Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
John Hughes's beloved comedy about one teenager's perfect, rule-breaking day in Chicago remains a timeless celebration of youth and freedom.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: John Hughes
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 11, 1986 (Romania - AP), June 11, 1986 (United States - PG-13), December 19, 1986 (Canada - A), February 13, 1987 (United Kingdom - 15), December 18, 1986 (Germany - 12), December 17, 1986 (France - TP), November 24, 1986 (India - U), August 21, 1986 (Australia - PG), December 19, 1986 (Brazil - 12), December 4, 1986 (Italy - T), April 24, 1987 (Spain - A)
- Alternative Titles: Todo en un día (ES), Skulk med stil (NO), วันหยุดสุดป่วนของนายเฟอร์ริส (TH), Wolny Dzień Pana Ferisa Buellersa (PL), Un Experto En Diversiones (AR), フェリスはある朝突然に：1986 (JP)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Plot
After high school slacker Ferris Bueller successfully fakes an illness in order to skip school for the day, he goes on a series of adventures throughout Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron, all the while trying to outwit his wily school principal and fed-up sister.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what one legendary day in Chicago looks like:
Leisure rules.
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Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Hughes
Main Cast
- Matthew Broderick
- Alan Ruck
- Mia Sara
- Jeffrey Jones
- Jennifer Grey
- Cindy Pickett
- Lyman Ward
- Edie McClurg
- Charlie Sheen
- Ben Stein
Writers
- John Hughes
Producers
- John Hughes
- Tom Jacobson
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - FAQs
What is Ferris Bueller's Day Off about?
Ferris Bueller's Day Off follows the irresistibly charming Ferris Bueller, a high school senior who fakes sick to skip school and spend one legendary day in Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane and anxious best friend Cameron. It's a joyful celebration of youth, freedom, and living in the moment — with a relentless principal hot on their trail.
Does Ferris Bueller break the fourth wall?
Absolutely — and it's one of the film's most beloved tricks. Ferris regularly turns to the camera and speaks directly to the audience, sharing his philosophy on life, cracking jokes, and even offering tips on faking illness. It gives the film a uniquely playful, conspiratorial energy that still feels fresh decades later.
Where can you stream Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
You can stream Ferris Bueller's Day Off on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, AMC Plus, and the Paramount+ Amazon Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home, among other platforms.
Is there a post-credits scene in the film?
Yes! Stick around after the credits roll. Ferris appears on screen in his bathrobe and tells the audience the movie is over — and to go home. It's a perfectly cheeky, in-character button to the whole adventure, and one of the most memorable post-credits moments in 1980s cinema.
Who are the main actors in Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
Matthew Broderick leads the cast as the effortlessly cool Ferris, with Alan Ruck as his neurotic best friend Cameron and Mia Sara as girlfriend Sloane. Jeffrey Jones is wonderfully villainous as Dean Rooney, Jennifer Grey shines as Ferris's frustrated sister Jeanie, and Ben Stein delivers the iconic monotone economics lecture.
What is the famous parade scene in the film?
One of cinema's most joyful sequences: Ferris hijacks a float at the Von Steuben Day Parade in downtown Chicago and launches into a lip-sync performance of “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles. The crowd goes wild, the whole city joins in, and it perfectly captures the film's spirit of spontaneous, infectious fun.
Was Ferris Bueller's Day Off a box office success?
Very much so. Made on a modest $6 million budget, the film earned over $70 million at the worldwide box office — a remarkable return. It became one of the defining hits of 1986 and cemented John Hughes's reputation as the master of the American teen comedy.
Where was Ferris Bueller's Day Off filmed?
The film was shot almost entirely on location in Chicago, Illinois, making the city itself a co-star. Iconic locations include the Art Institute of Chicago, Wrigley Field, the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower), and the city's famous downtown streets — all captured beautifully by cinematographer Tak Fujimoto.
More About Ferris Bueller's Day Off
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