The 'Burbs

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The 'Burbs

PG

Released Feb 17, 1989

1h 43m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

56%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's (Tom Hanks) vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art (Rick Ducommun), and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), Ray sends his son and wife (Carrie Fisher) away on a trip while he investigates the Klopeks. When a neighbor disappears, Ray and his cohorts risk their lives to save their cul-de-sac from the clutches of evil.

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Critics Consensus

The 'Burbs has an engaging premise, likable cast, and Joe Dante at the helm -- so the mixed-up genre exercise they produce can't help but feel like a disappointment.

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Kim Newman

Empire Magazine

It fumbles at the last moment... but this is still mainly a pleasantly nasty delight that was strangely overlooked in the cinema.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 26, 2019

Full Review

Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

It's inconceivable that "The 'burbs looked good on paper.

Mar 26, 2019

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Also starring Carrie Fisher, 'Burbs is a hilarious look at suburban mischief pre-Desperate Housewives. Check it out.

Rated: B

Sep 12, 2017

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David Day

Horror Movie Talk

Dope AF

Rated: 9/10

Sep 23, 2025

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Joshua Mooney

Movieline

Tom Hanks, masterful comic actor that he is, is capable of appearing in some pretty mediocre films as he shows us yet again with "The 'Burbs."

Sep 16, 2025

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Mitchell Beaupre

Paste Magazine

That sense of frivolity helps you tuck yourselves into bed at night in your safe home, trusting in the knowledge that Tom Hanks saved the neighborhood. But The ‘Burbs also contains the lingering reminder of Ray’s words: “It’s not them, it’s us!”

Rated: 8.5/10

Feb 17, 2024

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Michael G

The Burbs is a classic. Dark humor and slapstick!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/09/25

Full Review

Shawn W

I feel sorry for the no-nothing people who contribute to this gem having a score on here that my mind cannot comprehend. If you don't understand this movie as the best cult horror/comedy films of the 80's you are a Lamo Meatball and don't deserve to be rating movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/07/25

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Dustin F

A great movie and Tom Hanks is awesome in it ! The ‘tomatometer’ reviewers are not good at reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

Full Review

David D.

It’s such a fun movie to watch. I quote this movie all the time will my college buddy. It gives you that creepy element with great comic timing with Hanks and the other actors. I watch it whenever it’s on. Give it a chance if you have not watched.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

Full Review

Craig M

Great forgotten movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

Full Review

James M

My favourite movie. The cast is amazing. You'll love every character and every interaction. It's lightning in a freakin bottle!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

Full Review

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Joe Dante

Director

Tom Hanks

Ray Peterson

Bruce Dern

Lt. Mark Rumsfield

Carrie Fisher

Carol Peterson

Rick Ducommun

Art Weingartner

Corey Feldman

Ricky Butler

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Bees and Bad Karma

2:59

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - The Femur

2:30

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Do Not Mess With Suburbanites

2:26

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ambulance Encounter

2:07

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ray's Nightmare

3:19

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - We're the Lunatics!

2:26

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - I'm Going Over the Fence

2:52

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Satan Is Our Pal

2:18

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - What Is It?

2:01

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Neighbor Take Warning

1:54

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Synopsis

Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's (Tom Hanks) vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art (Rick Ducommun), and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), Ray sends his son and wife (Carrie Fisher) away on a trip while he investigates the Klopeks. When a neighbor disappears, Ray and his cohorts risk their lives to save their cul-de-sac from the clutches of evil.

Director: Joe Dante
Producer: Larry Brezner, Michael Finnell
Screenwriter: Dana Olsen
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Imagine Entertainment
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 17, 1989, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $34.1M
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Surround

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