Back to School
Performance & Direction: Back to School Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Back to School (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Back to School features a noteworthy lineup led by Rodney Dangerfield . Supported by the likes of Sally Kellerman and Burt Young , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Back to School
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, Back to School is a Comedy film directed by Alan Metter. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rodney Dangerfield.
Ending Explained: Back to School
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Alan Metter, Back to School concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Rodney Dangerfield, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Back to School reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Back to School?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Rodney Dangerfield or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Back to School
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $11.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $91.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Back to School Budget
The estimated production budget for Back to School is $11.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Back to School
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Where to Watch Back to School Online?
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Apple TV StoreBack to School Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about Back to School age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Back to School is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Back to School is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Back to School worth watching?
Back to School is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Back to School parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Back to School identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Back to School?
The total duration of Back to School is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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