The Blues Brothers

R

Now Playing

2 hr. 13 min.

Musical

Comedy

Action

List

72%

90 Reviews

Tomatometer

92%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) -- collectively known as the "Blues Brothers." Jake's first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together. However, after playing several gigs and making a few enemies, including the police, the brothers face daunting odds to deliver the money on time.

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Critics Consensus

Too over the top for its own good, but ultimately rescued by the cast's charm, director John Landis' grace, and several soul-stirring musical numbers.

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Aender S

Not the best plot coupled to goofy acting, but an absolute must-see for any lover of African-American music.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/11/24

Full Review

Aldis H

Classic comedy in some ways, too long and unfunny in others.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/03/24

Full Review

daniel o

Awesome movie, a must watch for anybody with a soul and love for comedy. Written to perfection with a joyful inspirational feeling throughout.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/20/24

Full Review

J C

It wasn't terrible but definitely not my thing. Some surprisingly funny parts here and there. Way more stunt work than I would ever expect for this kind of movie. Pretty sure they destroyed a thousand cars. Set looked like my childhood bedroom after Hot Wheels destruction derby.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/01/24

Full Review

Rick R

VERY ENTERTAINING. FUN MOVIE

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/24

Full Review

Marc Z

There is probably no greater movie spinoff in the history of Saturday Night Live than this film. It doesn't simply use a gag and try to spin a full length feature out of a tenuous premise. This one stands on its own. Ackroyd and Belushi are brilliant together and their ability to weave this musical comedic tale from characters in their arsenal makes for a highly watchable movie. They are The Blues Brothers. Attempts to create films, or television, without John Belushi just didn't;t have the same impact. So sad that Belushi's life and career were cut so short. The stellar supporting cast of movie and musical icons helps to support this one. This movie stands up after all these years and it is so much fun to watch and to listen too the soundtrack.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/24

Full Review

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John Landis

Director

John Belushi

Jake Blues

Dan Aykroyd

Elwood Blues

James Brown

Reverend Cleophus James

Cab Calloway

Curtis

Ray Charles

Ray

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The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Chased by the Cops

2:58

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Everybody Needs Somebody to Love

3:20

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Mall Chase

2:52

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Filthy Mouths & Bad Attitudes

2:57

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Nazis Take a Dive

2:23

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Shake A Tail Feather

2:46

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Rawhide

2:49

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - The Bluesmobile Does a Backflip

2:49

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Paying the Price

2:56

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Victoria Luxford

BBC.com

One of the great American comedy films... It’s just a joy to watch even forty three years on. John Belushi was never better as the lead. He’s funny just standing there.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 24, 2023

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The Blues Brothers is the year's best film to date; one of the, all-time great comedies; the best movie ever made in Chicago. All are true, and, boy, is that ever a surprise.

Rated: 4/4

Dec 21, 2020

Full Review

Steven Reddicliffe

Miami Herald

Too many times, The Blues Brothers is static when it should be ecstatic. When it tries to hit the heights, it's not nearly dizzying enough And when it should soar, it simply hangs there.

Dec 21, 2020

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

More energetic than funny.

Rated: C+

Jan 20, 2023

Full Review

Robin Holabird

Robin Holabird

No matter that the big screen story gets convoluted and improbable-the characters make it work. They sing classic rhythm and blues songs well enough, but better yet, perform with the greats.

Aug 11, 2021

Full Review

John Stark

San Francisco Examiner

The Blues Brothers are a popular novelty, and have a definite tongue-in-cheek appeal. But this film does nothing with the characters, except to portray them as a couple of one-sided and unlikable hoods.

Dec 21, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) -- collectively known as the "Blues Brothers." Jake's first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together. However, after playing several gigs and making a few enemies, including the police, the brothers face daunting odds to deliver the money on time.

Director: John Landis
Executive Producer: Bernie Brillstein
Screenwriter: Dan Aykroyd, John Landis
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Musical, Comedy, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 18, 1980, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2012
Sound Mix: Dolby, Mono

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