8.1/10
303,611
604 user 109 critic

Stand by Me (1986)

After the death of a friend, a writer recounts a boyhood journey to find the body of a missing boy.

Director:

Writers:

(novel), (screenplay) | 1 more credit »
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Popularity
623 ( 71)
Top Rated Movies #193 | Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 11 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Mr. Quidacioluo
William Bronder ...
Scott Beach ...
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Storyline

It's the summer of 1959 in Castlerock, Oregon and four 12 year-old boys - Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern - are fast friends. After learning of the general location of the body of a local boy who has been missing for several days, they set off into woods to see it. Along the way, they learn about themselves, the meaning of friendship and the need to stand up for what is right. Written by garykmcd

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

For some, it's the last real taste of innocence, and the first real taste of life. But for everyone, it's the time that memories are made of.

Genres:

Adventure | Drama

Certificate:

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Parents Guide:

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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

22 August 1986 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Anni V'Ha-Hevre  »

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Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$242,795, 10 August 1986, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$52,287,414
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was released in theatres on 22 August 1986, a day before River Phoenix' 16th birthday. See more »

Goofs

When the boys get dunked in the swamp, Teddy takes his glasses off, but then while they're thrashing around in the water, both hands are clearly empty. Then, when they get out, he has his glasses in his hand again. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
The Writer: [voiceover] I was 12 going on 13 the first time I saw a dead human being. It happened in the summer of 1959-a long time ago, but only if you measure in terms of years. I was living in a small town in Oregon called Castle Rock. There were only twelve hundred and eighty-one people. But to me, it was the whole world.
See more »

Crazy Credits

In the edited-for-TV version, Lardass Hogan's name is shortened to Lard for obvious reasons. Yet even in the edited-for-TV version, the name "Lardass" is seen in the credits. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Mean Creek (2004) See more »

Soundtracks

Yakety Yak
by Jerry Leiber (as J. Leiber) and Mike Stoller (as M. Stoller)
Performed by The Coasters
All rights administered by Chappell & Co., Inc.
Courtesy of the Atlantic Recording Corp.
by arrangement with Warner Special Products
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Frequently Asked Questions

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User Reviews

 
HELLO? if you've never seen this movie, man you're missin OUT!
16 October 2005 | by See all my reviews

I am 14 years old, and I absolutely love this movie. But don't let my age fool you. I'm not just going to sit here and talk about how hott River Pheonix was.

This movie is well rounded in my perspective. Everyone can relate to at least one of the boys in it at one time in their life. The actors are matched perfectly with who their character portrays.Corey Feldman's character Teddy is the boy who's sensitive about his dad, but tries to hide it, Jerry O' Connell's character Vern is the chubby, wussy kid, but still part of the club, Wil Wheaton's character Gordie is the sweet, intelligent friend who tells stories to the other boys and is ignored by his parents, and River Phoenix's character Chris is the boy in the neighborhood that's been labeled a bad kid and feels he'll never get out of their town, the peacemaker, and Gordie's best friend.

This movie just sucks you in as soon as you start watching it. It's not overly mushy and sad, but it's not so tough that only a sixteen year old boy could stand it. You feel for each character, no matter how mean or nice they are. My personal favorite is Chris Chambers, which i know this will probably drive you guys nuts that almost every other person does too, but River Phoenix is just so touching. The campfire scene is great, the milk money seen is great, and one of my favorites is the train scene. You can definitely see the terror in their faces. It's funny that they all act so tough, except maybe Vern, although he tries, and they still like talking about goofy and dancing and singing along to Lollipop. You also just want to be there with them. Feel that kind of friendship that so many people long for. It's such a feel good movie, but not in the sense of a 10 year old's feel good movie. It makes you feel complete when you watch it. It's not jam packed with action sequences or it doesn't have fluffy pink bunnies hopping around in it either. It's just one of a kind. Definitely worth my time and yours.

The newest DVD of Stand By Me (Special Edition) has Walking the Tracks: The Summer of Stand By Me where all the main actors,except River, and Rob Reiner are interviewed. They also talk about working with River Phoenix. There's also the Stand By Me music video with River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, and obviously Ben E. King. Not to mention an extra CD with some awesome oldie's songs like Everyday, Lollipop, Stand By Me, and Mr. Lee.


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