Rudy

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1:58

Rudy

PG

1993

1h 53m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

80%

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49 Reviews

90%

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100,000+ Ratings

Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame, but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend (Christopher Reed) dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob (Jon Favreau), Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school's fabled football team.

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Critics Consensus

Though undeniably sentimental and predictable, Rudy succeeds with an uplifting spirit and determination.

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Johanna Steinmetz

Chicago Tribune

08/23/2016

3/4

Anspaugh, whose Hoosiers showed he knows from feel-good movies, directs this story as if he were conducting Bolero, carefully building climax upon climax as the story spirals to an underdog triumph every bit as tearful as that of Rocky.

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Jeff Shannon

Seattle Times

08/23/2016

3.5/4

The film is so effective because Rudy is never seen as mock-heroic, and he's never lifted toward unrealistic achievement. He simply does the very best he can.

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Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

08/23/2016

Underneath its rah-rah spirit, the PG-rated Rudy is straightforward enough to raise, albeit unintentionally, some troubling questions.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

02/06/2025

7/10

Rudy is all heart, which provides a greater contrast in the face of continuing pitfalls, as well as a decent protagonist for this uplifting, encouraging tale.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

08/15/2024

A+

A great example of how "Hollywooding" something up a little can turn a fantastic true story into something that can affect the viewer even more than just the truth. These are the kinds of films that can only be done in America.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

11/19/2023

2.5/4

A likable if rather bland underdog tale, with director David Anspaugh and screenwriter Angelo Pizzo (who both scored with 1986’s meatier Hoosiers) dutifully checking off the boxes inherent in such Americana fare.

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alan g

@agenser Feb 4

Fantasy movie. Never happened. All made up.

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guglielmo d

@guglielmo Jan 21

Good underrated film. With a great feel-good factor! Certainly not a top film, but very good for its time. It was a bit long-winded at times, and unclear where we were and why, which made it a bit...confusing...

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Christian K

@ckacar Jan 19

The Notre Dame glazing is almost too much to endure in this. The college football spirit is appreciated, its too bad Rudy is annoying as fuck.

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Brad C.

@bradcutter136 Jan 17

Inspiring story, beautiful music and good acting. Definitely a must watch!

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Joy B.

@9mr_0 Dec 21

فيلم حلو وقصة جميله رغم كرهي لكرة القدم الامريكية و شاهدة عشرات الافلام عنها لم افتهمها اعتقد انهم مجموعه من المجرمين امريكا خلتهم يلعبون هذه الرياضة علمود ما يرتكبون جريمه لكن هذا الفلم حلو قصة فرد عتمد على نفسه في وقت محد امن بقدراته حتى عائلته اداء قوي من بطل العمل رودي و اخراج رائع

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TheMovieSearch R

@TheMovieSearch Dec 2

Sean Astin brings the story of Rudy to life with a heartfelt, inspiring performance that makes this one of the most uplifting football films ever made. The movie dives into the world of athletes and gives anyone who feels overlooked a sense of hope and possibility. Jon Favreau is also terrific, proving once again how talented he is in every role he takes. The direction shapes Rudy’s journey into a compelling, emotional experience, pulling the audience into every struggle and triumph. The screenplay is incredibly strong, keeping viewers fully engaged from start to finish and allowing each character’s passion and drive to shine through. This film remains a powerful reminder that determination and heart can overcome even the toughest odds. For my full review, check it out on IMDb

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David Anspaugh

Director

Sean Astin

Rudy Ruettiger

Ned Beatty

Daniel

Charles S. Dutton

Fortune

Robert Prosky

Father Cavanaugh

Lili Taylor

Sherry

Rudy: Official Clip - Rudy's Victory

2:12

Rudy: Official Clip - I've Been Ready for This My Whole Life

2:08

Rudy: Official Clip - Last Game of the Season

1:16

Rudy: Official Clip - This Is for Rudy, Coach

2:11

Rudy: Official Clip - Fortune's Truth

2:12

Rudy: Official Clip - Football Tryouts

2:07

Rudy: Official Clip - Rudy Sacks O'Hara

1:31

Rudy: Official Clip - First Practice

1:52

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Rudy: Trailer 1

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Rudy 25th Anniversary: Special Event - 25th Anniversary Fathom Events Trailer

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Synopsis

Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame, but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend (Christopher Reed) dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob (Jon Favreau), Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school's fabled football team.

Director: David Anspaugh
Producer: Robert N. Fried, Cary Woods
Screenwriter: Angelo Pizzo
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, Columbia Tristar, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 18, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $20.7M
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: Surround