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Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton ... see more see more... , John Matuszak , Robert Davi , Joe Pantoliano , Anne Ramsey , Jeb Stuart Adams , Steve Antin , Bill Bradley , Patrick Cameron , Michael Paul Chan , Jeff B. Cohen , Ted Grossman , Jack O'Leary , Lupe Ontiveros , Jonathan Ke Quan , Gene Ross , Mary Ellen Trainor , Paul Tuerpé , Keith Walker , Eric Briant Wells , Newt Arnold , Curtis Hanson , Orwin Harvey , Charles McDaniel , George Nicholas McLean , Elaine Cohen McMahon , George Robotham , Max Segar , Judy Taylor , Mike Fenton , Jane Feinberg , Jeff Cohen

Leonard Maltin wasn't alone when he noticed similarities between Goonies and the 1934 Our Gang comedy Mama's Little Pirate. Adapted by Chris Columbus from a story by Steven Spielberg, the film follows... read more read more... a group of misfit kids (including such second-generation Hollywoodites as Josh Brolin and Sean Astin) as they search for buried treasure in a subterranean cavern. Here they cross the path of lady criminal Mama Fratelli (Anne Ramsey) and her outlaw brood. Fortunately, the kids manage to befriend Fratelli's hideously deformed (but soft-hearted) son (John Matuszak), who comes to their rescue. The Spielberg influence is most pronounced in the film's prologue and epilogue, when the viewer is advised that the film's real villains are a group of "Evil Land Developers." The musical score makes excellent use of Max Steiner's main theme from The Adventures of Don Juan, not to mention contributions by the likes of Richard Marx and Cyndi Lauper. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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88% liked it

501,767 ratings

Critics

63% liked it

41 critics

PG, 1 hr. 55 min.

Directed by: Richard Donner

Release Date: June 7, 1985

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DVD Release Date: August 21, 2001

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Stats: 41,612 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (41,612)


  • May 12, 2012
    Funny and exciting with more than just a hint of nostalgia. Full review later.
  • March 19, 2012
    A true Speillbergian adventure experience.
  • February 8, 2012
    At times the film is too noisy and obnoxious for its own good. Even for the audience its aimed at. But its one of the few movies that can appeal to most audiences with a good blend of laughs, thrills, action and adventure and an innocence that modern kids film dont have.
  • October 10, 2011
    Oh my god the movie of my life when I was about 11 hehe used to build dens in the garden and attempt to build booby traps as well hahaha this film influenced me bigtime. Had a huge crush on Kerri Green too, so cute :)

    Total Spielberg with all the set designs, look of the film an... read mored 'Indy' type adventure, its basically 'Indy' for kids lets face it. This really is the perfect kids yarn for all ages with a perfect blend of rollicking fun, cheeky dialog, a touch of gentle romance and a roster of characters that most kids can relate too in one way or another.

    The film starts with that lovely 80's pure Americana feel based on the Pacific north west coast of the US in Astoria, Oregon. Donner handles the film with apparent ease as the young cast travel outside of their comfort zone and into the depths of the countryside and beyond looking for treasure, its so basic yet it works so well.

    Allot of this is no doubt down to the cast which is the highlight of the film apart from the amazing set work. Who can forget any of these guys? they are all classic characters, do I even need to mention any names? I think Feldman as 'Mouth' was always a favourite when I was a kid and I also tried to be inventive like 'Data'.

    As said this film was very influential when I was a kid, I wanted to be a Goonie and have adventures with the gang, it played a big part in my young life as did many other classic 80's flicks and I think that explains it all really.
  • October 9, 2011
    Classic 80s movie when it was just clean fun. A group of kids set off in search of hidden treasure. Full of adventure and fighting baddies.
  • August 6, 2011
    Before Sean Astin and Josh Brolin starred in The Lord of the Rings and True Grit, they were Goonies, a group of rag-tag tweens who go into a myserious cave in Coastal Oregon to find One-Eyed Willie's lost and supposedly cursed pirate treasure. In order to get to it, they must go ... read morethrough a bleak, mysterious, cannibalistic restaurant and deformed creature known as Sloth.

    Scooby-Doo + Indiana Jones = The Goonies

    That is exactly what I think the formula that went into making The Goonies was like. Its got an adventurous plot like an Indiana Jones flick and the spookiness and silliness of a Scooby-Doo episode. Its also cheesy like one. The Goonies is considered a coming-of-age film to many and I agree. The film contains morals of friendship and teamwork. Plus, facing your fears, first crushes, and independence.

    This film is fun and cute. I didn't find it awesome like many people claimed. I found the writing to be smart and witty and the cave and restaurant scenes have a good spooky tone. Nicely done, Ricard Donner. This is definetly the type of film Spielberg would like to contribute to.

    As for performances, they were great. But no matter how good the production design, visuals, and performances are, 80s films would always have a touch of cheesiness. Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Corey Feldman (R.I.P.) are fine young actors. I just wonder why young boys aren't very good actors today. Its all about the girls these days. Abigail Breslin, Chloe Mortez, Hailee Steinfeld, etc. Also, the little kid who played Short Round in Temple of Doom is so enjoyable in this one as the kid with wacky little inventions up his sleeve. I so wanna see him come back to cinema. If they can bring back Marion for Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, they should bring back Shorty for the 5th and Dr. Jones, Sr. for the 6th. Don't die just yet, Sean! Whoever played Sloth was good. Plus, you gotta love Chunk!

    The Goonies is a fun little adventure movie with many memorable bits. The cast is fun and the story is good. What you expect from an adventurous kids film is delivered. A sequel is in development and I think with today's visual effects and production design, it would look great. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but a musical adaptation is in the early stages. Tell me what you think of this in the comments, folks. Would you like a sequel or a stage musical? A fun film The Goonies is. In the words of the great Stan Lee, "Nuff' said."

    "Do the truffle shuffle."

    Why don't we all do the Truffle Shuffle? Cue the music!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIOOwhmkoLo
  • June 27, 2011
    An average film; not likely to be remembered.
  • May 24, 2011
    The Goonies is one of those childhood films that still remains relevant to you even if you're an adult. The film is a classic. With their homes at stake of being foreclosed and their neighborhood becoming a future golf course, A group of misfit kids band together one afternoon an... read mored accidentally discover a pirate map. Thus they begin a search for the missing treasure of One Eyed Willy. Watching The Goonies brings back fun memories of my childhood. The film is one of those gems that doesn't seem dated and you can watch over and over again and still find amusing. The story is exciting, funny and thrilling. Director Richard Donner directs a great cast of actors. Including a very young Josh Brolin and Sean Avery. Honestly, I couldn't believe it was Brolin and Avery. The Goonies is a wonderfully crafted adventure film. The young cast may seem familiar to many as you have Corey Feldman (Friday The 13th part 4, The Burebs, The Lost Boys) and Jonathan Que Quan (Short Round, Indiana Jones and The Temple Doom) The story is fairly simple, but it's a very entertaining one at that. I grew up watching The Goonies, for me it's one of those timless childhood favorites such as The Sandlot, The Secret Garden, Casper and Toy Story. All those films bring back memories. But The Goonies, unlike any other film that I saw when I was a kid, made a pretty big impact on me. When I first saw it, I was astounded with it. I had so much fun, the characters, the humour, the pirate themed adventure. The Goonies is a film that should be watched and cherished by families everywhere.
  • May 18, 2011
    The gonnies about 2 kids that found out that they are moving in couple days. The kids decide to have their friends over and they search the house for something to do. They found a map and they decide to follow it. A long the way they came on booty traps and getting stuck into th... read moree tunnel. Will they find the treasure and get out alive or will they stay there forever.
    Pros
    Good plot and acting
    Good action. It keeps me at the edge of the seat and kept me guessing on what will happen next.
  • April 9, 2011
    I watched this when it first came out at the movies. I was 12. I think I liked it well enough back then, but it was not a film I loved and would watch over and over like 16 Candles or Pretty in pink.
    I actually don't think I ever have rewatched it until now. What can I say? Whil... read moree vastly superior to some of the crap that is made now for preteens and teens, it is definitely one for the boys and it doesn't, to me anyhow, stand up to repeat viewings as an adult.
    The characters are well written and a good cast. One of Corey Feldman's better roles. Also Kerri Green - a pity she retired from acting young. She was a relatable girl next door type I always enjoyed on screen. Sean Astin is also good.
    Maybe one to watch with the kids in your life.

Critic Reviews


Dave Kehr
February 1, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

It's a charmless exercise: director Richard Donner turns the kids into shrieking ferrets, and his jumpy cutting seems to lag behind the action deliberately in a curious attempt to make the film seem m... Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The Goonies is a smooth mixture of the usual ingredients from Steven Spielberg action movies, made special because of the high-energy performances of the kids who have the adventures. Full Review

Janet Maslin
August 30, 2004
Janet Maslin, New York Times

The Goonies has every imaginable funhouse flourish. It has crooks, bats, cobwebs, skeletons, a lovable monster, an underground grotto and a treasure hidden by some of the most considerate, clue-loving... Full Review

Charles Cassady
December 15, 2010
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media

A classic '80s action-fantasy -- tweens will love! Full Review

R. L. Shaffer
November 6, 2010
R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD

For some, The Goonies is a classic, but for others the film is simply a mediocre kids' flick. Full Review

John J. Puccio
April 18, 2007
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis

...lacks charm, wit, or warmth, yet appears to remain a hit with children because of its frenetic pace, slapstick gags, goofy characters, and slightly naughty language. Full Review

Shane Burridge
March 22, 2007
Shane Burridge, rec.arts.movies.reviews

You'll feel more like you were on a theme park ride than at a movie

Steve Crum
February 6, 2007
Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

Of its type, great fun--at least for kids.

February 1, 2007
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Nothing more than cookbook filmmaking. Full Review

Ryan Cracknell
July 24, 2006
Ryan Cracknell, Movie Views

Whether it's an organ that threatens death if the wrong note is played, a wishing well that talks back to you or a pirate ship, the surface of The Goonies is all about a child's innocence and faith in... Full Review

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Facts


    • Chunk: There's....there's...there's...bullet holes........in the ccccar!
    • Mikey: Wwwwhatt!
    • Chunk: Michael Jackson didn't come over to my house to use the bathroom... but his sister did.
    • Brand: I'm gonna hit you so hard that when you wake up your clothes will be out of style!
    • Chunk: I love the dark, I love the dark, I hate nature, I hate nature!
    • Sloth: Hey you guys!
    • Mikey: Goonies never say die!

The Goonies : Watch Free on TV


The Goonies Trivia


  • In the film, "The Goonies", what is the name of the criminals chasing the kids to the treasure?  Answer »
  • What was the Name of the pirate they were looking for in the Goonies?  Answer »
  • What is the name of the movie that has a character named "Chunk"?  Answer »
  • Waht movie does the "Truffle Shuffle" originate from?   Answer »

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