Back to School
1986 · Movie · PG-13 · 96 min · ★ 6.3 · 77% critics
A self-made millionaire enrolls in his son’s college after realizing his kid is struggling to fit in and thinking a fresh start might help. His big personality and deep pockets shake up campus life, creating nonstop comedy as he tries to earn respect, handle skeptical professors, and learn what education really means.
Also known as Retour à l'école
Where to watch
Watch free on Tubi — also streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1986
- Release date
- 1986-06-13
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 77/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.3/10 (496 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want an upbeat, over-the-top ’80s campus comedy packed with rapid-fire jokes and a warm message, in the same hangout spirit as Stripes; Not for you if you dislike broad humor or dated gags.
Pros: nonstop one-liners; feel-good father-son angle; colorful supporting cast | Cons: dated raunchy moments; contrived plot points; thin side characters
Themes
- college
- tutor
- whirlpool
- clothing store
- bribe
- clothing store owner
- back to school
- father son relationship
Cast & crew
Rodney Dangerfield
as Thornton Melon
Sally Kellerman
as Diane
Burt Young
as Lou
Keith Gordon
as Jason Melon
Robert Downey Jr.
as Derek
William Zabka
as Chas
Paxton Whitehead
as Phillip Barbay
Adrienne Barbeau
as Vanessa
M. Emmet Walsh
as Coach Turnbull
Terry Farrell
as Valerie
Directed by Alan Metter