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Pee-wee's Big Adventure

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

1985
Comedy
Family/Kids
1h 31m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 50.75% from 3271 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3271)
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Rated 01 Jun 2016
69
51st
My first Pee-wee outing, and I could not imagine the character as anything other than a sociopath who was treated using hypnosis to regress him to a safe, child-like state, where the hypnotist died of a heart attack 90% into the proceedings. It would at least explain my constant fight-or-flight responses while watching; often couldn't tell whether P.W. was amused or about to murder the shit out of someone. Some fun gags and characters (Large Marge!) but I didn't really get a lot out of this.
Rated 27 May 2012
73
74th
I remember...I remember the Alamo!
Rated 26 Jan 2007
99
99th
For some reason I've always been in love with this movie. I watched the DVD three times in a row when I first got it (it's also the first DVD I ever bought). It never fails to crack me up and make me happy.
Rated 11 Feb 2016
73
53rd
Carnival unease. I get the sense that when Burton and Elfman hang out all they ever talk about is dilapidated merry-go-rounds and tattered circus tents and dutch angles. For once I think their shtick actually works, the technicolor joy of Herman's world is effectively augmented into something vaguely sinister without its comedic tone being compromised.
Rated 27 Jan 2019
70
60th
Exactly what you would expect from Pee-wee. We hate bike thieves!
Rated 01 Dec 2014
74
54th
Watching this movie was like getting a flashback of the mental wondrous adventures we would conjure up in our childhood. It's a childlike surreal experience in a bizarre world where the strangest things happen and everyone just goes along with it, without it being overwhelming. However, underneath the cartoonish silliness, there's some deranged and even creepy moments, that give it that unique touch associated with Burton. At times it's a bit clunky and excessive, but nevertheless a good debut.
Rated 08 May 2013
95
94th
Reuben's gags and character are incessantly funny and it actually makes for a better comedy road movie than others I've seen that are pitched at adults. The problem is Burton as director - he brings a distant eeriness to it that on the one hand turned a likable kid's movie into something weird and unsettling, and yet on the other hand turned a likable kid's movie into something wonderfully surreal and absurd. The result is a mesmerising and timeless comedy art-house movie for kids.
Rated 01 Nov 2016
70
71st
Ruebens' iconic man-child creation was both timely and forward looking: he was almost proto-hipster with his nebbish retro attire and passive aggressive demenour. Burton claims his inspiration was Bicycle Thieves, but Pee Wee's attachment to his bike is emotional rather than material (i.e. not borne out of economic necessity) which is a perfectly perverse update for the 1980s. Burton, unlike Reubens, went on to bigger and better things, but together they created a one-of-a-kind film experience.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
80th
Come on now. It's Pee Wee's Big Adventure. No review will either discredit it or do it justice. It stands alone, as the better of the two Pee Wee movies.
Rated 07 Oct 2013
25
28th
mothafucker wheres my breaksfast machine?
Rated 15 Sep 2016
30
10th
I didn't like it at all. But I think it's definitely safe to say that I've never seen anything quite like it. So that's something, I guess.
Rated 29 Jun 2012
92
55th
Tim Burton's only legitimately great movie. Timeless, classic.
Rated 15 Mar 2008
85
98th
A surrealist rampage of an introverted agoraphobic's effort to recapture his violated sense of security. Tim Burton's direction gives even the warmest landscapes a sense of menace and foreboding and, as ever, plays upon the popular fear of clowns. Paul Reubens makes a committed and iconic performance of a man in arrested development. This is the opus of all parties involved, including Burton.
Rated 28 Jan 2015
100
98th
de·light d??l?t/
Rated 31 Oct 2012
85
76th
I love this movie, probably because I've always really enojoyed Pee-wee as a character. Random and bizarre in the best possible way, with some fantastic comedy moments.
Rated 06 Aug 2008
94
98th
Funny, engaging, and endlessly creative. Tim Burton and Paul Reubens created magic here. Pee-wee Herman is hilarious, odd, and so subversive!
Rated 02 Mar 2010
95
89th
A classic bit of post modern madness. One must draw the line between high art and low art exactly where Pee-Wee draws the line between man and boy. And by the way...tell em Large Marge sentcha....
Rated 14 Aug 2007
45
12th
How can something be so annoying and mysteriously funny at the same time?
Rated 11 Jul 2014
6
54th
It rather make fun of movies than be a movie itself, so the self-referential angle and the whole movie within a movie dealio at the end seemed a little lazy. But I liked the upbeat-nonsense vibe and the quick pace of the story. The scenes in Texas along with the "everyone always has a big but" line are probably my favorite moments.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
63rd
I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel. Nonstop silliness and sight gags.
Rated 22 Dec 2009
82
52nd
Burton brings out the perverse in Peewee, and Peewee brings out the child in Burton. Not that either was that far from the surface.
Rated 01 Aug 2023
100
98th
May be the only piece of media that I was able to enjoy at 5-years old and as an (age undisclosed). Literally perfect. Rubens does a great job of capturing the child-like nature of Pee-Wee while somehow not getting creepy. As a kid, I never questioned why Pee-Wee and Francis, two men certainly around 30-years old, were acting like children. It just works. Now, I watch it and wonder how much it costs to fill up that big bath.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
94
96th
One of my favorite movies. Absolutely clever and funny. So many good moments.
Rated 15 Nov 2008
85
98th
I still fast forward through the Large Marge scene...should be included in the horror genre.
Rated 25 Jun 2012
65
45th
Hey Pee-Wee, you know what's better than your bicycle? Dottie's sweet sweet lovin'.
Rated 14 Mar 2011
75
66th
Charming, and has a lot of surprisingly well done jokes.
Rated 15 Apr 2011
85
93rd
Tim Burton's feature debut brings the zany humor of Pee Wee's Playhouse to the big screen in this charming and quirky comedy about a man in search of his stolen bicycle. A terrific ensemble cast and dazzling unique set pieces build around Paul Reuben's phenomenal Pee-Wee Herman character, delivering one of the most inventive and enjoyable films of all time. If you don't like this, you don't have a soul.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
10
15th
yuck.
Rated 22 May 2012
68
68th
This is the strangest film produced by Hollywood in 1985, one that tells the story of a creepy, androgenic grown-up-kid looking for his bike. He eventually becomes the subject of a major but cheesy action feature by Warner Bros. Burton's cartoonish extravaganza would never be matched in his career, but is undeniably unique: both repulsive -- Pee-wee is really a scary loner -- and refreshing -- Burton's rebellion would impact Hollywood in the following years, and it all began here.
Rated 06 Mar 2007
5
91st
A distinctly American comedy, lampooning the road movie and having fun with all sorts of national cliches: biker gangs, Texan patriots, rich snobs, truckers, small-town diner habitués, convicts. And it's wonderfully light-hearted and goofy throughout, never losing its optimism and still managing to be laugh-out-loud funny without being crass, crude or profane.
Rated 29 Aug 2009
85
77th
The best cross country road trip comedy ever made. I know that isn't much of a hallmark, but Pee Wee is is a boatload of joy. Small children should be wary as a monster is hidden in this movie.
Rated 26 Jan 2011
85
60th
"Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" is about a man and his bike. Yep, that's it. Pee-Wee's bike gets stolen, and he embarks on a big adventure to find it! He travels all over the world looking for it, meeting people along the way and getting into all kinds of trouble. It's a simple story, but it is done very, very well. I don't know how Paul Reubens thought of creating the character of Pee-Wee Herman but he is a genius. Pee-Wee is so likable, silly, and funny that he makes this big adventure a lot of fun.
Rated 04 Dec 2012
20
22nd
As a debut for Tim Burton it shows some of the bizarre style and humour he'd later become known for. Probably not the film the studio had in mind when they gave him the project. The Pee-Wee character however is one of the creepiest and irritating manchildren in film history and sucks any fun out of this.
Rated 19 Dec 2012
42
28th
Pee-Wee's character is utterly unlikable, annoying creep. The kind of a retard that believes he's 'special' just because his mom said him so (sorry for being politically incorrect). Burton makes this film more enjoyable than it deserved to be with his distinguishable style (that became a caricature of itself by now) and lots of smart references.
Rated 15 Aug 2010
75
64th
Pee-Wee runs the gamut of road-movie cliches, from escaped cons and creepy truckers to hobos and biker bars. A bit grating at points but mostly fun and always weird. Highlights: Francis' oversized bathtub, Large Marge, Pee-Wee's dream in the hospital, the denouement at the drive-in.
Rated 15 Dec 2019
65
45th
If you can get past the sometimes more annoying than funny quirks of the Pee-Wee persona & appreciate the core values of the character, there's quite a bit to enjoy about this. Reubens does as solid a job as ever, the supporting cast play their parts well, & a lot of the sets and scenes are a whole lot of fun. The biggest negative is that those scenes don't often link up very well, leading the plot to feel pretty disjointed. Overall, though, it's a harmless family comedy that's worth a look.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
40
19th
Strange film.
Rated 21 Sep 2007
4
83rd
Fucking awesome. If I had kids I'd show this to them all the time. One of the best road movies ever made, with wall-to-wall gags and a bizarre cast of characters.
Rated 25 Jan 2012
87
54th
Creative, wacky, and silly, Tim Burton's Pee-wee's Big Adventure is a solid strange comedic start for the bizarre director.
Rated 11 Feb 2023
79
97th
Large marge...😅
Rated 28 Oct 2008
75
59th
Pure lunacy
Rated 06 Dec 2008
7
59th
A classic kids film where you get more inside the crazy head of Pee-wee than on the TV show.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
15
21st
Probably scarred me as a child.
Rated 25 Mar 2024
91
82nd
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
92nd
It would have been enough to have legendary gags, but what elevates this film to a great American comedy is its style which, while remaining light and charming, still manages to carry a lot of artistic heft. That's the only way I can describe something like Pee-wee and Simone's existential conversation in the dark, while the sun rises and slowly fills the dinosaur's head with a warm, red glow as they gaze through the beast's jagged maw.
Rated 15 Apr 2024
70
51st
Rated 27 May 2023
90
84th
Pee-wee's Big Adventure might not be the best movie but I think it is great. I remember loving this movie as a child. I watched this countless times. I used to watch the TV show as well. This movie, Ghostbusters, and Beetlejuice were the first movies that I watch that were probably a bit too mature for me. I can still watch this movie and enjoy it The gags are still funny. The one-liners are still quotable. I will enjoy this movie until the day I die. It is also a glimpse into later Burton stuff
Rated 16 Mar 2012
90
61st
I enjoy this the more I watch it. However it IS a film about Pee-Wee, so if you don't like silly, child like humor then this will probably not be your cup of tea.
Rated 25 Aug 2020
89
81st
Utterly charming and captivating fantasy film ultimately rests on how charming and captivating you find Reuben's archly affected, but sweet-natured and fully realised portrait of his iconic character; if you can buy into it, this ranks with the best Burton films, seeming truly at home to Burton's signature combination of whimsy and dark undertones. Supporting cast largely play superficial foils or foes to Herman's strange and scattershot proclivities.
Rated 09 Jun 2012
78
51st
Fun and silly. Classic goofball comedy.
Rated 06 Aug 2010
87
73rd
Lots of laughs.
Rated 28 Mar 2011
70
24th
69 for creativity and balls. 1 for the rest of the stuff that really matters.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
69
51st
i saw it when i was young and it scared me, now its a certain type of comedy
Rated 18 Jan 2009
70
26th
Silliness, pure silliness.
Rated 04 Mar 2008
85
87th
I still have dreams about Pee-wee's house. I also want to see the basement of the Alamo. Hell, I'd even settle for checking out a flick with Paul Reubens.
Rated 17 Aug 2007
75
34th
This rating is pure nostalgia. I haven't seen it since 1985, but I remember liking it at the time still occasionally mention things about it to my friends.
Rated 25 Dec 2008
90
25th
amazing.
Rated 15 May 2008
100
92nd
Is this something you can share with the rest of us, Amazing Larry? I'll always think of my friend Todd when I see this movie. Loved ya, babe!
Rated 27 Apr 2014
85
59th
Now that I have finally experienced the comedy of Pee Wee Herman, I totally get why he was so popular. Such a lovable movie.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
68
65th
Another 80's nostalgia fest for me. To this day I still randomly break out "Paging Mr. Herman."
Rated 26 Sep 2010
70
45th
FUCK YEAH.
Rated 17 Sep 2008
30
35th
trættende
Rated 24 Mar 2011
90
88th
One of my favorite movies. This film has got it all, man. Romance, mystery, of course comedy, adventure, and even horror. It's all here. There are so many memorable scenes, and the humor is right up my alley. Large Marge still haunts my dreams, I still want to see the giant dinosaurs, Francis is an asshole, Dottie's hot, and Pee Wee is rad. Every single person needs to watch this movie.
Rated 26 Mar 2016
75
71st
Thoroughly enjoyable, and incredibly difficult to write about when you can't rely on the nostalgia of it all.
Rated 08 Jun 2014
82
76th
For a plot concerning a lead suffering Peter Pan syndrome, this is timeless and still topical. Many of its punchlines garner huge laughs for their universality like the classic comedies of yore. However it runs out of steam in the last act as we're given excessively long wrap ups after the culmination of Pee-wee's adventuring. Also left wanting is Phil Hartman, who's cameo only highlights his remaining absents. This doesn't detract however from its overall brilliance. Highly Recommended.
Rated 14 Nov 2008
7
70th
I absolutely love big, no, HUGE, novelty heads. And of course it has a robotic, apron-wearing, pancake-tossing Abraham Lincoln.
Rated 20 Mar 2023
40
22nd
This is a live-action cartoon originally aimed at adults but toned down for kids. It starts out strong but completely collapses halfway through. I honestly considered shutting it off because it just turns into "people doing things" for half an hour. Thankfully, the movie gets a second wind in the last 20 minutes and actually made me laugh out loud for the first time. Definitely not for everyone.
Rated 12 Mar 2007
75
40th
A rather hilarious film fallowing a crazy boy/man who wants his bike back.
Rated 23 Jun 2011
100
97th
Incredible achievement on so many levels! Kudos to all! Extremely funny and smart movie!
Rated 20 Oct 2007
68
70th
Quirky, original and has some great laughs.
Rated 31 Jul 2023
64
16th
I don’t fully understand what happened in this movie but it’s clear that Reubens (RIP!!!!) was a supremely dedicated performer and that Burton peaked extremely early
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
63rd
Peewee hits the road in search of his beloved bicycle. A kids classic.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
80th
I thought it is hilarious back when I was 10, and I find it hilarious now.
Rated 07 Sep 2019
50
10th
Pee-wee: "You don't wanna get mixed up with a guy like me. I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel. So long, Dott."
Rated 19 Feb 2017
86
62nd
B+
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
50th
Vintage Burton. Full of memorable moments.
Rated 04 Mar 2008
70
66th
Tim Burton's weirdest movie. That's right.
Rated 31 Dec 2012
80
57th
I tend to find Tim Burton films to be overrated. But this is an exception. It's a great film. Following Pee-Wee on his adventure to reclaim his stolen bike is a great ride, with more laughs than you can count.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
71st
Most likely Burton's best.
Rated 06 Apr 2016
85
87th
Don't you mind them... They're just supahstitous.
Rated 01 Apr 2016
71
48th
Has some great jokes and set-pieces. I didn't love it but at least it doesn't overstay its welcome.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
94th
Hooray for Pee-wee! "I'm a loner, Dotty . . . a rebel!"
Rated 16 Jun 2012
97
93rd
"Breakfast Machine" is amazing
Rated 17 Jan 2015
70
46th
Great set design, very adventurous in tone and in action, and Pee-Wee is neither too creepy, weird, adult or childish - he's a delightfully funny blend of all of them.
Rated 02 Apr 2007
80
68th
Good children's fantasy. Too bad there'll never be another Pee Wee movie
Rated 23 Sep 2007
68
31st
Twisted Sister's presence alone get it this high of a score.
Rated 23 Jul 2020
0
1st
I don't remember this much, it felt like a fever dream. But I fell asleep. That's basically it. It can't of been good.
Rated 21 Jun 2008
90
78th
One of my favorite films of all time.
Rated 21 Apr 2023
4
14th
70,000
Rated 17 Feb 2021
97
67th
https://esperwatchesfilms.tumblr.com/post/643333989403410432/pee-wees-big-adventure-1985
Rated 28 May 2020
63
34th
Bigtoothbrushlol+youdontwannagetmixedupwithaguylikemeetclool+i'mtryingtousethephone!lol+isaywelethimgolol+lastrequesttequiladancelolbreakdancebreaksglasses+stealsback-madeintomovie+kindalikeAustinPowers'hollywoodmovielol
Rated 23 Aug 2007
22
23rd
ok
Rated 27 Jul 2008
10
4th
I didn't like the tv show, so it makes sense I didn't like the movie. Pass.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
72
57th
I imagine this film is still as amazing today as it was when I first saw it. I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel. Amazing.
Rated 17 Nov 2021
76
71st
Weirdly delightful.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
56
49th
It's a shame Pee Wee Herman could never recover from his problem in the porn theatre.
Rated 21 Feb 2008
45
19th
Pee-wee reaches the peak of his career in this epic. This cinematic pioneer blazes a trail that would later be followed by similar freaks like Earnest P Worrell, Ace Ventura, Deuce Bigalow, Paris Hilton, and countless others. But he is a master who has yet to be surpassed by his pupil.
Rated 27 Dec 2008
80
42nd
Large Marge still scares me. My 5-year-old just laughs.
Rated 04 Nov 2007
85
70th
imagination, spirit, energy.
Rated 26 May 2007
35
12th
Pervert. Funny movie though :P

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