The 'Burbs

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The 'Burbs

PG

1989

1h 42m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

57%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art, and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield, Ray sends his son and wife 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

Mar 26, 2019

4/5

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

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

Mar 26, 2019

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

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 12, 2017

B

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

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Jack E. Wilkinson

United Press International

Jun 12, 2026

Problem is, it's not funny, a situation comedy that's all situation and little comedy.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Mar 19, 2026

3/5

‘…long-winded satire that intrigues but doesn’t quite satisfy…’

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Jim Emerson

Orange County Register

Mar 18, 2026

There's a playful, anything-goes quality to "The 'Burbs."

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Christian K

@ckacar 4 days ago

I think this is a pretty funny satire with a loaded, overqualified cast. I can't believe Bruce Dern has just been 'crazy old guy' for 50 years.

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David H

@wolfstar Aug 16, 2026

I just tried watching this dog of a movie and it’s… just… so dumb.

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Henry E

@CheddarGoblin Jul 17, 2026

Best comedy movie other than Superbad because that movie is hilarious

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Mireille T

@RT34033469 Jul 11, 2026

I had written a whole review then lost it.si ill be short.i found the critics were a bit strict at the time it came out. I had a good time and laughed out loud a few times. The actors did very well and who does nt like Tom Hanks beeing funny. Enjoy the ride.

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Boston J

@BostonJohn Jul 3, 2026

This movie is a lot of fun, well worth watching.

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Melissa M

@Lisey Jun 6, 2026

It's like American Gothic meets leave It to Beaver. This movie got a lot of mixed reviews. Back in the day Hollywood had at least some type of imagination. Now it's all sequels, prequels, remakes. Or remakes of remakes. All-Star cast. Bruce Dern, Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Corey Feldman, Brother Theodore, Courtney gains, Dick Miller. This movie takes place in a small suburban town. Even though this movie goes to bizarre extremities. It's betrayal of a small town it's not too far off. Small towns are notoriously known for busy bodies & gossipy neighbors. And that one family that is the talk of the Town. In the film Tom Hanks plays Ray Peterson all he wants to do is have a nice relaxing staycation. A new eccentric family moves into town. They give new meaning to beware of the quiet ones. Curiosity gets the better of Ray & his busy body neighbors. Especially when the town grump goes missing. They decide to play dime store detectives & investigate the Klopek house.

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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

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Synopsis

Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art, and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield, Ray sends his son and wife 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 42m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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