
Better Off Dead
1985, Comedy, 1h 38m
25 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Better Off Dead is an anarchic mix of black humor and surreal comedy, anchored by John Cusack's winsome, charming performance. Read critic reviews
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Better Off Dead Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Lane Meyer
Monique Junot
Al Meyer
Jenny Meyer
Johnny Gasparini
Badger Meyer
News & Interviews for Better Off Dead
Critic Reviews for Better Off Dead
All Critics (25) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (19) | Rotten (6)
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There's a potentially edgy aspect to Better Off Dead's comedy that's never fully realized.
October 2, 2018 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
Mired in this is Cusack ("The Sure Thing"), an unusually adept verbal comedian not so adept (to his credit) at this kind of slapstick.
January 4, 2018 | Full Review… -
The film doesn't seem to have much of a focus. But it doesn't seem to want one, either.
May 20, 2003 | Rating: 3/5 -
John Cusack launched his career as a lovable loser at love with this teen comedy about a guy who gets dumped when his girlfriend decides to trade up.
March 10, 2003 | Full Review… -
Savage Steve Holland, along with Cusack and the rest of his cast, accomplish something unique with Better off Dead. At the surface, the film exhibits the same regressive political traits as many of its contemporary peers.
September 22, 2019 | Full Review… -
I just think it's really funny.
May 13, 2019 | Rating: A- | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Better Off Dead
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Apr 18, 2014The cult '80s teen comedy Better Off Dead delivers some laughs but is unfocused. After his girlfriend breaks up with him Lane Myer losses his will to live, but comes up with a plan to win her back by skiing down the infamous K-12 mountain slope. Unfortunately, the plot is packed with tangents and superfluous subplots that don't payoff. Additionally, there's very little character development. Yet, the film has a good cast that includes John Cusack, Amanda Wyss, and Curtis Armstrong. And there are some fun comedy bits that work really well. It's held back by a weak script, but Better Off Dead does have its moments.Dann M Super Reviewer
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May 10, 2012Better Off Dead is an incredibly strange film, and there's no getting around that. If you're willing to accept its ridiculous antics as products of a bygone age in cinema (whether that be good or bad) and just enjoy the ride at hand, you'll have a good time while it lasts.Isaac H Super Reviewer
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Apr 20, 2012Things only started picking up when John Cusack stared hanging out with the pseudo-French girl. She was really adorable.Jennifer X Super Reviewer
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Aug 10, 2011It's not a perfect comedy, but its over the top and surreal comedy make for a hilarious at times film worth a watch!Chris B Super Reviewer
Better Off Dead Quotes
Paperboy: | I want my two dollars!!!! |
Paperboy: | I want my two dollars! |
Lane Myer: | She only speaks French, Roy. She doesn't speak imbecile |
Lane Myer: | She only speaks French, Roy. She doesn't speak imbecile. |
Charles De Mer: | I've been going to this high school for seven and a half years. I'm no dummy. I know high school girls. |
Charles De Mer: | I've been going to this high school for seven and a half years. I'm no dummy. I know high school girls. |
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