Stand by Me
A writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.
Directed by Rob Reiner · Adventure · Comedy · Drama · 89 min · 1986
Trailer
Director
Rob Reiner
Studio
Act III Productions
Release
22 Aug 1986
Runtime
89 min
Genres
Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Full Plot
It's the summer of 1959 in Castlerock, Oregon and four 12 year-old boys - Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern - are fast friends. After learning of the general location of the body of a local boy who has been missing for several days, they set off into the woods to see it. Along the way, they learn about themselves, the meaning of friendship and the need to stand up for what is right.
Cast & Characters
Gordie Lachance
Wil Wheaton
Chris Chambers
River Phoenix
Teddy Duchamp
Corey Feldman
Vern Tessio
Jerry O'Connell
Ace Merrill (gang leader)
Kiefer Sutherland
Billy Tessio (gang member and Vern's older brother)
Casey Siemaszko
Charlie Hogan (gang member and Billy's best friend)
Gary Riley
Richard "Eyeball" Chambers (gang member and Chris's older brother)
Bradley Gregg
Vince Desjardins (gang member)
Jason Oliver
Mr. Lachance
Marshall Bell
Mrs. Lachance
Frances Lee McCain
Did You Know?
Made on an estimated budget of $8.0M, Stand by Me has grossed $52.3M worldwide — about 6.5x its budget.
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
The film was a box office success in North America.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-03
The film was adapted from the Stephen King novella The Body.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-03
Critical Assessment
Stand by Me holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (480,200 votes), 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75/100 on Metacritic.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of August 4, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
India
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.1/10 on IMDb (480,200 votes), 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75/100 on Metacritic), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stand by Me's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
Stand by Me holds a 89% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Stand by Me's IMDb rating?+
Stand by Me has a 8.1/10 rating on IMDb from 480,200 votes.
What is Stand by Me's Metacritic score?+
Stand by Me has a Metascore of 75/100 on Metacritic.
Is Stand by Me good? What are critics saying?+
Stand by Me holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (480,200 votes), 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75/100 on Metacritic.
How long is Stand by Me?+
Stand by Me has a runtime of 89 min.
Who directed Stand by Me?+
Stand by Me was directed by Rob Reiner.
Where can I watch Stand by Me?+
Stand by Me is available to stream, rent, or buy on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Plex, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Paramount Plus, Sky Go, Now TV Cinema, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Basic with Ads, Rakuten TV, Sky Store, Netflix, Sony Pictures Amazon Channel.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The movie "Stand by Me" has been praised for its coming-of-age story, strong performances from the child actors, and nostalgic value as an 80s film. Many reviewers have noted that it is a solid adaptation of Stephen King's novel, despite some limitations in terms of acting performances. The movie continues to be celebrated on its 40th anniversary, with tributes and reviews highlighting its enduring appeal.
Viewer Reviews (TMDb)
My all-time favourite movie! Like Gordie, I was a shy, sensitive boy, who was (and am) a writer, and I've been told by so many people I have a talent for it. Also, I've had many friends like Chris, being tough on the outside, while sweet on the inside, and I've known people like…
Joe · 10/10Ok everyone - this is a 80's kid about kids, but don't think it is like the others as it is a Stephen King adaptation. It isn't for kids - unless you want to traumatize them. Coming of age at a high price, what makes this a special one on that decade. A solid 8.2 out of 10.0 / A…
BornKnight · 8/10**A good film about the value of friendship and companionship.** This is one of those films that becomes adorable not only because of what it shows and tells us, but also because of the affective memories it awakens in us, or even because of the messages it brings and which it ex…
Filipe Manuel Neto · 9/10<em>'Stand by Me'</em> is undeniably an 80s flick - and a good one at that. The kid actors aren't actually all that great in terms of the performances that they give, though do have likeability and a beliveable friendship that make them worthy of watching across a road trip of so…
r96sk · 7/10There’s a line at the end of this that asks whether or not we’ll ever have better friends in our lives than we did at the age of twelve? Spouses notwithstanding, it’s probably quite a fair assertion as illustrated by these four lads. They are from different sides of the tracks, l…
CinemaSerf · 7/10
From the trailer's comments
Classic movie. Rest in peace, River Phoenix and Rob Reiner.
@fredramirez5197 · 426 likes_“I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12. Jesus, does anyone?”_
@Jackie-Gremlin-Ghost · 256 likesThey don't make movies like this anymore such a shame... One of my all time favorites
@NorthernNature · 107 likesOne of my fav movies deserves a re-release in theaters for 40th anniversary! ❤ RIP Rob Reiner 😢
@Chagreto · 107 likesStand By Me continues to be one of my favorite 80s films 40 years later. Absolutely missing Rob and River this coming anniversary 😢💔
@classiccinemac9480 · 80 likes0:46 Rest in Peace Rob Reiner 😢
@Animeguy300 · 266 likesRip River Phoenix ❤
@popcorn2205 · 86 likesRest in Peace, Rob Reiner & River Phoenix.
@lukedirector360 · 51 likes
