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

08/24/2023

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

12/21/2020

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

12/21/2020

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

Best movie starring SNL alumni

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Sean Burns

Crooked Marquee

06/03/2024

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

05/07/2024

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

A little profane at times but fun.

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Paul

May 26

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

Greatest movie every to be filmed in Chicago

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Spencer

Aug 7

Please keep putting old movies in theaters

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Marc's Mom

04/30/2025

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

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Melissa M

@Lisey 1d

The Blues Brothers has a diverse cast. Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles. it also has funny man John Candy, Henry Gibson with his deadpan humor. Carrie Fisher who was in lots of offbeat movies. Steve lawrence, Steven Spielberg, Frank Oz, Twiggy even though they're in the movie for a brief period of time they give memorable performances. The band Willie Hall, Donald Dunn, Steve Cropper, Matt Murphy Lou Marini, Tom Malone, & Murphy Dunne. The music is beyond awesome. The Blues Brothers originated on SNL back in 78. In the movie Belushi & Aykroyd do their own singing & choreography. Jake & Elwood are on a mission from god. The mission is to save the orphanage. They encounter everything from Illinois Nazis, rough redneck cowboys, a femme fatale fiance, a zillion army soldiers, SWAT team & police that resemble the keystone cops. & Sister Mary Stigmata a ruler hitting nun. This is one of the funniest offbeat musical comedies of all time.

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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

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Chased by the Cops

2:58

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Everybody Needs Somebody to Love

3:20

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Mall Chase

2:52

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Filthy Mouths & Bad Attitudes

2:57

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Nazis Take a Dive

2:23

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Shake A Tail Feather

2:46

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Rawhide

2:49

The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - The Bluesmobile Does a Backflip

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The Blues Brothers: Official Clip - Paying the Price

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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