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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1986 โ€บ Back to School

Back to School poster

Back to School (1986)

โ€œHe enrolled in college for the pursuit of finer things...like co-eds, shapely professors, fun and rock and roll.โ€

6.3/10 ยท 518 votes 1h 36m pg-13 Comedy

#51 of 63 films from 1986 #1920 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Alan Metter ยท Written by Harold Ramis, Rodney Dangerfield, Steven Kampmann, Greg Fields

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason's college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, giving way to hilarious antics.

Cast

Rodney Dangerfieldas Thornton Melon
Sally Kellermanas Diane
Burt Youngas Lou
Keith Gordonas Jason Melon
Robert Downey Jr.as Derek
William Zabkaas Chas
Paxton Whiteheadas Phillip Barbay
Adrienne Barbeauas Vanessa
M. Emmet Walshas Coach Turnbull
Terry Farrellas Valerie
Ned Beattyas Dean Martin
Severn Dardenas Dr. Barazini
Sam Kinisonas Professor Terguson
Robert Picardoas Giorgio

Facts

Release dateJune 13, 1986
Runtime96 min (1h 36m) โ€” about the same as the 1986 average of 102 min
GenresComedy
LanguageEN
Budget$11,000,000
Box office$91,258,000 (8.3ร— budget)
IMDbtt0090685

More from Alan Metter

Police Academy: Mission to MoscowPolice Academy: Mission to Moscow1994 ยท โ˜… 4.6 ยท 1h 23m

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Questions

How long is Back to School?
Back to School runs 96 minutes (1h 36m).
Is Back to School worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.3/10 across 518 votes, which places it #51 of 63 films released in 1986 in this index (top 21%) and #1920 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed Back to School?
Back to School was directed by Alan Metter. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994).
Who stars in Back to School?
Rodney Dangerfield as Thornton Melon; Sally Kellerman as Diane; Burt Young as Lou; Keith Gordon as Jason Melon; Robert Downey Jr. as Derek; William Zabka as Chas.
What is Back to School rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Back to School?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/47219.

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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.