Fletch (1985)

Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, Los Angeles journalist, really lives for his profession. As Jane Doe, he publishes articles that have caused several heads to roll in the past. Now, Fletch is at it again: In disguise as a bum, he lives at the beach, researching drugs and their dealing. One day, Fletch is addressed by Alan Stanwyk, a rich man, who asks him, the bum, a favour... (IMDB)
Cast and Information
Directed By: Michael Ritchie
Written By: Andrew Bergman, Gregory McDonald
Starring: M. Emmet Walsh, Tim Matheson, Chevy Chase, George Wendt, Joe Don Baker, Kenneth Mars, James Avery, Geena Davis, Richard Libertini, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Country: USA
Where to Stream
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Fletch belongs to 16 collections
1. Feel Good Movies (collaborative: moderated by Midaso - 17 stars)
2. Journalism (collaborative: moderated by djross - 9 stars)
3. Synth soundtrack or score (collaborative: moderated by Ag0stoMesmer - 8 stars)
4. Character name in title (collaborative: moderated by Pickpocket - 2 stars)
5. Has a sequel (collaborative: moderated by andr - 2 stars)
6. Vaporwave aesthetics (collaborative: moderated by Ghalea - 2 stars)
7. Blank Check with Griffin & David (public: TychoCelchuu - 1 star)
8. Los Angeles Movies (public: stalebread - 1 star)
9. Referenced in Archer (2009) (collaborative: moderated by babaracus)
10. Up (collaborative: moderated by davidysteph)
11. 50 Best Guy Movies of All Time (Filmsite) (collaborative: moderated by BeeDub)
12. The Leonard Maltin List (collaborative: moderated by wokelstein)
13. Tom's Movies (public: tomwalsh)
14. My Movie Collection (public: elhenzo)
15. Seen, Not Rated (public: SageSledge)
16. Hardboiled, Not Noir (public: Russ Bedford)
Browse the full list of collections
Date | User | Rating | |
Jun 08, 2022 | ![]() |
overrated | 32 23rd |
Have no idea why this is held in such esteem, maybe because a lot of US people saw it on cable back in the day? There are one or two mildly funny scenes and that's it, unless you really enjoy Chase on autopilot.
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May 09, 2022 | ![]() |
War Machine | 60 26th |
Killme?-surelol+nochildren?-noelephantslol-mooonriverlol/yausinthewholefistdoc?+drjellyfingerlool+johncocktostosetclol+sawmypimptodaylol+imaginesselfblackfronbalool+mattresspolice/notagslol+iknewthisiswheremymouthwouldbelol+doesntmeaniwanthersittingnexttomedoesitlool+takesguyschairlolfalls
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Nov 29, 2021 | ![]() |
hazelhawks | 79 82nd |
Rewatched. Still relevant after all these years...for all the wrong reasons. Maybe that's why it's so funny.
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Sep 08, 2020 | ![]() |
Barko | 66 46th |
Super 80's... But entertaining to watch, knowing that Chevy improvised his way through the movie.
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Jun 18, 2018 | ![]() |
WWallce4prez | 67 39th |
Allowing Chevy Chase to be Chevy Chase is the only winning formula for the actor. Fletch succeeds in this, even if the plot is completely throwaway. If one joke doesn't work you just wait a few seconds for the next one.
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Dec 26, 2017 | ![]() |
EvilMangoes | 85 58th |
B+
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Nov 21, 2016 | ![]() |
aross | 20 16th |
Watched this too young and should probably rewatch
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Apr 22, 2016 | ![]() |
PeaceAnarchy | 77 51st |
I didn't think this would be as funny, or as coherent, as it is. Yes it has stumbles and holes, but it balances various types of humour well and Chase strikes a good balance to keep everything going.
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Jan 31, 2016 | ![]() |
Anomaly | 71 51st |
Fairly funny comedy. Can be hit and miss at times but it gets better the longer it runs.
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Jan 28, 2016 | ![]() |
BillyShears | 60 34th |
Things happen!
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Dec 12, 2015 | ![]() |
disconnected | 73 60th |
Oh, so this is this movie everyone was talking about when they talked about Fletch. It's a strange phenomenon to hear about a film so frequently that you lose all interest in seeing it, but there's often a reason that the universe seems to want to keep it fresh in your mind. I was reminded of Chinatown as much as I was the idiosyncratic 80's aesthetic and irreverent comedy of Risky Business, and though it's not as good as either of those films, I enjoyed it far more than I expected to.
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Jun 19, 2015 | ![]() |
Boxcars | 6 32nd |
It doesn't stick with you for too long after viewing it, but Ritchie and Chase work together well to create a funny and aloof crime picture.
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Jan 30, 2015 | ![]() |
Kingjohnbbq | 25 2nd |
Just nothing funny about this. You can see all the actors mentally sighing after each failed joke. I can't understand why anyone would enjoy this, it is entirely humorless.
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Nov 09, 2014 | thomas_d | 10 77th |
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Doctor Rosenpenis!
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Aug 22, 2014 | ![]() |
Groovy_Souls | 60 40th |
I mean this really isn't terrible, but it isn't overwhelmingly hilarious like it is cracked up to be. Chevy Chase is still quite funny, but there is nothing fantastic about this film, truly.
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Jan 20, 2014 | ![]() |
KasperL | 55 39th |
Not exactly hilarious but reasonably entertaining.
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Jan 20, 2014 | ![]() |
nauru | 11 7th |
Worst I've ever seen from Chevy Chase. This film simply isn't funny at all. Chevy Chase isn't entertaining or believable as a clever reporter solving an ultra-boring mystery, as he is much better playing the well-meaning everyman who's a bit of a goof -- like in the vacation films. As for the writing in Fletch, it's atrocious. There are simply no storylines or characters worth caring about. Dull and lifeless. With awful music to boot.
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Oct 25, 2013 | ![]() |
stuie299 | 90 90th |
Its Chevy Chase, Chevy Chase, and more Chevy Chase. If you like Chevy Chase then you won't be disappointed, because its certainly one of his best. He not only manages to carry the entire film by himself, but he really makes it look effortless. Just a hilarious film from start to finish.
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Jun 24, 2013 | ![]() |
wetwillies | 80 37th |
The quintessential Chevy Chase performance. He's smug and he talks fast, but he's also charming and genuinely funny. This is a good 80's comedy that's also a good neo-noir. Just a fun movie in all respects.
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May 07, 2013 | ![]() |
Wezzo | 81 53rd |
A genuinely funny detective pastiche, owing its considerable success to Chevy Chase on top, dry-as-a-bone form and a screenplay laden with memorable one-liners. It's certainly not timeless as a whole - that blasted synthy opening/closing "Bit by Bit" choon puts paid to that - but the comedy here holds up really well.
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Mar 08, 2013 | ![]() |
Derekstar | 40 19th |
I had a physical reaction while watching Chevy Chase in this movie. I watch Community, and I had forgotten. I saw him contort his face. I saw him experience various emotions. I saw playfulness. I saw charm. It makes me so sad.
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Jan 18, 2013 | Alex WS | 83 89th |
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Chevy Chase at his peak.
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Feb 13, 2012 | ![]() |
mattorama12 | 81 90th |
I've only seen it a single time, and laughed a ton throughout. Came out of it thinking it was one of the funniest movies I've seen. Unfortunately that feeling faded and it's not nearly memorable or quotable enough to be considered among the greats. Still a really enjoyable watch, and one of my favorite Chase performances.
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Dec 13, 2011 | myfavchords | 75 47th |
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This is a funny and very playful movie. Chevy Chase is great in one of his best roles. The plot works and there are plenty of funny scenes and characters.
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Oct 23, 2011 | ![]() |
SirStuckey | 65 45th |
It's pretty funny, but honestly it's pretty shallow as well. You'll forget the plot 10 minutes after you watch it, but will retain some hazy memories of some aspects of it. He's a investigative reporter for a newspaper, during the investigation he meets a girl and get with her despite their very different attraction levels, he gets away with a lot of stuff because he can talk fast, and he likes the Lakers. Even though it drags a bit in the end it's worth at least one watch.
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Sep 09, 2011 | ![]() |
schizotoast | 49 20th |
Does not hold up. So dry that it becomes dull beyond belief.
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Aug 01, 2011 | ![]() |
Tripwyre | 67 54th |
The central mystery of the plot is far less consequential to the quality of this movie than you'd think. I don't really remember what happened, and it's not really important, because Chase's charm in the title role is what makes the movie noteworthy. He keeps things rolling throughout, casually dropping one-liners all over, most of which hit with deadly accuracy. As a journalist-in-training, no one does a better job of making my industry seem awesomely bad-ass than Fletch.
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Jun 06, 2011 | dmbbearcat | 85 74th |
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Chevy Chase is hilarious, and as a former journalism major, I can appreciate the comedic take on investigative reporting. One of my favorite "journalism" films ever and one of my favorite comedies.
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Feb 20, 2011 | ![]() |
stevekimes | 85 73rd |
An underseen comedic classic. The timing is perfect, and the lines just keep coming.
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Jan 26, 2011 | ![]() |
gtown1479 | 69 35th |
Not much to say about the story because I don't think they were really focusing too much on it when they made the film. All they cared about were the jokes and deadpan dry humor. Some of them were funny, but nothing really stood out, which is why I can only say the movie is average. I am a little disappointed because i like the dry humor stuff, but this just wasn't that hot.
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Sep 25, 2010 | ![]() |
hellboy76 | 66 51st |
This is when Chevy Chase is at his best. Sort of aloof and non committal to any line, scene or joke. They just sort of fall out of his mouth and its on to the next one. The only thing keeping it from a higher rating is the completely dated soundtrack and a completely unfunny supporting cast.
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Jul 28, 2010 | ![]() |
PetrosTser | 60 41st |
Chevy Chase is in good fooling in this cult, feelgood '80s crime comedy about a tenacious reporter by the nickname of Fletch, who snoops around in various funny disguises and delivers terrific one-liners in deadpan style. The mystery isn't something really special but it being more elaborate would miss the point: the action and the suspense blend in with the humour very well and the result is vintage '80s comedy done right.
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Jun 07, 2010 | ![]() |
jamesdepaolo | 86 79th |
So many one liners in this movie. A classic. Chevy Chase deadpan humor fit this role perfectly
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Feb 17, 2010 | ![]() |
tinysausage | 67 33rd |
I don't know why, but I find Chevy Chase funny. A guilty pleasure.
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Sep 06, 2009 | ![]() |
JMBosch | 69 41st |
Chase's timing and inflections are impeccable. The jokes are pretty rapid-fire through most of the film, but they fall really unevenly. There are some pretty good laugh out loud moments, but Chase's acting will typically just have you grinning through most of it.
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Jul 31, 2009 | ![]() |
Okkervil | 65 59th |
So great.
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Jul 20, 2009 | blacklantern | 49 23rd |
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Painfully average 80s comedy
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Apr 09, 2009 | ![]() |
Seryxa | 25 43rd |
A lightness of touch unusual for the 80s makes this comedy mystery more welcome than most.
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Mar 21, 2009 | ![]() |
Stain | 40 23rd |
Yawn
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Sep 17, 2008 | ![]() |
teecee | 49 69th |
jeg grinede faktisk
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Jul 28, 2008 | ![]() |
alexisbea | 85 57th |
It is so good and so filled with must pay attention comedy. Love Chevy Chase as Fletch.
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May 28, 2008 | ![]() |
whatismyname | 60 49th |
Your standard Chevy Chase movie.
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May 16, 2008 | jeg2 | 70 81st |
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fast-paced slapstick--entertaining
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Dec 15, 2007 | ![]() |
saucyjack | 52 32nd |
Never really understood the praise for this film. Not really all that humorous at all.
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Nov 16, 2007 | ![]() |
LookingLand | 50 56th |
very amusing. classic chevy chase.
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Oct 19, 2007 | howerounds | 84 26th |
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A nice little 80's comedy that became a massive cable tv / video store cult hit. Chevy Chase is at his wise-ass, sarcastic best, as he IS Irwin M. Fletcher, a chameleon-like investigative reporter, who has stumbled (ass-backwards, as usual) into a murder-for-hire plot that leads to the nerve center of a huge illegal drug ring. If he can survive it all, Fletch will have the story of his career.
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Sep 16, 2007 | Dustyd | 55 30th |
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moderately entertaining
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Sep 12, 2007 | ![]() |
nimno | 71 63rd |
I liked Fletch Lives better, I think, but this was a decent comedy.
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Aug 24, 2007 | ![]() |
aarona1c | 95 90th |
Chevy at his best. So far to fall in later years, but this one is fantastic.
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Aug 22, 2007 | st_fly | 78 77th |
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Very Good
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Aug 19, 2007 | tejascarl | 85 47th |
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One of Chevy's better films.
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Aug 14, 2007 | ![]() |
TheDenizen | 20 6th |
Totally unfunny.
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Aug 14, 2007 | Punchinello | 60 27th |
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Perhaps Chevy Chase's only decent role ever?
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Aug 14, 2007 | sushiwriter | 92 91st |
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This movie and Caddyshack are the only funny things Chevy Chase has done EVER and he's managed to make up for the rest of his career with these two efforts.
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Aug 14, 2007 | UKSubs | 86 87th |
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Everyone loves Fletch.
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Aug 14, 2007 | citysqwirl | 74 50th |
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This is a funny movie.
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Aug 14, 2007 | bentley82 | 83 61st |
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Classic Chevy Chase comedy that was absolutely hilarious. Chevy shows us why is comedic timing made him one of the funniest comedians from the 1980's.
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Aug 14, 2007 | ![]() |
NeuroticErot | 75 52nd |
The music is amazing.
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Aug 14, 2007 | svicciarelli | 95 94th |
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One of the best all time comedies. Nearly every line is laugh out loud funny. Chase at his best.
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Aug 14, 2007 | ![]() |
MartinTeller | 77 61st |
The great one-liners still hold up, as does Chevy Chase's flippant performance, and even the plot is not a bad little mystery. The soundtrack, however, is an obnoxious abomination, and the action scenes feel perfunctory. "Are you using the whole fist, doc?"
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Aug 14, 2007 | sobernutz | 90 73rd |
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Very good Chevy movie
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Jun 27, 2007 | budcort | 85 55th |
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Hilarious. Chevy's best movie.
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Feb 17, 2007 | ![]() |
TheDiceman | 55 49th |
Funny.
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Jan 29, 2007 | nuotio | 75 95th |
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One of my favorite comedies. It was a perfect role for Chevy Chase, and he has never been cooler than as "Fletch", sort of a proto-slacker. It's a very 80's combination of noir and comedy which doesn't emphasize either side too much and works both as a mystery and comedy. Harold Faltermeyer's score is icing on the cake; it's a very 80's mix of pop and synth songs. At around 90 mins, with brisk pace and a lot locations it never outstays its welcome and is highly re-watchable.
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Jan 17, 2007 | ![]() |
lrampartl | 36 12th |
Just a series of unfunny bits with the stereotypical offbeat synthpop 80's soundtrack. I like when he fools the doberman, but that was it. A big fat meh.
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Jan 02, 2007 | snwangel314 | 94 90th |
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Great movie!
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Average Percentile 51.45% from 1663 Ratings | ![]() |