40 Years Ago: ‘Best '80s College Comedy Movie’ Released

Some comedies are products of their time. Back to School isn't one of them.

Rodney Dangerfield's classic campus comedy celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades since it premiered in theaters on June 13, 1986. According to IMDb, the film grossed more than $91 million worldwide against an estimated $11 million budget, making it one of the biggest comedy hits of the year.

Dangerfield stars as self-made millionaire Thornton Melon, who enrolls in college to convince his son, played by Keith Gordon, not to drop out. Directed by Alan Metter, the film also features Robert Downey Jr., Sally Kellerman, Burt Young, Ned Beatty, William Zabka, and Sam Kinison, while author Kurt Vonnegut makes a memorable cameo as himself, according to IMDb.

Why 'Back to School' Keeps Finding New Fans

While critics were divided when the movie debuted, its reputation has only improved over the past four decades.

Today, Back to School holds an 81% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's Critics Consensus says the comedy gives Dangerfield "plenty of room to riff" while surrounding his trademark humor with "enough of a story to keep things interesting between punchlines."

The film also earned Dangerfield a nomination for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role) at the 1987 American Comedy Awards, according to IMDb.