Stand by Me

A poignant journey of friendship and self-discovery unfolds in the summer of 1959.

Critics broadly praised Rob Reiner's warm direction, authentic ensemble performances, emotional honesty, and graceful handling of a familiar coming-of-age journey.

• Gordie recounts the 1959 adventure from adulthood, framing the boys' journey as a formative memory.
• The search for a missing boy's body places death directly inside an otherwise youthful summer adventure.
• Gordie's mourning and Chris's troubled home life shape how the friends understand themselves and one another.
• The railroad journey, woods, and small-town summer setting combine playful peril with adult nostalgia and grief.

• The Gooniesshared coming-of-age drama, childhood friendship, nostalgic warmth, and emotionally candid adolescence
• The Sandlotshared boyhood adventure, small-town setting, male friendship, and wistful coming-of-age tone
• The Wonder Yearsshared retrospective coming-of-age structure, childhood trauma, friendship, and melancholic nostalgia
• The Outsidersshared literary coming-of-age drama, youthful journey, death, and reflection on formative friendship

Director

Rob Reiner

Release Date

1986-08-08

Runtime

89 min

Rating

7.8 / 10 (6823)

What is Stand by Me about?

Four Oregon boys turn a search for a dead classmate into a funny, frightening, and unforgettable passage out of childhood.

What is Stand by Me like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Stand by Me as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Stand by Me violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Stand by Me as mild.

What did critics think of Stand by Me?

Critics broadly praised Rob Reiner's warm direction, authentic ensemble performances, emotional honesty, and graceful handling of a familiar coming-of-age journey.

Which films are like Stand by Me?

Films with a similar feel include The Goonies, The Sandlot, The Wonder Years, and The Outsiders.

How long is Stand by Me?

Stand by Me runs 89 minutes.

Where can I watch Stand by Me?

In United States, Stand by Me streams on Netflix.