Better Off Dead... (1985): cast, story & where to watch
1985 · Film · ★ 6.7
Released in 1985, Better Off Dead... is a comedy film directed by Savage Steve Holland, running about 97 minutes. “Insanity doesn't run in the family, it gallops.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. High school student Lane Meyer sinks into suicidal depression when his girlfriend dumps him for jock Roy Stalin, the high school ski racing champion. Meanwhile, he has to deal with his eccentric family, a tenacious paperboy and an obnoxious neighbor whose mother is hosting a beautiful French exchange student named Monique.
Who’s in it. Better Off Dead... stars John Cusack as Lane Meyer, David Ogden Stiers as Al Meyer, Kim Darby as Jenny Meyer and Demian Slade as Johnny Gasparini, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, Better Off Dead... has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $10.3M at the box office.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Better Off Dead... page.
If you liked it. Fans of Better Off Dead... tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Better Off Dead... (1985)?
- In US, Better Off Dead... is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Better Off Dead... worth watching?
- Better Off Dead... holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Better Off Dead...?
- Better Off Dead... stars John Cusack, David Ogden Stiers, Kim Darby, Demian Slade and Amanda Wyss.
- When was Better Off Dead... released?
- Better Off Dead... was released in 1985, with a runtime of about 97 minutes.