Billy Madison

Play trailer

Billy Madison

PG-13

1995

1h 29m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

40%

Tomatometer

52 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Man-child Billy Madison has been a spoiled rich kid all his life, and spends his days drinking and partying. When his father, hotel magnate Brian, becomes fed up with his son's irresponsible ways, he issues an ultimatum. Since Billy passed all his schooling thanks to his father's influence and bribes, he must retake and pass every grade in 24 weeks. Otherwise, the business will be turned over to Brian's conniving associate, Eric.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Audiences who enjoy Adam Sandler's belligerent comic energy may find him in joyously obnoxious form as Billy Madison, but this thinly-plotted starring vehicle surrounds its star with an aggressively pedestrian movie.

Read Critics Reviews

Janet Maslin

New York Times

Mar 31, 2019

If you've ever had a yen to relive the third grade, this must be the next best thing.

Go to Full Review

John Petrakis

Chicago Tribune

Mar 31, 2019

0.5/4

Billy Madison is a textbook example of a half-decent idea that never got developed beyond the "lying around drinking beer and making jokes with your buddy" stage.

Go to Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Mar 31, 2019

1/4

The latest entry in the American cinema's investigation of dumb-and-dumber heroes.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Aug 11, 2025

2/4

Too many gags are set up and then abandoned.

Go to Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Jul 29, 2025

2.5/5

Billy Madison hasn’t aged particularly well, from its problematic humor to its questionable plot dynamics, but it’s undeniably a product of its time.

Go to Full Review

Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Jul 28, 2025

3.5/5

While not award-worthy, Billy Madison’s absurd humor and Sandler’s charm made it a cult favorite that kicked off his film career.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Ethan G

@ethdrew05226 Nov 2, 2026

I watched Billy Madison for the first time, and I gotta tell you: Adam Sandler is hilarious in this movie. His character acts like a kid, and the whole idea of him going back through grades 1–12, from elementary school to middle school and high school, is so funny. Every ridiculous thing he does makes the movie even more entertaining. Overall, this is a great comedy with a nostalgic school vibe!

See more

kaiminations 4

@RT33028276 Oct 18, 2026

I watch this movie every end of August

See more

Steve Y

@Cubby65 Sep 29, 2026

Most of Sandler's act consists of yelling or puerile voices devoid of wit at this stage. If you're into this sort of thing, have at it.

See more

Easton B

@Ebmoviemaster2026 Sep 7, 2026

HILARIOUS, ADAM SANDLER IS AWSOME IN THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See more

Roz S

@RT05708274 Jul 9, 2026

Greatest movie of all time

See more

Jack M

@RT86985030 Jun 26, 2026

Great movie, funny. Good plot, good acting, good plot twists. 5 stars

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Tamra Davis

Director

Adam Sandler

Billy Madison

Darren McGavin

Brian Madison

Bridgette Wilson-Sampras

Veronica Vaughn

Bradley Whitford

Eric Gordon

Josh Mostel

Principal Max Anderson

Happy Gilmore

66%

85%

Happy Gilmore

Watchlist

Major Payne

29%

68%

Major Payne

Watchlist

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie

81%

88%

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie

Watchlist

Liar Liar

82%

75%

Liar Liar

Watchlist

Mr. Baseball

12%

41%

Mr. Baseball

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

“Rotten Tomatoes Is Wrong” About… Adam Sandler

New on Netflix in August

New on Netflix in October

Billy Madison: Official Clip - May God Have Mercy On Your Soul

2:56

Now Playing

Billy Madison: Official Clip - The Academic Decathlon

2:56

Now Playing

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Study Time

3:00

Now Playing

Billy Madison: Official Clip - High School Loser

2:57

Now Playing

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Motivational Musical

2:34

Now Playing

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Childish Billy

2:58

Now Playing

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Billy Pees His Pants

2:23

Now Playing

Billy Madison: Official Clip - T-T-Today, Junior!

3:00

Now Playing

Billy Madison: Official Clip - Rizzuto

2:30

Now Playing

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Man-child Billy Madison has been a spoiled rich kid all his life, and spends his days drinking and partying. When his father, hotel magnate Brian, becomes fed up with his son's irresponsible ways, he issues an ultimatum. Since Billy passed all his schooling thanks to his father's influence and bribes, he must retake and pass every grade in 24 weeks. Otherwise, the business will be turned over to Brian's conniving associate, Eric.

Director: Tamra Davis
Producer: Robert Simonds
Screenwriter: Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Robert Simonds Productions
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 10, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.6M
Runtime: 1h 29m
Sound Mix: Surround

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings