Stand by Me (1986)
Rob Reiner's timeless coming-of-age classic follows four boys on a journey that will define the rest of their lives.
Stand by Me - Movie Information
- Original Title: Stand by Me
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Rob Reiner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 22, 1986 (Canada - PG), August 22, 1986 (United States - R), March 13, 1987 (United Kingdom - 15), August 22, 1986 (Germany - 6), February 25, 1987 (France - U), March 19, 1987 (Australia - M), December 19, 1986 (Brazil - 12), November 1, 1986 (Italy), April 1, 1987 (Spain - A), October 24, 2019 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: The Body (US)
- Production Companies: Act III Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Stand by Me - Plot
After learning that a boy their age has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four boys decide to go see the body. Gordie, Vern, Chris, and Teddy encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, but they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys' adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.
Stand by Me - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and relive the adventure that captured a generation:
“If I could only have one food to eat for the rest of my life?” “That's easy. Pez. Cherry flavor Pez. No question about it.”
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Stand by Me - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rob Reiner
Main Cast
- Wil Wheaton
- River Phoenix
- Corey Feldman
- Jerry O'Connell
- Kiefer Sutherland
- Casey Siemaszko
- Gary Riley
- Bradley Gregg
- Jason Oliver
- Marshall Bell
Writers
- Raynold Gideon
- Bruce A. Evans
Producers
- Bruce A. Evans
- Raynold Gideon
- Andrew Scheinman
Stand by Me - FAQs
Is Stand by Me based on a true story?
Stand by Me is not based on a true story, but it is adapted from Stephen King's 1982 novella The Body, published in his collection Different Seasons. King drew on autobiographical elements from his own childhood in Maine, lending the story an emotional authenticity that resonates as deeply personal, even if the specific events are fictional.
Who are the main actors in Stand by Me?
The film stars Wil Wheaton as Gordie Lachance, River Phoenix as Chris Chambers, Corey Feldman as Teddy Duchamp, and Jerry O'Connell as Vern Tessio. Kiefer Sutherland plays the menacing antagonist Ace Merrill, while Richard Dreyfuss appears as the adult narrator, the older Gordie reflecting on his youth.
What is Stand by Me about?
Stand by Me follows four young friends in 1950s Oregon who set out to find the body of a missing boy. What begins as a boyhood adventure becomes a profound coming-of-age journey, revealing the boys' fears, family struggles, and the bittersweet nature of childhood friendship before the adult world inevitably pulls them apart.
Where can I stream or watch Stand by Me?
Stand by Me is available to stream with a subscription on YouTube TV and Philo. It can also be bought or rented on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Additional purchase options include Google Play Movies and YouTube. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
What is the age rating for Stand by Me?
Stand by Me is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's strong language, some violence, and mature thematic content involving death and troubled family dynamics. Despite its young protagonists, the film is intended for mature audiences and is not recommended for young children.
Did Stand by Me win any awards?
Stand by Me earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for writers Raynold Gideon and Bruce A. Evans. The film also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture Drama. Over the decades it has been widely recognized as one of the greatest coming-of-age films ever made.
How long is Stand by Me?
Stand by Me has a runtime of 89 minutes, or approximately one hour and twenty-nine minutes. Its compact length contributes to the film's focused, intimate storytelling, keeping the emotional momentum tight and ensuring the boys' journey never overstays its welcome.
What are some movies similar to Stand by Me?
If you enjoyed Stand by Me, you might also appreciate The Goonies (1985), which shares a similar spirit of childhood adventure and camaraderie. Other thematically resonant films include My Own Private Idaho (1991), Running on Empty (1988), and Drugstore Cowboy (1989), all of which explore youth, identity, and the search for belonging.
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