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The 'Burbs

Play trailer Poster for The 'Burbs PG Released Feb 17, 1989 1h 43m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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56% Tomatometer 41 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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The 'Burbs

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review Noah Gittell Washington City Paper In between set pieces, The ’Burbs thrives on a dynamic conflict between genres, ideas, and eras. Nov 10, 2023 Full Review Adam Olinger Adam Does Movies (YouTube) I'm a bit bummed to see a rotten score on this movie so I felt inclined to throw my positive review into the ring. The Burbs is a great little flick; with a strong cast of neighbors, a simple, yet effective premise and enough intrigue to keep you hooked! Jul 13, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mel W. My favorite movie of all time! Yeah I said it. Just the overall feel and so many classic lines I still quote today. Great actors and a near perfect script! Would love to see a sequel. Well I wrote an idea many years ago, The Klopecks. Tom Hanks, you reading this?😀 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/13/25 Full Review Jonathan S. This movie is a cult classic. Tom Hanks and Corey Feldman.This movie has it all. An amazing piece of American film. This movie gives exactly what it intends. The laughs and the discoveries are never ending. So many great quotes from this movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/06/25 Full Review Stephen C Funny in 1 hour and 43 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring Tom Hanks as Ray Peterson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $34,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/04/25 Full Review Chris P Grew up with this movie. One of the best! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/29/25 Full Review Katie K. Silly and unrealistic, but a fun movie for the family. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/23/25 Full Review Nick O Tom Hanks’ greatest achievement to date! The ‘Burbs is the perfect blend of horror, comedy and paranoid suburban absurdity. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/09/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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The 'Burbs

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Bees and Bad Karma The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Bees and Bad Karma 2:59 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - The Femur The 'Burbs: Official Clip - The Femur 2:30 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Do Not Mess With Suburbanites The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Do Not Mess With Suburbanites 2:26 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ambulance Encounter The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ambulance Encounter 2:07 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ray's Nightmare The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ray's Nightmare 3:19 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - We're the Lunatics! The 'Burbs: Official Clip - We're the Lunatics! 2:26 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - I'm Going Over the Fence The 'Burbs: Official Clip - I'm Going Over the Fence 2:52 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Satan Is Our Pal The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Satan Is Our Pal 2:18 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - What Is It? The 'Burbs: Official Clip - What Is It? 2:01 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Neighbor Take Warning The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Neighbor Take Warning 1:54 View more videos
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Movie Info

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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