The 'Burbs
The 'Burbs Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: The 'Burbs
| Movie | The 'Burbs |
| Release Year | 1989 |
| Director | Joe Dante |
| Genre | Comedy / Horror / Thriller |
| Runtime | 102 minutes (1h 42m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The 'Burbs (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in The 'Burbs are led by Tom Hanks . The supporting cast, including Bruce Dern and Carrie Fisher , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The 'Burbs stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The 'Burbs has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The 'Burbs
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1989, The 'Burbs is a Comedy, Horror, Thriller film directed by Joe Dante, written by Dana Olsen. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tom Hanks as Ray Peterson.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. When secretive new neighbors move in next door, suburbanite Ray Peterson and his friends let their paranoia get the best of them as they start to suspect the newcomers of evildoings and commence an investigation. But it's hardly how Ray, who much prefers drinking beer, reading his newspaper and watching a ball game on the tube expected to spend his vacation. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The 'Burbs's opening establishes the comedic tone through Tom Hanks as Ray Peterson's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Joe Dante layers throughout.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Tom Hanks's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Tom Hanks's storyline wrapping up predictably but entertainingly.
Ending Explained: The 'Burbs
The 'Burbs Ending Explained: Directed by Joe Dante, The 'Burbs wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Tom Hanks. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The 'Burbs reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The 'Burbs?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Tom Hanks or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: The 'Burbs
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $49.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The 'Burbs Budget
The estimated production budget for The 'Burbs is $18.0M. 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.
Where to Watch The 'Burbs Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe 'Burbs Parents Guide & Age Rating
1989 AdvisoryWondering about The 'Burbs age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The 'Burbs (1989) is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Directed by Joe Dante, the film runs for 102 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, The 'Burbs is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 'Burbs worth watching?
The 'Burbs is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The 'Burbs parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The 'Burbs identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The 'Burbs (1989)?
The runtime of The 'Burbs (1989) is 102 minutes (approximately 1h 42m).
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.
