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Urban Cowboy

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Urban Cowboy

PG

Released Jun 6, 1980

2h 15m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

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24 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

After moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis (John Travolta) starts hanging around a bar called Gilley's, where he falls in love with Sissy (Debra Winger), a cowgirl who believes the sexes are equal. They eventually marry, but their relationship is turbulent due to Bud's traditional view of gender roles. Jealousy over his rival, Wes (Scott Glenn), leads to their separation, but Bud attempts to win Sissy back by triumphing at Gilley's mechanical bull-riding competition.

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Meaghan Morris

Sydney Morning Herald

An engaging romance about the emotional complexities of a rather nasty society which has a lot in common with our own.

Apr 23, 2025

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Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

At no time is Urban Cowboy especially well-directed.

Aug 12, 2022

Full Review

Bob Thomas

Associated Press

As in Saturday Night Fever and Grease, [Travolta] plays a blustery, not-too-bright, young man with an electric personality that is fascinating to watch.

Mar 4, 2019

Full Review

Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

In short, the fact that all three central characters are fallible is unique as it makes the characters less archetypes and more human.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 3, 2020

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Travolta is fine, but Winger and Glenn are the ones who truly add fire to the film.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 14, 2020

Full Review

Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

Just how his camera lingers on Travolta gives new meaning to the notion of the gay gaze...

Rated: B-

Jun 10, 2020

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Adelynn P

BUD IS THE HOTTEST MAN I HAVE EVER SEEN I RECKON!!!!!!!!!!!!! URBAN COWBOY IS GREAT

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/16/25

Full Review

Rob G

Think of the run Travolta had between Saturday Night Fever, Grease and Urban Cowboy. All three were major pop culture phenom movies with great double soundtracks of different genres. This one stands up better that I would have thought. Just watched it again for the first time in like 40 years. Good movie, great soundtrack. Great nostalgia. What more could you want?

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/20/25

Full Review

Carmine J

I saw the movie for the first time yesterday 9/29/24 and I really enjoyed it. It’s really quite humorous at times. They are in crazy love with each other even during the worst of times. I honestly didnt know howmthenmovie would end. The riveting soumdtrack was awesome. I do remember working in a music store when the movie came out and everyone bought it. Now i know why.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/30/24

Full Review

Shannon F

One of my all time favorite movies. I know it word for word. The soundtrack is pretty good as well. I have watched it often in the last 20 years.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/26/25

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Jennifer H

This movie would never be considered a nominee for Best Picture from the Academy. However it has such a feel good inspiration with a really great tribute to the 80's- When the cowboy look was in fashion and as always John Travolta ruled our hearts and the dance floor.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/27/23

Full Review

Rachael B

The overall plot felt predictable, characters were shallow, but the dancing and mechanical bull stunts stole the shoe exactly as they were intended to. Much of the middle of the movie felt dragged out and unnecessary.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/08/23

Full Review

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James Bridges

Director

John Travolta

Bud

Debra Winger

Sissy Davis

Scott Glenn

Wes Hightower

Madolyn Smith Osborne

Pam

Barry Corbin

Bob Davis

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - A Sexy Sissy Ride

2:13

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - A Wedding at Gilley's

0:44

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - I Love You, Sissy

1:58

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - Swaller Pride

2:12

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - Hitching a Ride

2:08

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - We're Going Home

1:48

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - Gilley's Rodeo Competition

2:12

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - Sissy Rides the Bull

2:12

Urban Cowboy: Official Clip - We Live Like Pigs

2:13

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Synopsis

After moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis (John Travolta) starts hanging around a bar called Gilley's, where he falls in love with Sissy (Debra Winger), a cowgirl who believes the sexes are equal. They eventually marry, but their relationship is turbulent due to Bud's traditional view of gender roles. Jealousy over his rival, Wes (Scott Glenn), leads to their separation, but Bud attempts to win Sissy back by triumphing at Gilley's mechanical bull-riding competition.

Director: James Bridges
Producer: Irving Azoff, Robert Evans
Screenwriter: Aaron Latham, James Bridges
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Robert Evans Company
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 6, 1980, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Runtime: 2h 15m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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