The 'Burbs

Play trailer

The 'Burbs

PG

1989

1h 42m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

57%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art, and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield, Ray sends his son and wife away on a trip while he investigates the Klopeks. When a neighbor disappears, Ray and his cohorts risk their lives to save their cul-de-sac from the clutches of evil.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

The 'Burbs has an engaging premise, likable cast, and Joe Dante at the helm -- so the mixed-up genre exercise they produce can't help but feel like a disappointment.

Read Critics Reviews

Kim Newman

Empire Magazine

Mar 26, 2019

4/5

It fumbles at the last moment... but this is still mainly a pleasantly nasty delight that was strangely overlooked in the cinema.

Go to Full Review

Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

Mar 26, 2019

It's inconceivable that "The 'burbs looked good on paper.

Go to Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 12, 2017

B

Also starring Carrie Fisher, 'Burbs is a hilarious look at suburban mischief pre-Desperate Housewives. Check it out.

Go to Full Review

Jack E. Wilkinson

United Press International

Jun 12, 2026

Problem is, it's not funny, a situation comedy that's all situation and little comedy.

Go to Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Mar 19, 2026

3/5

‘…long-winded satire that intrigues but doesn’t quite satisfy…’

Go to Full Review

Jim Emerson

Orange County Register

Mar 18, 2026

There's a playful, anything-goes quality to "The 'Burbs."

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

S. O

@Col._Angus Sep 17, 2026

Another great example of critics who were likely pissed because they had to "go see this bad movie.." And the fact that critics aren't funny, and usually have a hard time understanding comedy. This movie is gold. It still holds up. And at the end of the day, it accomplishes exactly what it set out to do. And it's hilarious.

See more

Christian K

@ckacar Sep 7, 2026

I think this is a pretty funny satire with a loaded, overqualified cast. I can't believe Bruce Dern has just been 'crazy old guy' for 50 years.

See more

David H

@wolfstar Aug 16, 2026

I just tried watching this dog of a movie and it’s… just… so dumb.

See more

Henry E

@CheddarGoblin Jul 17, 2026

Best comedy movie other than Superbad because that movie is hilarious

See more

Mireille T

@RT34033469 Jul 11, 2026

I had written a whole review then lost it.si ill be short.i found the critics were a bit strict at the time it came out. I had a good time and laughed out loud a few times. The actors did very well and who does nt like Tom Hanks beeing funny. Enjoy the ride.

See more

Boston J

@BostonJohn Jul 3, 2026

This movie is a lot of fun, well worth watching.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Joe Dante

Director

Tom Hanks

Ray Peterson

Bruce Dern

Lt. Mark Rumsfield

Carrie Fisher

Carol Peterson

Rick Ducommun

Art Weingartner

Corey Feldman

Ricky Butler

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Bees and Bad Karma

2:59

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - The Femur

2:30

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Do Not Mess With Suburbanites

2:26

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ambulance Encounter

2:07

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ray's Nightmare

3:19

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - We're the Lunatics!

2:26

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - I'm Going Over the Fence

2:52

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Satan Is Our Pal

2:18

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - What Is It?

2:01

Now Playing

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Neighbor Take Warning

1:54

Now Playing

View more videos

Cop and a Half

14%

35%

Cop and a Half

Watchlist

Problem Child

3%

43%

Problem Child

Watchlist

Sgt. Bilko

31%

47%

Sgt. Bilko

Watchlist

The Great Outdoors

44%

71%

The Great Outdoors

Watchlist

Uncle Buck

61%

77%

Uncle Buck

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art, and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield, Ray sends his son and wife away on a trip while he investigates the Klopeks. When a neighbor disappears, Ray and his cohorts risk their lives to save their cul-de-sac from the clutches of evil.

Director: Joe Dante
Producer: Larry Brezner, Michael Finnell
Screenwriter: Dana Olsen
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Imagine Entertainment
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 17, 1989, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $34.1M
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings