Weird Science
Two awkward suburban teens computer-generate an idealized woman whose outrageous lessons push them toward confidence and social acceptance.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- silly
- irreverent
- mischievous
- nostalgic movie night
- teen comedy marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the ridiculous premise and performances amusing but considered the film a conventional, juvenile, and less accomplished entry in John Hughes's teen-comedy work.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Gary and Wyatt use their computer to create Lisa, turning teenage desperation into the film's central fantastical device.
Gary and Wyatt begin as unpopular teenagers and are pushed into situations that require them to become more self-assured.
Morphing, supernatural transformations, bikers, and other escalating obstacles give the story an absurdly playful register.
The computer-driven premise, suburban teenage setting, and focus on peer acceptance are rooted in mid-1980s youth culture.
Films like Weird Science, and why
The Breakfast Club
Shares 1980s teen comedy, adolescent insecurity, fantastical wish fulfillment, and irreverent humor.
Sixteen Candles
Shares john hughes teen characterization, coming-of-age themes, playful fantasy elements, and breezy comic tone.
The Last Starfighter
Shares teenage outsider protagonists, comic transformation, science-fiction fantasy, and mischievous wish fulfillment.
The Goonies
Shares adolescent male friendship, absurd supernatural comedy, and a heightened journey toward confidence.
Movie Details
- Director
- John Hughes
- Release Date
- 1985-08-01
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (1610)
Cast
- Anthony Michael Hall
- Ilan Mitchell-Smith
- Kelly LeBrock
- Bill Paxton
- Suzanne Snyder
- Judie Aronson
- Barbara Lang
- Ivor Barry
- Ann Coyle
- Robert Downey Jr.
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- 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 Weird Science about?
- Two awkward suburban teens computer-generate an idealized woman whose outrageous lessons push them toward confidence and social acceptance.
- What is Weird Science like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Weird Science as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Weird Science violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Weird Science as mild.
- What did critics think of Weird Science?
- Critics broadly found the ridiculous premise and performances amusing but considered the film a conventional, juvenile, and less accomplished entry in John Hughes's teen-comedy work.
- Which films are like Weird Science?
- Films with a similar feel include The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, The Last Starfighter, and The Goonies.
- How long is Weird Science?
- Weird Science runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch Weird Science?
- In United States, Weird Science streams on YouTube TV.
