Keith Nelson, an artsy high school outcast, tries to land a date with popular girl Amanda Jones with some help from his tomboy best friend, Watts. However, Watts realizes she likes Keith as more than just a friend and tries to convince him to stop pursuing Amanda. Matters are further complicated when Keith's invitation draws the ire of Amanda's rich yet snobby ex-boyfriend, Hardy Jenns, who makes plans to get even.
Directed by Howard Deutch
high school
ex-boyfriend
bully
teen movie
best friend
high school student
rich kid
tomboy
female drummer
annoying sister
rich vs poor
aspiring artist
teenager
in love with best friend
hidden feelings
cliques
Rank
#58 in 1987·#5571 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.3 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Eric Stoltz
Keith Nelson
Mary Stuart Masterson
Watts
Lea Thompson
Amanda Jones
Chynna Phillips
Mia
Craig Sheffer
Hardy Jenns
John Ashton
Cliff Nelson
Elias Koteas
Skinhead
Maddie Corman
Laura Nelson
Molly Hagan
Shayne
Ike Eisenmann
Party Guest
Candace Cameron Bure
Cindy Nelson
Lee Garlington
Gym Instructor
Crew
Howard Deutch
Director
John Hughes
Writer
John Hughes
Producer
Marilyn Vance
Costume Design
Dana Dru Evenson
Stunts
Erik Cord
Stunts
Popular Reviews
208 reviews
pat
4.0★ · 06/02/26
watts was lost in the fire-d by the weeknd
watts was lost in the fire-d by the weeknd
ren
8.0★ · 04/25/26
they are bound to happen because a girl who plays drum and a boy who paints goes hand in hand
they are bound to happen because a girl who plays drum and a boy who paints goes hand in hand
Isa Meyer
8.0★ · 04/24/26
so beautiful HAD ME CRYING
so beautiful HAD ME CRYING
maya
6.0★ · 03/16/26
duncan n keith showing each other their drawings w duncan’s being carved into his desk 😭😭😭
duncan n keith showing each other their drawings w duncan’s being carved into his desk 😭😭😭
Olivia
7.0★ · 02/03/26
ugh where is my cute freckled artsy nerd at ?!?!
eric stoltz is so gorgeous. i love his voice and his eyes and just the way he carries himself
the fact that he was considered ugly and no one wanted him was so insane 💔
ugh where is my cute freckled artsy nerd at ?!?!
eric stoltz is so gorgeous. i love his voice and his eyes and just the way he carries himself
the fact that he was considered ugly and no one wanted him was so insane 💔
