Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

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Videos & Photos

  • Official Trailer
  • Trailer 1

Movie Info & Cast

Director:

Tim Burton

Producer:

Richard Gilbert Abramson, Robert Shapiro

Writer:

Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens, Michael Varhol

Release Date:

Jul 26, 1985

Runtime:

1hr 31m

Synopsis

When eccentric man-child Pee-wee Herman gets his beloved bike stolen in broad daylight, he sets out across the U.S. on the adventure of his life.

Cast

  • Paul Reubens
  • Elizabeth Daily
  • Mark Holton
  • Diane Salinger
  • Judd Omen
  • Irving Hellman
  • Monte Landis
  • Damon Martin
  • David Glasser
  • Gregory Brown

Letterboxd User Reviews

3.5
234.7K
60.2K
63.5K
RATINGS 4.3K FANS
3.5
  • Apr 2, 2015

    I could watch Pee-Wee drive off on that motorcycle and crash through that sign over and over and over and it will never not be as funny as the first time.

    2.0K Likes
    Jay Cheel
    Jay Cheel
    Jun 24, 2018

    “i knew the police wouldn’t help” pee wee is the woke icon we need in 2018

    1.6K Likes
    lauren
    lauren
    May 23, 2016

    it's crazy how this is the greatest movie ever made

    1.2K Likes
    kaye 🌀
    kaye 🌀
  •

    what the hell is this guys deal

    1.1K Likes
    pd187
    pd187
    Jan 14, 2015

    i have more genuine affection for this film than for most of my friends and family.

    886 Likes
    robyn
    robyn
    Aug 6, 2023

    “But what? Everyone I know has a big ‘But!’ C'mon, Simone, let's talk about your big ‘But!’” It is very difficult to craft a butt joke that is also a profound statement about human existence. Such was Paul Reubens’ genius.

    755 Likes
    Matt Singer
    Matt Singer
  •
    Aug 3, 2022

    Pee Wee’s laugh is the last sound you hear before you disappear forever

    701 Likes
    Bryan Espitia
    Bryan Espitia
    May 25, 2016

    WHY??? WHAT'S THE SIGNIFICANCE??? I DON'T KNOW!!!

    610 Likes
    kaye 🌀
    kaye 🌀
    Jun 14, 2024

    this should be in the Criterion Collection

    558 Likes
    Bryan Espitia
    Bryan Espitia

Queue Community Reviews

84%
Community 798
❤️ LOVE
27%
👍 LIKE
57%
😐 MEH
11%
👎 DISLIKE
5%
Top Reviews
  • Garrett
    Garrett loved
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    Just rewatched (for the millionth time). Was smiling the whole film. So so so quotable. RIP Paul Reubens ❤️

    🔥 2 3Y
    knee
    knee liked
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    i watched this 12 times when i was 8 and it kinda goes hard

    😂 1 4Y
    Jojo
    Jojo liked
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    “Everyone I know has a big but” This was a delight, I smiled most of the movie. It was filled with good comedy cool animation styles and a goofy adventure. Peewee is a gay icon. A really goofy film, would have liked it more if it weren’t for the actors controversy. 8/10🏳️‍🌈

    5M
  • James New
    James New liked
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    Tim Burton’s directorial debut and a complete joy of a film. Perfect central performance and the sets, costume, music and structure all add to the quirky nature of the main character. Surprised that Burton was this weird even with his debut

    2Y
    Amberly
    Amberly liked
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    I loved pee-wee so much when I was younger like I always wanted to watch these movies. Not sure how good it is to me now so I’ll def have to rewatch but all I can say as of now for me pee-wee goes hard

    2Y
    MovieDaddy
    MovieDaddy loved
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    An all-time classic. Quotes, characters, direction… for as over-the-top ridiculous as this is, it all works, and it works well! Beware of Large Marge! And breakfast never looked so good.

    3Y
  • Steven Erick
    Steven Erick liked
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    It’s a whole vibe. What if David Lynch made a road movie that felt like a live action cartoon with a dash of meta commentary? Yeah, it’s got a good feeling.

    9M
    Big E
    Big E loved
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    There will always be such a big place in my heart for this film. My favorite Tim Burton picture. Such a delightful, comfort film for me. RIP Paul Reubens

    2Y
    MrMUFFINman 27
    MrMUFFINman 27 loved
    Pee-wee's Big Adventure

    peewees big adventure is a great story with incredible special effects and a twisting storyline

    2Y

Atom Users Reviews

5.0
2
0
0
0
0

Reviews

  • AH
    Anniel Hernandez
    TG
    Tim Garner

Metacritic

47
metacritic
Based on 14 Critics
7.4

USER SCORE (84)

Generally favorable reviews based on 84 Reviews
70

The wrong crowd will find these antics infantile and offensive. The right one will have a howling good time.

Metacritic review by Michael Wilmington
Michael Wilmington
Los Angeles Times
100

Everything about Pee-wee's Big Adventure, from its toy-box colors to its superb, hyperanimated Danny Elfman score to the butch-waxed hairdo and wooden-puppet walk of its star and mastermind, Pee-wee Herman, is pure pleasure.

Stephanie Zacharek
Salon
10

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure is the most barren comedy I've seen in years, maybe ever.

Metacritic review by Vincent Canby
Vincent Canby
The New York Times

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985) family-friendly?
The movie has been rated as PG (Parental Guidance Suggested). It's generally considered a family-friendly movie.
How long is Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)?
The movie is 1hr 31min long.
What's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985) about?
When eccentric man-child Pee-wee Herman gets his beloved bike stolen in broad daylight, he sets out across the U.S. on the adventure of his life.
Who's the cast of Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)?
  • Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman
  • Elizabeth Daily as Dottie
  • Mark Holton as Francis Buxton
  • Diane Salinger as Simone
  • Judd Omen as Mickey
  • Irving Hellman as Mr. Crowtray
  • Monte Landis as Mario
  • Damon Martin as Chip
  • David Glasser as BMX Kid
  • Gregory Brown as BMX Kid
Who's the director behind Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)?
Tim Burton directed Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985).
Who produced Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)?
Richard Gilbert Abramson and Robert Shapiro produced Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985).