The Blues Brothers

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The Blues Brothers

R

1980

2h 13m

Musical

Comedy

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

92 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

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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Victoria Luxford

BBC.com

Aug 24, 2023

5/5

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.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Dec 21, 2020

4/4

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.

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Charles Champlin

Los Angeles Times

Dec 21, 2020

Despite the temporary lift that the old pros give the picture, it is difficult for the non-cultist to feel anything but dismay, again, that so much has been squandered to produce so little that is truly artful or genuinely entertaining.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Apr 19, 2026

Best movie starring SNL alumni

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Sean Burns

Crooked Marquee

Jun 3, 2024

As a little kid, 'The Blues Brothers' taught me the foundations of American music. It also taught me that cops, Nazis and good old boys are to be mercilessly mocked and messed with.

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

May 7, 2024

5/10

It ends up frequenting common places where the dry humor supplied by Aykroyd and Belushi's chemistry wears out like a car tire. [Full review in Spanish]

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Craig W

May 26, 2026

A little profane at times but fun.

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Paul

May 26, 2026

Forgot how amazing this film was. I doubt this film could be made today with all the stars and exorbitant stunts.

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Danimal

May 26, 2026

Greatest movie every to be filmed in Chicago

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Spencer

Aug 7, 2025

Please keep putting old movies in theaters

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Marc's Mom

Apr 30, 2025

Loved the music, the comedy, just all of it! took me back to a better time.

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CP Games P

@RT84801045 3 days ago

The only reason people rate this higher than 1 star is because they are told they are suppsoed to like it. The story is trash. The acting is trash. The musical bits (with guests) are mediocre to good. Everything outside the musical guests is absolute garbage, and not in a clever, outside the box, good way. Stop praising things in sheep mode.

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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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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
Producer: Robert K. Weiss
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
Runtime: 2h 13m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Mono

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