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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1984 โ€บ Sixteen Candles

Sixteen Candles poster

Sixteen Candles (1984)

โ€œTurning sixteen isn't easy, when you've fallen in love... for the first time.โ€

6.8/10 ยท 2,261 votes 1h 33m pg ComedyRomanceDrama

#25 of 49 films from 1984 #1102 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by John Hughes ยท Written by John Hughes

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

With the occasion all but overshadowed by her sister's upcoming wedding, angst-ridden Samantha faces her 16th birthday with typical adolescent dread. Samantha pines for studly older boy Jake, but worries that her chastity will be a turnoff for the popular senior. Meanwhile, she must constantly rebuff the affections of nerdy Ted, who is unfortunately the only boy in school who seems to take an interest in her.

Cast

Molly Ringwaldas Samantha Baker
Michael Schoefflingas Jake Ryan
Haviland Morrisas Caroline Mulford
Gedde Watanabeas Long Duk Dong
Anthony Michael Hallas Geek (Ted)
Justin Henryas Mike Baker
Paul Dooleyas Jim Baker
Carlin Glynnas Brenda Baker
Blanche Bakeras Ginny Baker
Edward Andrewsas Howard Baker
Billie Birdas Dorothy Baker
Carole Cookas Grandma Helen
Max Showalteras Grandpa Fred
Liane Curtisas Randy

Facts

Release dateMay 4, 1984
Runtime93 min (1h 33m) โ€” shorter as the 1984 average of 109 min
GenresComedy, Romance, Drama
LanguageEN
Budget$6,500,000
Box office$23,686,027 (3.6ร— budget)
IMDbtt0088128

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The Breakfast ClubThe Breakfast Club1985 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 1h 38m Ferris Bueller's Day OffFerris Bueller's Day Off1986 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 1h 43m Planes, Trains and AutomobilesPlanes, Trains and Automobiles1987 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 32m Uncle BuckUncle Buck1989 ยท โ˜… 6.8 ยท 1h 40m Weird ScienceWeird Science1985 ยท โ˜… 6.5 ยท 1h 33m Curly SueCurly Sue1991 ยท โ˜… 6.4 ยท 1h 42m

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Questions

How long is Sixteen Candles?
Sixteen Candles runs 93 minutes (1h 33m).
Is Sixteen Candles worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.8/10 across 2,261 votes, which places it #25 of 49 films released in 1984 in this index (top 51%) and #1102 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed Sixteen Candles?
Sixteen Candles was directed by John Hughes. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Breakfast Club (1985), Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987).
Who stars in Sixteen Candles?
Molly Ringwald as Samantha Baker; Michael Schoeffling as Jake Ryan; Haviland Morris as Caroline Mulford; Gedde Watanabe as Long Duk Dong; Anthony Michael Hall as Geek (Ted); Justin Henry as Mike Baker.
What is Sixteen Candles rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Sixteen Candles?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/19282.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.