Stand by Me

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1:15

Stand by Me

R

Released Aug 8, 1986

1h 29m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

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64 Reviews

94%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix) and Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman) encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys' adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.

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Critics Consensus

Stand By Me is a wise, nostalgic movie with a weird streak that captures both Stephen King's voice and the trials of growing up.

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James Jackson

The Times (UK)

[The boys] petty bickering and self-revelations unfold convincingly and with great humour, bottling that uncertain moment in life between childhood and adolescence.

Apr 25, 2023

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Adam Nayman

The Ringer

It's among the light sprinkling of King tales that elide the supernatural entirely. But that doesn't mean it isn't morbid...

Sep 5, 2019

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Carrie Rickey

Philadelphia Inquirer

Stand by Me is a small, quiet film that walks tall and resonates long after.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 26, 2013

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Dan Webster

Spokesman-Review (Washington)

A fine dramatic departure for a director who made his reputation in comedy.

Jul 27, 2024

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Stand By Me is a "coming of age" tale with moments of vulnerability that make it somewhat relatable while still keeping it unusual.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 11, 2023

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Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

It’s difficult to watch this film exactly as it is without reminiscing even a little bit about one’s own life as an adult, which I think speaks to Reiner’s approach in adapting the work.

Dec 8, 2023

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Matthew M

Absolutely amazing movie. One of my all time favorites.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/24/25

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Emilia P

4 between the most beautiful interpretations in american cinema, this has to be seen with original voices not dubbed. Who dislike it has to still learn a lot about life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/07/25

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Anni R.

Amazing! Classic, such a good watch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/25

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Marc C

There's just no way you don't like this one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/21/25

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Emmi S.

Love this movie with my entire heart. I’ve watched it so many times, and I know I’ll continue watching it. In my opinion, some of the best child performances ever filmed can be found in “Stand by Me”; a few moments in particular even brought me to tears. This movie has actually helped me to understand my own trauma and fears, and I don’t know of any other movies that could do that.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/25

Full Review

Michael N

Sentiment bilge that's not a remotely realistic depiction of how 12 year old boys talk or act. It's clearly an adult's bad imitation of how he thinks 12 year old boys behave. The voice over is particularly ponderous and faux profound. The Kings of Summer is a much better version of this genre.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

08/11/25

Full Review

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Rob Reiner

Director

Wil Wheaton

Gordie Lachance

River Phoenix

Chris Chambers

Corey Feldman

Teddy Duchamp

Jerry O'Connell

Vern Tessio

Kiefer Sutherland

Ace Merrill

Stand by Me: Official Clip - You're Not Taking Him

2:11

Stand by Me: Official Clip - Milk Money

2:11

Stand by Me: Official Clip - The Kid Was Dead

2:13

Stand by Me: Official Clip - Goodbye to Childhood

1:10

Stand by Me: Official Clip - Leeches

2:10

Stand by Me: Official Clip - The Body

2:09

Stand by Me: Official Clip - Train!

1:59

Stand by Me: Official Clip - The Pie-Eating Contest

2:11

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Stand by Me: Trailer 1

1:15

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Synopsis

After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix) and Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman) encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys' adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.

Director: Rob Reiner
Producer: Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon, Andrew Scheinman
Screenwriter: Stephen King, Raynold Gideon, Bruce A. Evans
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 8, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $46.7M
Runtime: 1h 29m

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