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The Blues Brothers

Play trailer Poster for The Blues Brothers R 1980 2h 13m Musical Comedy Action Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
72% Tomatometer 92 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) -- collectively known as the "Blues Brothers." Jake's first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together. However, after playing several gigs and making a few enemies, including the police, the brothers face daunting odds to deliver the money on time.
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The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers

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Critics Consensus

Too over the top for its own good, but ultimately rescued by the cast's charm, director John Landis' grace, and several soul-stirring musical numbers.

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Critics Reviews

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Victoria Luxford BBC.com 08/24/2023
5/5
One of the great American comedy films... It’s just a joy to watch even forty three years on. John Belushi was never better as the lead. He’s funny just standing there. Go to Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 12/21/2020
4/4
The Blues Brothers is the year's best film to date; one of the, all-time great comedies; the best movie ever made in Chicago. All are true, and, boy, is that ever a surprise. Go to Full Review Charles Champlin Los Angeles Times 12/21/2020
Despite the temporary lift that the old pros give the picture, it is difficult for the non-cultist to feel anything but dismay, again, that so much has been squandered to produce so little that is truly artful or genuinely entertaining. Go to Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) Apr 19
Best movie starring SNL alumni Go to Full Review Sean Burns Crooked Marquee 06/03/2024
As a little kid, 'The Blues Brothers' taught me the foundations of American music. It also taught me that cops, Nazis and good old boys are to be mercilessly mocked and messed with. Go to Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia 05/07/2024
5/10
It ends up frequenting common places where the dry humor supplied by Aykroyd and Belushi's chemistry wears out like a car tire. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Craig W May 26 A little profane at times but fun. See more Paul May 26 Forgot how amazing this film was. I doubt this film could be made today with all the stars and exorbitant stunts. See more Danimal May 26 Greatest movie every to be filmed in Chicago See more Spencer Aug 7 Please keep putting old movies in theaters See more Marc's Mom 04/30/2025 Loved the music, the comedy, just all of it! took me back to a better time. See more Melissa L @Agent99 4d I'm a lifelong Chicagoan, so, obviously good Chicago movies are my favorite movies. This has also other good memories. I just watched it again. I still love it...how could I not with the star cast and the familiar sites?! Recommended! See more Read all reviews
The Blues Brothers

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Cast & Crew

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John Landis

Director

John Belushi

Jake Blues

Dan Aykroyd

Elwood Blues

James Brown

Reverend Cleophus James

Cab Calloway

Curtis

Ray Charles

Ray

Movie Clips

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The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Chased by the Cops The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Chased by the Cops 2:58 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Everybody Needs Somebody to Love The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Everybody Needs Somebody to Love 3:20 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Mall Chase The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Mall Chase 2:52 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Filthy Mouths & Bad Attitudes The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Filthy Mouths & Bad Attitudes 2:57 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Nazis Take a Dive The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Nazis Take a Dive 2:23 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Shake A Tail Feather The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Shake A Tail Feather 2:46 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Rawhide The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Rawhide 2:49 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - The Bluesmobile Does a Backflip The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - The Bluesmobile Does a Backflip 2:49 The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Paying the Price The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Paying the Price 2:56 View more videos

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The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers (1980) The Blues Brothers (1980) The Blues Brothers (1980) The Blues Brothers (1980) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) -- collectively known as the "Blues Brothers." Jake's first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together. However, after playing several gigs and making a few enemies, including the police, the brothers face daunting odds to deliver the money on time.
Director
John Landis
Producer
Robert K. Weiss
Screenwriter
Dan Aykroyd, John Landis
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Universal Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Musical, Comedy, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 18, 1980, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 15, 2012
Runtime
2h 13m
Sound Mix
Dolby, Mono