John Hughes’ iconic teen classic The Breakfast Club plays September 7 and 10 nationwide.
Universal Pictures will celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Breakfast Club with a nationwide theatrical re-release. You can catch this movie on September 7 and 10. The two-day engagement invites audiences to rediscover John Hughes’ groundbreaking coming-of-age film just in time for the back-to-school season. Advance tickets are available now through Fandango.
A Defining Teen Drama
Released on February 15, 1985, The Breakfast Club broke new ground. It authentically portrays the teenage experience with rare honesty and emotional depth. Set in a suburban Chicago high school, the story follows five students from different social circles who meet during a Saturday detention.
Claire the princess (Molly Ringwald), Andrew the athlete (Emilio Estevez), Brian the brain (Anthony Michael Hall), Allison the basket case (Ally Sheedy), and John the criminal (Judd Nelson) discover over one day that their labels don’t define them. Watched closely by Vice Principal Vernon (Paul Gleason) and janitor Carl (John Kapelos), the group begins as strangers and leaves with an unexpected bond.
Hughes’ Vision and Legacy
The film was John Hughes’ second directorial effort, following Sixteen Candles. Shot for just $1 million in a shuttered Illinois high school, Hughes emphasized character, conversation, and vulnerability over spectacle. He encouraged his young cast to improvise, which led to performances that felt authentic and deeply personal.
Upon release, the film became the 13th highest-grossing movie of 1985. More importantly, it reshaped how teenagers were portrayed on screen. It also sparked the Brat Pack era and influenced decades of storytelling in film and television.
“The Breakfast Club is one of the great films about identity, alienation, and connection,” said Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for Universal Pictures. “The film’s honesty, humor, and humanity continue to connect with audiences of all ages. We’re honored to bring it back to theaters so that a new generation can experience its power on the big screen.”
Enduring Impact
The film’s influence can be seen in projects such as Boyz n the Hood, Dazed and Confused, Freaks and Geeks, Lady Bird, and Eighth Grade. Its poster, shot by Annie Leibovitz, and its theme song, Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” have become cultural landmarks.
In 2015, The Breakfast Club returned to theaters for its 30th anniversary, and in 2016, the Library of Congress added it to the National Film Registry for its cultural significance. Earlier this year, the cast reunited at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo to reflect on the film’s legacy.
Produced by Ned Tanen and Hughes, the film also features cinematography by Thomas Del Ruth, editing by Dede Allen, production design by John W. Corso, and an original score by Keith Forsey.
Audiences can purchase advance tickets for the 40th anniversary screenings now at Fandango.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
