Watch
Say Anything...

Say Anything...

1989
Romance, Comedy
1h 40m
John Cusack plays Lloyd Dobler--an average guy with a penchant for kickboxing. There is only one thing that all-around nice guy Lloyd wants for his high school graduation: a date with beautiful valedictorian Diane Court (Skye). Lloyd's dream comes true when Diane accepts his invitation to a graduation party. Diane falls for Lloyd, whose goal is to spend as much time with her as possible... (20th Century Fox)
Your probable score
?

Say Anything...

1989
Romance, Comedy
1h 40m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 59.84% from 2407 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(2407)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 20 Mar 2007
90
92nd
I like the way the film changes narrative focus between John Cusack and Ione Skye frequently, then smooshes them back together exactly when we want them to be (or, does it in a way where we think that's what we wanted). It's so weird that most romantic films tend to focus on one character, and just make the other a reward for persistence, or they focus on the relationship itself, as if we wanted to watch someone play house for 90 minutes. Cameron Crowe is the shit.
Rated 23 May 2007
90
89th
The greatest teen romance committed to celluloid I've ever seen and one of the greatest romance films ever made.
Rated 08 May 2019
80
88th
If you were Diane Court would you honestly fall for Lloyd? Yeah. I didn't much care for this when I was younger but it hit all the right notes when I saw it last year with a Q&A from Cusack himself. This works as a very interesting prequel to Grosse Pointe Blank, assuming he freaks out, leaves her in Europe and joins the army.
Rated 02 May 2007
90
88th
Way back before he was too good for rewrites Cameron Crowe wrote touching movies in which love triumphed and the audience cared. Who better to be the recipient of such triumphs than John Cusack and Ione Skye, you gotta admit they're cute together.
Rated 28 Jul 2008
99
99th
This is not your average teen romances. This is one of the most romantic films ever made. I want to marry John Cusack.
Rated 23 Mar 2009
4
70th
The most genuinely touching teen movie I've ever seen, by a long shot, and one of the best romances as well. The characters are likable but not without flaw, and their honesty is moving and is what makes the film work as well as it does. Cusack is perfect as Lloyd Dobler.
Rated 26 Feb 2007
91
92nd
A unique almost independent film feel depicting a somewhat realistic romance story. What's more is that it is writer/director Cameron Crowe's debut film.
Rated 04 May 2007
73
64th
What can I say, it's a John Cusack romance. They're essentially all the same, but they can be pretty good.
Rated 26 Jul 2007
85
76th
Say Anything... is simple and enjoyable. It's an all around sweet film that, though not overly exciting, is memorable in its own 80's classic kind of way. Really good!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
91st
Every girl dreams of her very own Lloyd Dobbler. Damn, but I love this movie! I have nothing objective to say about it just..."The world is full of guys, Lloyd. Don't be a guy. Be a man." Siiiiigh.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
90th
This is my pick for best teen romance of the Eighties, and a breath of fresh air from the dumb sex comedies or manipulative schmaltz that usually passes as entertainment in the same genre.
Rated 24 Aug 2007
87
77th
A totally different movie than I thought it was going to be. The particular moments that Crowe decides to show are very interesting and atypical. As a whole it just feels different than most films.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
10
15th
mostly plodding bore.
Rated 11 Feb 2008
87
92nd
I laughed, I cried, I felt awkward at times.
Rated 11 Mar 2008
9
93rd
I draw the line at 7 unreturned phone calls. Classic Cusack.
Rated 12 Oct 2008
81
73rd
John Cusack...the only good thing that came out of the eighties. And this is one of his best.
Rated 17 Oct 2008
90
92nd
Crowe, in his directorial debut, crafts real and complex characters all across the board, finding his comedy in their personal nuances and the beats between speaking and silence. At its core, however, is a strong dramatic message buoyed by pitch-perfect performances and some lightening flecks of laughter -- lots of laughter. It's impossible to watch this and not feel optimistically romantic, and I don't think I could pay it any higher compliment. One of Cusack's classic rom-coms.
Rated 01 Dec 2008
79
74th
The movie that made John Cusack. I thought it resonated with me fairly well, being a kid in a similar situation in high school.
Rated 14 Jun 2009
97
97th
I wish they still made teen coming of age/comedies like this. Lloyd Dobler is one of the most relatable and genuine characters ever written. This is truly a classic that will be relevant for generations.
Rated 21 Sep 2010
73
88th
Cusack being his charming self and Skye is quite good. An excellent supporting cast and tightly directed by Crowe. One drawback is it definitely feels dated.
Rated 05 Nov 2010
12
10th
Not really worth finishing.
Rated 18 Dec 2011
82
88th
This feels so genuine and authentic from start to finish that I would have completely copied Lloyd Dobler's "basic" life if I had seen this when I was 19 -- or one year before I was 19. Well, now it's too late. This is sad. Still, this line "If you start out depressed everything's kind of a pleasant surprise" is goddam real: I've unconsciously been following this advice for so many years. No surprises, though. Again, this is sad.
Rated 09 May 2014
70
49th
Decent teen romance. I have no idea how the boombox scene became so iconic, it only lasts like five seconds.
Rated 16 Sep 2014
70
73rd
Between this and Heathers, 1989 was the year of middle fingers to John Hughes.
Rated 17 Feb 2015
74
22nd
Sorry, I didn't grow up in the 80s.
Rated 01 Jul 2016
53
32nd
Crowe's debut was overpraised because of what it wasn't (i.e. a typical teen comedy). It's ironic then that when the film strays too far from the path of convention that it fails completely. By focusing too much on the unusual relationship between Diane and her father (and his financial problems), the film diverts our attention from its most compelling aspect: an unlikely relationship between two likeable people. The early scenes with the couple connecting are best.
Rated 02 Jan 2017
50
22nd
Perhaps it's because I didn't see it when it came out in the 80's, but I can't see what the fuss is about. It starts out intolerably, and while it gets better it never gets good. Cusack acts well but nobody else does. Maybe I was wrong to expect Breakfast Club-quality and was disappointed to get an after school special instead. (EDIT: I initially gave this a very low rating and have revised to 50%. The film's classic scenes do stick with you. But overall it really isn't that good.)
Rated 24 Dec 2017
35
6th
Felt completely out of touch. Probably made more sense in the era it was made for. All of this is compounded by the plot with the father which was completely distracting and sort of pointless. Also what the fuck she doesn't even acknowledge him with the boombox?
Rated 11 Mar 2007
85
70th
A cute love story that you can watch anytime.
Rated 02 May 2007
89
80th
Better off Dead is a better film, but this is quite good.
Rated 26 May 2007
45
25th
Grossly overrated.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
63
77th
This film has grown on me after re-watching it. It's not as outdated as most of these 80's teen flicks, and I think the main reason is that it has believable characters. Cusack and Skye have a good chemistry and the supporting cast is fine.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
51st
John Cusak SWOON
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
39th
I like most of John Cusack's early stuff, it makes for fun, mindless afternoons on the couch in front of the TV. This is no different, maybe a little more serious than some of this others.
Rated 15 Aug 2007
85
73rd
Not as good as I thought it was going to be. Diane Court didn't really seem like a girl worth fighting for in my opinion. She was sooo boring and she couldn't see how awesome Lloyd was.
Rated 18 Aug 2007
80
51st
Cute teen romance - John Cusack is adorable.
Rated 24 Aug 2007
79
58th
Not at all what I expected, but good. Cusack is just so great, who wouldn't fall in love with him. ...still, I don't think this movie deserves its iconic status, its not exceptional by any means. I liked the kid. Cameron Crowe's track record is pretty inconsistent.
Rated 26 Aug 2007
90
86th
A teenager comedy, but a smart and funny one. The subplot featuring John Mahoney adds highly welcome depth
Rated 30 Aug 2007
75
72nd
Classic 80's film that still works pretty well.
Rated 17 Sep 2007
75
79th
smart and heartfelt teen romance
Rated 19 Oct 2007
82
79th
This movie was pretty good, but not as good as I hoped for a Cameron Crowe product. John Cusack was great, but even he could not make the movie by himself.
Rated 21 Oct 2007
80
58th
"I'm Lloyd Dobbler." That character makes this movie. Cusack has a strong performance in the role, supported ably by Lili Taylor with those fantastic songs -- "Joe Lies when he cries." There is no teen movie that touches this one for its depth of feeling and well rounded characterizations. Good times.
Rated 05 Nov 2007
70
16th
A highschool graduate named Lloyd crushes on a girl totally out of his league--and manages to pull off a relationship with her prior to her moving off to Europe .
Rated 21 Dec 2007
7
84th
It's sappy and very much a product of its time, but it also has a lot of charm and two very likable lead performances. Also, when I look at late 80s Ione Skye I can't help but see late 90s Keri Russell. Weird!
Rated 02 Jun 2008
74
75th
A beautiful romance for those who aren't jaded by love.
Rated 25 Aug 2008
75
71st
The boom box, the trench coat (prior to the angry trench coat of the mid-nineties), and John Cusack - it works and I LOVE it. (and I'm not ashamed to admit it)
Rated 18 Nov 2008
82
71st
Sweet movie.
Rated 18 Nov 2008
85
88th
The cliche of teen movies. But the movie is not only that, it is more than that, the movie is made with a distressing truth and realism captivating.
Rated 23 Dec 2008
87
84th
Cute.
Rated 11 Feb 2009
65
33rd
A good, unpretentious movie with some good performances. A good start for Mr. Crowe.
Rated 04 Mar 2009
55
63rd
Would have been great if the boombox scene hadn't been redone 29293029302930293092309120390239539453459345 times.
Rated 07 Mar 2009
75
39th
I took a survey on Facebook revealing which 80s movie I was as a person and this was the result. So I added it to my Netflix cue, and watched it. I like Cameron Crowe's work, but not John Cusack, but his performance is enjoyable here. Cusack is an introverted type who goes after the girl he isn't supposed to have as she is the popular one. And what follows is a result of some of the best feel-good 80s cheese there is. Somewhat of a fluff piece but still enjoyable nonetheless.
Rated 06 Apr 2009
60
31st
It greatly exceeded the expectations I had for an 80s romantic movie but that doesn't make it great. Cusack and Mahoney take care of the acting, the girls take care of looking like 80s girls.
Rated 05 Jun 2009
4
81st
Too charming.
Rated 11 Jun 2009
70
62nd
I honestly prefer his character in Better Off Dead. LLoyd Dobler reminds me of the kind of mediocre retard that Shia LeBeouf plays most of the time, but Cusack brings a kind of innocent charm to the character. Plus, when he's standing outside with the boombox, playing Peter Gabriel...what can I say? Not a bad start for Cameron Crowe.
Rated 26 Jun 2009
78
47th
On of the good 80's romantic comedy movies.
Rated 19 Jul 2009
81
23rd
John Cusack and Cameron Crowe work well together here.
Rated 29 Jul 2009
8
44th
Stero Typical story. Well delivered.
Rated 01 Sep 2009
81
67th
I thought that stereo thing was supposed to work instantly! I thought he'd hold it up, and play their song, and she'd like, come running out of the house or something. I suppose it explains why it never works for me in real life, either. Serves me right for not doing my homework!
Rated 14 Sep 2009
70
17th
John Cusack: most overrated actor of my generation. Some Kind of Wonderful was a much better teen rom-com of this era.
Rated 28 Nov 2009
71
60th
A semi-mature, successful teen romance. Works well on the romantic level without getting too sticky.
Rated 31 Jan 2010
92
89th
One of the great romantic comedies. Perhaps Cusack's best work. John Mahoney gives the performance of career, Ione Skye is lovely and likable, and Lili Taylor has a very memorable small part.
Rated 11 Jul 2010
34
22nd
Over rated.
Rated 23 Jul 2010
81
66th
Just about the best '80s teen romance film out there. Crowe's characters feel like real people who say and do things that those types of people would actually say and do (aside from what I feel to be an unrealistically open father-daughter relationship). A very well written movie. And probably Cusack's best performance.
Rated 09 Oct 2010
71
51st
Is Say Anything the Scott Pilgrim of twenty years ago? I actually think it might be.
Rated 13 Oct 2010
76
69th
John Cusack teen flicks are my guilty pleasure.
Rated 19 Oct 2010
55
33rd
Cusack is good (almost too likeable) but the story has really nothing to offer.
Rated 15 Nov 2010
35
90th
"Say Anything was a singularly three-dimensional teen romance after a decade of broad gags and breakfast-club stereotypes in John Hughesland." - Bill Weber
Rated 21 Nov 2010
88
92nd
Lovely and funny. Cameron Crowe knows how to make films people care about.
Rated 28 Jan 2011
78
64th
Safe to say that Cusack made this movie memorable to me. Again I wish I had seen this earlier because it just seems a bit dated now. Some memorable lines though from this, "I draw my line at 7 unreturned calls" and "I gave her my heart she gave me a pen" and when he meets her dad and he says that he is practicing a new wave sport called kick boxing so he won't be drinking. The whole radio thing I didn't think was that amazing, but that might just be that it has been overhyped by this point.
Rated 31 Jan 2011
80
70th
Well written and charming 80s teen romance flick. Cusack is perfect as the ever so sweet Lloyd Dobler and Frasier's dad delivers a solid performance as an overprotective but very sympathetic dad. Ione Skye has a cool sounding name, but sadly she is rather annoying in the role of Cusack's love interest. But all in all a fine entry to the genre with a nice being-a-slacker-is-not-all-bad kind of message.
Rated 21 Apr 2011
60
24th
I love the scene where Cusack screams at the boy... I don't know why...it must've been funny I guees ;)
Rated 15 Jun 2011
72
81st
Good Movie
Rated 20 Jul 2011
90
96th
Lloyd Dobler...alright.
Rated 02 Aug 2011
83
74th
Very good film. Not sure it's as good as it's contemporaries but it's definitely a film that belongs in. Top tier
Rated 09 Sep 2011
69
49th
It's good, but I feel like I like it less than I should.
Rated 16 May 2012
70
83rd
Quite posibly the best teen romance movie ever. Sometimes plot seems to move too fast, but beside this everything in this movie is good or great. Talk about awesome ending scene.
Rated 15 Jun 2012
91
80th
Look at you John Mahoney
Rated 19 Sep 2012
30
6th
Trust John Cusack to ruin every movie he touches. Damn you John Cusack, damn you to heck.
Rated 01 Jan 2013
86
96th
Revisited (3)
Rated 09 Feb 2013
82
80th
It's not perfect, but like romance these things rarely are. What's most enjoyable here are the flaws, the flaws of the characters (which are beautifully written) and purposefully make you care much more about this movie than you think you would. There are elements that certainly shoot you back into romance movie world, but they're not altogether unpleasant (I would've picked a different 80s track instead of blasting Peter Gabriel), and hey this is a movie after all and a damn good romance one.
Rated 12 Apr 2013
3
45th
Ah, young love. This is a very romantic film, and despite its reliance on some cliches, it works.
Rated 06 Jan 2014
90
79th
It's just so romantic and lovely and fluffy and funny and d'awww John Cusack d'awwwww
Rated 06 Apr 2014
85
69th
Hard to resist how sweet this movie is.
Rated 20 Apr 2014
92
90th
Pleasantly surprised by the earnestness here that never verged into "over the top." There's a lot of feeling in the movie, and it's structurally and stylistically very well thought out. I wish we got to see more of Lili Taylor's character, though.
Rated 03 Oct 2014
85
76th
I can't say that I would have liked it at the time, but watching it now from a stylistic standpoint its so retro chic that I can't help but do so. The characters are so genuine and relatable. I think Diane Court/Ione Skye just set the gold standard for the perfect girl I will never be with. It can be a little stagnant at times, but a tremendous directorial effort for Crowe's debut. Its a shame they don't make romantic movies as charming, and just overall well done as they did back in the 80's.
Rated 04 Jan 2015
74
52nd
Estou velha demais pra isso...
Rated 23 Aug 2015
94
79th
I loved this movie. Say Anything... may have that dated feel (and judging by the year's release, it was probably one of the last "80s" 80s movies) but the lead actors are all charming and excellent and Crowe's writing and directing are just so great. Entertaining for the characters and feel that the directing gives. Worth a viewing if you haven't seen it yet.
Rated 23 Nov 2015
82
33rd
1
Rated 24 May 2017
85
87th
John Cusak establishing himself as the king of romance in the rain.
Rated 16 Jun 2017
7
63rd
While at times making it feel a little tangential and light, ultimately the broad multi-perspective narrative approach to telling this love story gives it an organic vibe while putting fresh spins on typical romance plot points (the pre-ending break-up had a unique cause) and throwing in new ones too (see Diane's dad twist). Memorable dialogue with a flair for the poetic (see Lloyd's monologue in the car, the final airplane scene), and artful edits (see Lloyd with the boys) give it extra juice.
Rated 26 Jun 2017
40
38th
I didn't get much out of this. To me it was just a couple of bumbling teens. It wasn't very funny. It wasn't very romantic. I mostly wanted to see it just for that iconic scene, and it didn't seem very dramatic. I mean, it wasn't the final scene, she didn't run out of the house and into his arms or anything while the antagonist father hollered to try and stop the inevitable. It just came and went, and if I didn't know it was so iconic, it wouldn't have made any impression on me anyway.
Rated 06 Feb 2018
85
98th
"Maybe you were just a mirage. Maybe the world is full of food and sex and spectacle and we're all just hurling towards an apocalypse, in which case it's not your fault." *Preview*: #18#, rw5, adored, rewatch(5) }**{ #90s(e)#, story.
Rated 21 Mar 2018
98
96th
One of the definitive Generation X movies, Say Anything is equally funny and heartfelt -- and it established John Cusack as an icon for left-of-center types everywhere.
Rated 05 Jul 2018
81
78th
A great mixture of comedy, romance and drama with complex and believable characters. The movie holds up very well. Lili Taylor steals the show.
Rated 02 Apr 2019
90
91st
Wonderfully charming, good-natured, and incisive.
Rated 22 May 2020
67
76th
Despite one of the most iconic gestures in a RomCom, Say Anything... is fairly grounded, at least conceptually, in comparison to other film off the genre. What makes the film as good as it is, is simply a strong script, good performances from a good cast, and a soundtrack that compliments the film rather than overshadowing a scene. Cusack looks a little old, though still manages to convincingly come across as the nicest high-schooler put in film. Skye has good chemistry. Mahoney looked so young.
Rated 27 May 2020
68
25th
What a Freudian clusterfuck!
Rated 15 Dec 2020
61
20th
Good-natured (now iconic) rom-com involves two major plotlines which are both reasonably compelling as is but mash together uncertainly - and also require Mahoney to undergo a significant character change in the later stages which the script doesn't support; as a performer, he steals the film, and it's unfortunate Crowe's screenplay can't provide him with a better arc. For all this, Skye and Cusack are quite wonderful together, and their faltering, uncertain courtship is charmingly rendered.
Rated 25 Mar 2022
75
78th
Some cringe but barely noticeable since it was set years ago. Good soundtrack and great story.

Collections

(41)
Compact view
Showing 1 - 24 of 41 results

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...