The 'Burbs

56%

Tomatometer

41 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's (Tom Hanks) vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art (Rick Ducommun), and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), Ray sends his son and wife (Carrie Fisher) away on a trip while he investigates the Klopeks. When a neighbor disappears, Ray and his cohorts risk their lives to save their cul-de-sac from the clutches of evil.

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Critics Consensus

The 'Burbs has an engaging premise, likable cast, and Joe Dante at the helm -- so the mixed-up genre exercise they produce can't help but feel like a disappointment.

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Critics Reviews

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Kim Newman

Empire Magazine

It fumbles at the last moment... but this is still mainly a pleasantly nasty delight that was strangely overlooked in the cinema.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 26, 2019

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

It's inconceivable that "The 'burbs looked good on paper.

Mar 26, 2019

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Also starring Carrie Fisher, 'Burbs is a hilarious look at suburban mischief pre-Desperate Housewives. Check it out.

Rated: B

Sep 12, 2017

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Mitchell Beaupre

Paste Magazine

That sense of frivolity helps you tuck yourselves into bed at night in your safe home, trusting in the knowledge that Tom Hanks saved the neighborhood. But The ‘Burbs also contains the lingering reminder of Ray’s words: “It’s not them, it’s us!”

Rated: 8.5/10

Feb 17, 2024

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Noah Gittell

Washington City Paper

In between set pieces, The ’Burbs thrives on a dynamic conflict between genres, ideas, and eras.

Nov 10, 2023

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Adam Olinger

Adam Does Movies (YouTube)

I'm a bit bummed to see a rotten score on this movie so I felt inclined to throw my positive review into the ring. The Burbs is a great little flick; with a strong cast of neighbors, a simple, yet effective premise and enough intrigue to keep you hooked!

Jul 13, 2023

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Audience Reviews

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EJ S This is a fairly empty comedy. There are a few bits here and there that I enjoyed, but overall, I can't give it much of a recommendation. While Tom Hanks handles his part with ease, it isn't much of a role in the first place. Some highlights:1) It's always nice to see Carrie Fisher.2) Ditto for Bruce Dern.3) And most of all, it's great to see Henry Gibson, who brings his usual quiet and soft comedy self to his role. Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/04/24 Full Review Audience Member Such A great movie to watch Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/24 Full Review Jayson M My favorite movie of all time. I love all the characters, especially Ruben. The perfect blend of cheesy, funny, scary and nostalgic. A great soundtrack and a true cult classic! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/14/24 Full Review Wyatt E One of the funniest horror comedies I've ever seen Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Ric J An absolute classic that rewards multiple viewings. A must-see for a Joe Dante fan. This gem was under appreciated in its time, likely due to marketing. If audiences went in expecting another over-the-top Hanks performance a la “Big” or “Money Pit”, they were likely disappointed. What you get instead is an eerie suburban mystery on par with “the Twilight Zone” series mixed with B-movie charm and humor. Watch it with those expectations and prepare for belly laughs intertwined w genuine scares. Dante brings such a level a creepy unease w the “neighbors from hell” , you’d think you were watching some forgotten Vincent Price / Roger Corman drive-in feature. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/14/24 Full Review Al K Had a few weak spots with the story, but show what can be done when you have a great cast. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews

The 'Burbs

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Cast & Crew

Joe Dante Director Tom Hanks Ray Peterson Bruce Dern Lt. Mark Rumsfield Carrie Fisher Carol Peterson Rick Ducommun Art Weingartner Corey Feldman Ricky Butler

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The 'Burbs

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Bees and Bad Karma