The beloved 1985 film “The Breakfast Club” is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Directed by John Hughes, the movie follows five high school students from different cliques who spend a Saturday in detention together. The cast includes Emilio Estevez as Andrew Clark, the jock; Anthony Michael Hall as Brian Johnson, the brain; Judd Nelson as John Bender, the criminal; Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish, the princess; and Ally Sheedy as Allison Reynolds, the basket case.
Paul Gleason plays their strict vice principal, Richard Vernon. Over the course of the day, the students open up to each other and realize they have more in common than they thought. The film explores themes of teenage angst, social pressure, and the struggle to fit in.
“The Breakfast Club” was a box office success, grossing over $50 million on a $1 million budget. It also launched the careers of its young stars, who became known as the “Brat Pack.”
The movie’s soundtrack, featuring the hit song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds, added to its popularity. The track reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Celebrating four decades of The Breakfast Club
Since its release, “The Breakfast Club” has become a cultural touchstone and a classic of the teen movie genre.
It has inspired countless imitations and homages in film and television. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, fans can watch “The Breakfast Club” on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, AMC+, and Philo. Special edition Blu-rays and merchandise are also available.
The cast members have gone on to have successful careers in Hollywood. Estevez starred in “The Mighty Ducks” franchise, while Hall appeared in “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Dark Knight.” Ringwald became a teen icon with roles in “Pretty in Pink” and other films. Nelson and Sheedy have had steady careers in movies and television.
Gleason, who passed away in 2006, was a prolific character actor. Four decades later, “The Breakfast Club” remains a beloved and influential film that captures the joys and pains of being a teenager. Its legacy continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.