The Funniest 80s Movie Is On Netflix And Still Completely Holds Up
It’s time to play hooky, Chicago-style, with none other than Matthew Broderick in the timeless classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off now streaming on Netflix. For those looking to relive the charm of teenage rebellion, spiced up with snazzy tunes and a dash of carpe diem, this John Hughes masterpiece is waiting for you on Netflix.
Jump into Broderick’s mischievous shoes as Ferris, as he cheekily convinces us all to take a day off from life’s humdrum. And remember, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ready to join Ferris on his epic skip day? Let’s go!
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off stars Matthew Broderick and is a cult classic of the highest order
In the colorful world of 1980s suburban Chicago, Ferris Bueller, masterfully portrayed by a young Matthew Broderick, decides that the beautiful day is far too good to be spent within the confines of a high school.
With a concocted, keyboard-aided illness (much to the dismay of his sister Jeannie, a perfectly annoyed Jennifer Grey), a hacked computer system, and a bit of sweet-talking, Ferris successfully convinces his parents he’s too sick to go to school. But, instead of resting, Ferris has grander plans.
With his mission clear, Ferris recruits his morose best friend, Cameron Frye (played by the wonderfully neurotic Alan Ruck), and girlfriend Sloane Peterson (a radiant Mia Sara) to join him on his escapade.
Borrowing (or, should we say, “borrowing”) Cameron’s father’s prized 1961 Ferrari (they’ll dial back the miles later), the trio sets off on an unforgettable adventure through the Windy City.
From an impromptu parade performance where Ferris belts “Twist and Shout” to a fine dining mishap, a contemplative moment at the Art Institute of Chicago, and even a nail-biting close call at Wrigley Field, the day is jam-packed with hijinks and heart.
But, of course, what’s a day off without a few adversaries? Enter the ever-suspicious Principal Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones in a role you’ll love to hate) and his relentless quest to catch Ferris in the act, and Ferris’s sister Jeannie, who’s irked to her wits’ end by her brother’s popularity and apparent invincibility. Add in a dash of Charlie Sheen’s memorable cameo as a police station delinquent, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for comedy.
John Hughes wrote and directed Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as a love letter to Chicago
Directed and written by the iconic John Hughes, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off isn’t just a day in the life of a cunning teenager; it’s a homage to youth, friendship, and the idea that sometimes, rules are meant to be broken. With an impeccable cast and Broderick leading the charge, the film serves as a delightful time capsule of 80’s teenage wonder, ensuring Ferris’s antics remain timeless for generations to come.
In the annals of 80s cinema, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off stands not just as a movie, but as a cultural phenomenon. The film tapped into the Zeitgeist of the time, effortlessly merging teen angst with carpe diem optimism.
Its humorous look at teenage rebellion and its celebration of seizing the day resonated with both audiences longing for the freedom of their youth and teenagers wanting to break free from the shackles of authority. It was John Hughes’ love letter to Chicago, but beyond that, it was a testament to the universal longing for freedom and the cheeky resilience of youth.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Has A Number Of Iconic Moments
Iconic moments from the film, from Ferris’s opening monologue about how to fake a fever, to the infamous “Twist and Shout” parade sequence, and even the post-credit sequence with Ferris advising the audience to “go home”, have cemented their place in pop culture.
Phrases like “Bueller… Bueller…” have transcended the film, becoming part of the cultural lexicon. Its impact has led to countless parodies, homages, and references in films, television shows, and even commercials. The film became a blueprint for how to make teen movies that were not just about youth, but also spoke to them on a profound level.
For Matthew Broderick, playing Ferris was the launchpad that solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. While he was previously recognized for his work in movies like WarGames, it was his portrayal of the cunning, charming, and oh-so-relatable Ferris that made him a household name.
Broderick’s performance was praised for its balance of wit, charm, and depth, giving audiences a protagonist they could root for, laugh with, and see a bit of themselves in. Post-Ferris, Broderick enjoyed a streak of successful films and eventually found acclaim on Broadway, bagging two Tony Awards.
Yet, even with an extensive and diverse body of work, for many, he will forever be remembered as the mischievous teen who reminded us all of the joy of taking a day off.
In many ways, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Matthew Broderick’s portrayal of the titular character became synonymous with the spirit of the 80s — a blend of rebellion, joy, and a touch of introspection. The film’s legacy and Broderick’s enduring popularity attest to its timeless appeal and the indelible mark it left on popular culture.
Oh, and if you need even more Matthew Broderick fix on Netflix, he’s also currently starring in Painkiller. plus , there has been talk of a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off spinoff at some point that would follow the two dudes who steal their car that day and the kind of adventure they have for themselves in the interim.
It’s time to go back to the 80s and relive this classic, or bring a new generation on for the school-ditching ride. Either way, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on Netflix is just as good now as when it first came out.
