Ferris Bueller's Day Off
A charismatic high-school truant turns one stolen day in Chicago into an exuberant rebellion against routine, authority, and the pressure to grow up.
Overview
A high school student takes a daring day off, turning Chicago into his playground.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- irreverent
- warm
- lazy sunday
- nostalgic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a charming, warm-hearted, highly entertaining teen comedy distinguished by Matthew Broderick’s charisma, though some object to its indulgent hedonism and find Sloane underwritten.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ferris frequently looks into the camera to explain his schemes, comment on events, and recruit viewers into his perspective.
Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane spend their unsanctioned day moving through Chicago attractions and public spaces.
Ferris treats skipping school and deceiving authority as an exuberant escape from routine and social expectations.
Cameron’s anxiety about his father and family life complicates Ferris’s carefree performance with genuine adolescent pain.
Films like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and why
The Breakfast Club
shares teen rebellion, coming-of-age comedy, school avoidance, and a mischievous anti-authority protagonist
Risky Business
shares irreverent youth comedy, authority evasion, and exuberant adolescent wish fulfillment
Adventures in Babysitting
shares a charismatic rule-breaking teenager, suburban escapism, and warm friendship-centered comedy
License to Drive
shares 1980s teen comedy, romantic adventure, and a day-long urban caper structure
Movie Details
- Director
- John Hughes
- Release Date
- 1986-06-11
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (5592)
Cast
- Matthew Broderick
- Alan Ruck
- Mia Sara
- Jeffrey Jones
- Jennifer Grey
- Cindy Pickett
- Lyman Ward
- Edie McClurg
- Charlie Sheen
- Ben Stein
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Apple TV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, YouTube TV, AMC, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, Apple TV Amazon Channel
- Rent
- JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Ferris Bueller's Day Off about?
- A charismatic high-school truant turns one stolen day in Chicago into an exuberant rebellion against routine, authority, and the pressure to grow up.
- What is Ferris Bueller's Day Off like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Ferris Bueller's Day Off violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
- What did critics think of Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a charming, warm-hearted, highly entertaining teen comedy distinguished by Matthew Broderick’s charisma, though some object to its indulgent hedonism and find Sloane underwritten.
- Which films are like Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
- Films with a similar feel include The Breakfast Club, Risky Business, Adventures in Babysitting, and License to Drive.
- How long is Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
- Ferris Bueller's Day Off runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
- In United States, Ferris Bueller's Day Off streams on Apple TV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, YouTube TV, AMC, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, Apple TV Amazon Channel.
