Wet Hot American Summer

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Wet Hot American Summer

R

In Theaters Aug 14

1h 37m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

77 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of 1981, "Wet Hot American Summer" follows a group of counselors who are each trying to complete their unfinished business before the day ends. The entire summer of pent-up sexual frustrations, unresolved post-traumatic stress, pending separations and of course, the talent show, all weigh heavily on the minds and groins of counselors and campers alike.

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In Theaters Aug 14

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Critics Consensus

Wet Hot American Summer's incredibly talented cast is too often outmatched by a deeply silly script that misses its targets at least as often as it skewers them.

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David Wain

Director

Janeane Garofalo

Beth

David Hyde Pierce

Henry Newman

Michael Showalter

Coop

Marguerite Moreau

Katie

Paul Rudd

Andy

Gene Seymour

Los Angeles Times

03/31/2019

But even with its tackiness arched at an ironic angle, "Wet Hot American Summer's" long-term fate is to become at best a last-minute accessory to a Blockbuster night of pizza and beverages.

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Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

03/31/2019

The title of this inventive absurdist comedy (2001) is meant to mislead-it's not a sex movie but a parody, and the loose feel is part of its genius.

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Nathan Lee

Village Voice

03/31/2019

Structured only by its time frame (the last day of camp) and total commitment to casualness, the movie feels tossed off in the most appealing way,

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Chance Solem-Pfeifer

Willamette Week

01/22/2025

Wet Hot has endured based on its particular humor—that of sketch-comedy cohort The State. This means, of course, that the best jokes go on far too long. See: Paul Rudd's endless temper tantrum at being asked not to leave his lunch on the cafeteria floor.

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Michael Cuby

them.

09/27/2022

Wet Hot American Summer only seems to get better with time. Part of this can be chalked up to its stellar cast...

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Andrew Galdi

Movie Bitches

08/12/2020

10

The cast is unbeatable

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Matthew D

@OceanSage Jul 11

A wonderful upbeat comedy spoofing every wild summer camp movie you can think of with a fabulous cast of young comedic talent. Director David Wain’s satirical comedy Wet Hot American Summer (2001) is absolutely outrageous with ridiculous scenarios and silly jokes that never takes itself seriously. Janeane Garofalo is wonderful as the dorky and overwhelmed camp director Beth. She makes for a likable and fun heroine. David Hyde Pierce’s dry humor as associate professor of science Professor Henry Newman is a blast with her. Paul Rudd’s rude jerk Andy is so funny as he just lets multiple kids drown in the lake and disposes of the child witnesses with his van. Elizabeth Banks is insanely sexy and funny as the outrageously horny and playful Lindsay. Michael Showalter is so strange and playful as the oddball hero Coop. It’s like he’s the precursor to Demetri Martin’s entire schtick. Marguerite Moreau is so pretty and sweet as the love interest Katie Finnerty.

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Ryan F

@RT61001815 Jul 10

This movie was thoroughly misunderstood in its time. The cast is unbeatable. The poor flavor of the movies it satires comes through on purpose but somehow this is lost on the critics. Would watch over and over again.

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Daniel C

@RT85531442 Jun 12

Most critics at the time didn't get it, but it's hilarious.

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Luke R.

@RT69573769 May 22

it’s fucking perfect. fuck you.

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S. S

@RT95662087 Apr 15

Anyone who gives this movie a bad review has never lived through the '80s. It is an exaggeration of course it's theatrical, this is the funniest most heartfelt depiction of what '80s culture was like second to Stranger things. The 39% rotten tomatoes score offends me. The cast alone is filled with some of the funniest people to ever grace the screen. Amy Poehler and Molly Shannon. It's weird, quirky, funny and very endearing and slightly inappropriate. I love that it pulls no punches, it's not politically correct and if this movie doesn't at least make you smile then the problem is not the movie the problem is you.

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Bill D

@RT65162550 Apr 9

It's so weird, silly, and over the top that I can't help but be charmed by it. It's a cult classic of the best sort.

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Synopsis

Set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of 1981, "Wet Hot American Summer" follows a group of counselors who are each trying to complete their unfinished business before the day ends. The entire summer of pent-up sexual frustrations, unresolved post-traumatic stress, pending separations and of course, the talent show, all weigh heavily on the minds and groins of counselors and campers alike.

Director: David Wain
Producer: Howard Bernstein
Screenwriter: Michael Showalter, David Wain
Distributor: USA Films
Production Co: Eureka Pictures, North Coast Group
Rating: R (Language|Drug Sequence|Strong Sexual Content)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 27, 2001, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Aug 14, 2026
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 12, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $292.1K
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)