REAL LIFE.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/06/24

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Stephen H

The best sports movie of all-time. Go Irish!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/30/24

Full Review

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David Anspaugh

Director

Sean Astin

Rudy Ruettiger

Ned Beatty

Daniel

Charles S. Dutton

Fortune

Robert Prosky

Father Cavanaugh

Lili Taylor

Sherry

Rudy: Official Clip - Rudy's Victory

2:12

Rudy: Official Clip - I've Been Ready for This My Whole Life

2:08

Rudy: Official Clip - Last Game of the Season

1:16

Rudy: Official Clip - This Is for Rudy, Coach

2:11

Rudy: Official Clip - Fortune's Truth

2:12

Rudy: Official Clip - Football Tryouts

2:07

Rudy: Official Clip - Rudy Sacks O'Hara

1:31

Rudy: Official Clip - First Practice

1:52

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Rudy: Trailer 1

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Rudy 25th Anniversary: Special Event - 25th Anniversary Fathom Events Trailer

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Synopsis

Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame, but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend (Christopher Reed) dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob (Jon Favreau), Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school's fabled football team.

Director: David Anspaugh
Producer: Robert N. Fried, Cary Woods
Screenwriter: Angelo Pizzo
Distributor: Columbia Tristar, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 18, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $20.7M
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: Surround

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