The Sure Thing

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The Sure Thing

PG-13

1985

1h 34m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

113 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Gib, a college freshman, keeps striking out with women. When he learns that a beautiful Californian wants to have a tryst with him, he decides to carpool all the way to the West Coast to meet her. Unfortunately, one of the other passengers on the trip is Alison, an attractive but domineering girl who has rejected Gib once before. The journey is a nightmare until a funny thing happens — Gib and Alison start to fall in love.

Critics Consensus

Though its final outcome is predictable, The Sure Thing is a charming, smartly written, and mature teen comedy featuring a breakout role for John Cusack.

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Bob Lundegaard

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Jul 29, 2026

It isn't a bad movie exactly, but if you called it a laugh riot, a good lawyer would have you at his mercy.

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Jack Mathews

USA Today

Jan 8, 2026

3/4

Cusack and Zuniga do remarkable jobs of turning two routine characters into believable, well-rounded teens.

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Rob Salem

Toronto Star

Jan 8, 2026

It's often very wordy, especially Cusack's speeches, but even when there's too much of it, the dialogue is sharp and funny.

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Lee Tuohy

Sunday Independent (Ireland)

Jul 29, 2026

Cusack's extrovert antics might have been cushioned but for his inept co-star who pouted her way throughout. A pit, it could have been a very funny film.

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Michael Walsh

The Province (Vancouver)

Jul 29, 2026

Warm as well as funny, The Sure Thing is a cheerful, unexpected love story.

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Marsha Fottler

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Jul 29, 2026

"The Sure Thing" is a road romance-comedy made special by the fresh faces, the young talent and some first-rate writing.

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Robert P

@Superbad 3 hrs ago

You Sure Thing is a *4* star Movie!

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Andrew A

@rt_andrew Jul 29, 2026

Cute and breezy and fairly funny

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Melissa M

@Lisey Jun 7, 2026

Before John Cusack went politically AWOL. He made some of the most awesomest movies in the '80s '90s this was definitely one of them. In the film Cusack plays Gib who strikes out in high school love wise. But it's optimistic about college thanks to his over eager friend Lance. While in college Gib what he is assured reliable advice from Lance there's a girl that's definitely the sure thing that he can hook him up with. As luck would have it he gets a ride from a sugary sweet couple. Along for ride is a studious girl named allison. They are both headed to LA. He's headed towards a fantasy. She's living in the realm of reality. They endure everything from show tunes to colorful characters. Allison starts to realize that Gib maybe isn't such a bad guy after all. Alison winds up attending the same californiaized Christmas party Gib is at. You can pretty much guess what happens after that. A romantic comedy everyone can enjoy. Rob Reiner made movies that could be enjoyed for generations.

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Christian K

@ckacar Feb 24, 2026

An above average 80's comedy genre mashup with a breezy pace and some memorable moments.

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Mark C.

@mrpiggy1992 Jan 27, 2026

John Cusack I love you man

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Julian B

@Spursy153 Jan 12, 2026

A great 80s Classic

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Rob Reiner

Director

John Cusack

Walter 'Gib' Gibson

Daphne Zuniga

Alison Bradbury

Nicollette Sheridan

The Sure Thing

Anthony Edwards

Lance

Boyd Gaines

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Synopsis

Gib, a college freshman, keeps striking out with women. When he learns that a beautiful Californian wants to have a tryst with him, he decides to carpool all the way to the West Coast to meet her. Unfortunately, one of the other passengers on the trip is Alison, an attractive but domineering girl who has rejected Gib once before. The journey is a nightmare until a funny thing happens — Gib and Alison start to fall in love.

Director: Rob Reiner
Producer: Roger Birnbaum
Screenwriter: Steve Bloom, Jonathan Roberts
Production Co: Embassy Pictures, Monument Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Aug 5, 2003
Runtime: 1h 34m

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