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Conjunctivitis

2025-11-02T00:41:23Z

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{{short description| Inflammation of the eye}}
{{Redirect|Pinkeye|other uses|Pinkeye (disambiguation)}}
{{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2024}}{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name = Conjunctivitis
| image = An eye with viral conjunctivitis.jpg
| caption = An eye with viral conjunctivitis
| field = [[Ophthalmology]], [[optometry]]
| synonyms = Pink eye, Madras eye
| symptoms = [[Reddish eye]], scratchiness<ref name=NIH2015/>
| complications =
| onset =
| duration = Viral conjunctivitis: up to two weeks<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Long SS, Prober CG, Fischer M |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xw7VDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA502 |title=Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases E-Book |date=2017 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=978-0-323-46132-0 |page=502 |language=en}}</ref>
| causes = [[viral infection|Viral]], [[bacterial infection|bacterial]], allergies<ref name=Az2013/>
| risks =
| diagnosis = Based on symptoms, [[microbial culture]]<ref name=NIH2015/>
| differential =
| prevention = [[Handwashing]]<ref name=NIH2015/>
| treatment = Based on underlying cause<ref name=Az2013/>
| medication =
| prognosis =
| frequency = 3–6 million per year (US)<ref name=NIH2015/><ref name=Az2013/>
}}

'''Conjunctivitis''', also known as '''pink eye''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is Viral Conjunctivitis a.k.a. Sore Eyes? | National Institutes of Health |url=http://nih.upm.edu.ph/health/what-viral-conjunctivitis-aka-sore-eyes |access-date=14 September 2020 |archive-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109214021/https://nih.upm.edu.ph/health/what-viral-conjunctivitis-aka-sore-eyes }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mohanasundaram AS, Gurnani B, Kaur K, Manikkam R | title = Madras eye outbreak in India: Why should we foster a better understanding of acute conjunctivitis? | journal = Indian Journal of Ophthalmology | volume = 71 | issue = 5 | pages = 2298–2299 | date = May 2023 | pmid = 37202982 | pmc = 10391441 | doi = 10.4103/IJO.IJO_3317_22 | doi-access = free }}</ref> is [[inflammation]] of the [[conjunctiva]], the thin and clear layer that covers the white surface of the eye and the inner [[eyelid]].<ref name="Peads10">{{cite journal | vauthors = Richards A, Guzman-Cottrill JA | title = Conjunctivitis | journal = Pediatrics in Review | volume = 31 | issue = 5 | pages = 196–208 | date = May 2010 | pmid = 20435711 | doi = 10.1542/pir.31-5-196 | s2cid = 245084568 }}</ref> It makes the eye appear pink or reddish.<ref name=NIH2015/> Pain, burning, scratchiness, or itchiness may occur.<ref name=NIH2015/> The affected eye may have increased tears or be stuck shut in the morning.<ref name=NIH2015/> Swelling of the [[sclera]] may also occur.<ref name=NIH2015/> Itching is more common in cases that are due to allergies.<ref name=Az2013/> Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes.<ref name=NIH2015/>

The most common infectious causes in adults are viral, whereas in children bacterial causes predominate.<ref name="Durand 2023">{{cite journal | vauthors = Durand ML, Barshak MB, Sobrin L | title = Eye Infections | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 389 | issue = 25 | pages = 2363–2375 | date = December 2023 | pmid = 38118024 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMra2216081 | s2cid = 266433325 }}</ref><ref name="Az2013">{{cite journal | vauthors = Azari AA, Barney NP | title = Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment | journal = JAMA | volume = 310 | issue = 16 | pages = 1721–1729 | date = October 2013 | pmid = 24150468 | pmc = 4049531 | doi = 10.1001/jama.2013.280318 }}</ref> The viral infection may occur along with other symptoms of a [[common cold]].<ref name=NIH2015/> Both viral and bacterial cases are easily spread among people.<ref name=NIH2015/> Allergies to pollen or animal hair are also a common cause.<ref name=Az2013/> Diagnosis is often based on signs and symptoms.<ref name=NIH2015/> Occasionally a sample of the discharge is sent for [[microbial culture|culture]].<ref name=NIH2015/>


Prevention is partly by [[handwashing]].<ref name=NIH2015/> Treatment depends on the underlying cause.<ref name="NIH2015">{{Cite web |date=November 2015 |title=Facts About Pink Eye |url=https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/pink-eye |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309104846/https://nei.nih.gov/health/pinkeye/pink_facts |archive-date=9 March 2016 |access-date=8 March 2016 |website=National Eye Institute }}</ref> In the majority of viral cases there is no specific treatment.<ref name=Az2013/> Most cases that are due to a bacterial infection also resolve without treatment; however [[antibiotic]]s can shorten the illness.<ref name=NIH2015/><ref name=Az2013/> People who wear [[contact lenses]] and those whose infection is caused by [[gonorrhea]] or [[Chlamydia infection|chlamydia]] should be treated.<ref name=Az2013/> Allergic cases can be treated with [[antihistamine]]s or [[mast cell inhibitor]] drops.<ref name=Az2013/>

Between three and six million people get acute conjunctivitis each year in the United States.<ref name=NIH2015/><ref name=Az2013/> Typically they get better in one or two weeks.<ref name=NIH2015/><ref name=Az2013/> If visual loss, significant pain, sensitivity to light or signs of [[herpes]] occur, or if symptoms do not improve after a week, further diagnosis and treatment may be required.<ref name=Az2013/> Conjunctivitis in a newborn, known as [[neonatal conjunctivitis]], may also require specific treatment.<ref name=NIH2015/>
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== Signs and symptoms ==
[[File:Bloodshot eye.jpg|thumb|Bloodshot eyes]]

[[Red eye (medicine)|Red eye]], [[chemosis|swelling of the conjunctiva]], and [[epiphora (medical)|watering]] of the eyes are symptoms common to all forms of conjunctivitis. However, the pupils should be normally reactive, and the visual acuity should be normal.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Hashmi MF, Gurnani B, Benson S | chapter = Conjunctivitis |date=2023 | title = StatPearls | chapter-url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541034/ |access-date=2023-05-23 |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=31082078 }}</ref>

Conjunctivitis is identified by inflammation of the conjunctiva, manifested by irritation and redness. Examination using a [[slit lamp]] (biomicroscope) may improve diagnostic accuracy. Examination of the palpebral conjunctiva, which overlies the inner aspects of the eyelids, is usually more diagnostic than examination of the bulbal conjunctiva, which overlies the sclera.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-19 |title=Conjunctivitis |url=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=nhs.uk |language=en}}</ref>

=== Viral ===
[[File:Conjunctivitis disease.jpg|thumb|Viral conjunctivitis]]
Approximately 80% of cases of conjunctivitis in adults and less than 20% in children are due to viruses, with 65% to 90% of these cases being attributed to adenoviruses.<ref name="Az2013"/><ref name="Durand 2023" />
Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with an infection of the upper respiratory tract, a common cold, or a sore throat. Other associated signs may include [[Preauricular deep parotid lymph nodes|pre-auricular]] lymph node swelling and contact with another person with a red eye.<ref name="Durand 2023" /> Eye pain may be present if the cornea is also involved.<ref name="Durand 2023" /> Its symptoms include excessive watering and itching. The discharge in viral conjunctivitis is usually (but not always) watery.<ref name="Durand 2023" /> The infection usually begins in one eye but may spread easily to the other eye.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

Viral conjunctivitis manifests as a fine, diffuse pinkness of the conjunctiva which may be mistaken for [[iritis]], but corroborative signs on [[microscopy]], particularly numerous [[Lymph follicle|lymphoid follicle]]s on the [[Tarsus (eyelids)|tarsal]] conjunctiva, and sometimes a [[punctate keratitis]] are seen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Conjunctivitis and variants |url=https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/eyechronicconj.html |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=www.pathologyoutlines.com}}</ref>

=== Allergic ===
[[File:Allergicconjunctivitis.jpg|thumb|right|An eye with [[allergic conjunctivitis]] showing conjunctival edema]]
[[Allergic conjunctivitis]] is [[Allergic Inflammation|inflammation]] of the conjunctiva due to allergy.<ref name="Bielory">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bielory L, Friedlaender MH | title = Allergic conjunctivitis | journal = Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America | volume = 28 | issue = 1 | pages = 43–58, vi | date = February 2008 | pmid = 18282545 | doi = 10.1016/j.iac.2007.12.005 | s2cid = 34371872 }}</ref> The specific [[allergen]]s may differ among patients. Symptoms result from the release of [[histamine]] and other active substances by [[mast cell]]s, and consist of redness (mainly due to [[vasodilation]] of the peripheral small blood vessels), swelling of the conjunctiva, itching, and increased production of tears.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

=== Bacterial ===

[[File:Swollen eye with conjunctivitis.jpg|thumb|right|An eye with bacterial conjunctivitis]]
Bacteria are responsible for approximately 70% of conjunctivitis in children and less than 20% of cases in adults.<ref name="Durand 2023" /> Common bacteria responsible for bacterial conjunctivitis are ''[[Staphylococcus]]'' including [[Staph aureus]], ''[[Streptococcus]]'' such as [[strep pneumoniae]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) |url=http://www.medicinenet.com/pink_eye/article.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622062209/http://www.medicinenet.com/pink_eye/article.htm |archive-date=22 June 2013 |publisher=MedicineNet }}</ref> ''[[Haemophilus]]'' species and [[Moraxella catarrhalis]].<ref name="Durand 2023" /> Less commonly, ''Chlamydia'' spp. and Niesseria species ([[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]] and [[Neisseria meningitidis]]) may be the cause.<ref name="Durand 2023" /><ref name="merck">{{Cite web |title=Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis – Eye Disorders |url=http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye-disorders/conjunctival-and-scleral-disorders/acute-bacterial-conjunctivitis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228184316/http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye-disorders/conjunctival-and-scleral-disorders/acute-bacterial-conjunctivitis |archive-date=28 December 2016 |access-date=31 December 2016 |website=Merck Manuals Professional Edition }}</ref> Infection with ''[[Escherichia coli]]'' may also cause conjunctivitis, particularly in the [[Infant|neonatal]] subtype [[ophthalmia neonatorum]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Saadeh-Jackson S, Rodriguez L, Leffler CT, Freymiller C, Wolf E, Wijesooriya N, Couser NL | title = Ophthalmia neonatorum due to ''Escherichia coli'': A rare cause or an emerging bacterial etiology of neonatal conjunctivitis? | journal = Clinical Case Reports | volume = 10 | issue = 8 | article-number = e6201 | date = August 2022 | pmid = 35949413 | pmc = 9354094 | doi = 10.1002/ccr3.6201 }}</ref> Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes a rapid onset of conjunctival redness, swelling of the eyelid, and a sticky discharge. Typically, symptoms develop first in one eye, but may spread to the other eye within 2–5 days. Conjunctivitis due to common [[pyogenic|pus-producing]] bacteria causes marked grittiness or irritation and a stringy, opaque, greyish or yellowish [[mucopurulent discharge|discharge]] that may cause the lids to stick together, especially after sleep. Severe crusting of the infected eye and the surrounding skin may also occur. The gritty or scratchy feeling is sometimes localized enough that patients may insist that they have a foreign body in the eye.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

[[File:Membranous conjunctivitis.jpg|thumb|right|Typical membranous conjunctivitis]]

Bacteria such as ''[[Chlamydia trachomatis]]'' or ''[[Moraxella]]'' spp. can cause a nonexudative but persistent conjunctivitis without much redness. Bacterial conjunctivitis may cause the production of membranes or pseudomembranes that cover the conjunctiva. Pseudomembranes consist of a combination of [[inflammatory cell]]s and exudates and adhere loosely to the conjunctiva, while true membranes are more tightly adherent and cannot be easily peeled away. Cases of bacterial conjunctivitis that involve the production of membranes or pseudomembranes are associated with ''[[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]]'', β-hemolytic streptococci, and ''[[Corynebacterium diphtheriae]]''. ''C. diphtheriae'' causes membrane formation in the conjunctiva of unimmunized children.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases |publisher=U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |year=2015 |isbn=978-0-9904491-1-9 |veditors=Hamborsky J, Kroger A, Wolfe C |page=112}}</ref>

=== Chemical ===
Chemical eye injury may result when an [[acidic]] or [[alkali]]ne substance gets in the eye.<ref name="Bet09">{{cite journal | vauthors = Zentani A, Burslem J | title = Towards evidence based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal Infirmary. BET 4: use of litmus paper in chemical eye injury | journal = Emergency Medicine Journal | volume = 26 | issue = 12 | page = 887 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 19934140 | doi = 10.1136/emj.2009.086124 | s2cid = 38124735 }}</ref> Alkali burns are typically worse than acidic burns.<ref name=AFP08/> Mild burns produce conjunctivitis, while more severe burns may cause the [[cornea]] to turn white.<ref name=AFP08/> [[Litmus|Litmus paper]] may be used to test for chemical causes.<ref name=Bet09/> When a chemical cause has been confirmed, the eye or eyes should be flushed until the [[pH]] is in the range 6–8.<ref name="AFP08">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hodge C, Lawless M | title = Ocular emergencies | journal = Australian Family Physician | volume = 37 | issue = 7 | pages = 506–509 | date = July 2008 | pmid = 18592066 }}</ref> Anaesthetic eye drops can be used to decrease the pain.<ref name=AFP08/>

Irritant or toxic conjunctivitis is primarily marked by redness. If due to a chemical splash, it is often present in only the lower conjunctival sac. With some chemicals, above all with caustic alkalis such as [[sodium hydroxide]], [[necrosis]] of the conjunctiva marked by a deceptively white eye due to vascular closure may occur, followed by sloughing off of the dead [[epithelium]]. A slit lamp examination is likely to show evidence of [[iritis|anterior uveitis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diagnosing Conjunctivitis |url=https://nyulangone.org/conditions/conjunctivitis/diagnosis |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=nyulangone.org |language=en}}</ref>

=== Biomarkers ===
Omics technologies have been used to identify biomarkers that inform on the emergence and progression of conjunctivitis. For example, in chronic inflammatory cicatrizing conjunctivitis, active [[oxylipins]], [[lysophospholipid]]s, [[fatty acid]]s, and [[endocannabinoid]]s alterations, from which potential biomarkers linked to inflammatory processes were identified.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Di Zazzo A, Yang W, Coassin M, Micera A, Antonini M, Piccinni F, De Piano M, Kohler I, Harms AC, Hankemeier T, Boinini S, Mashaghi A | title = Signaling lipids as diagnostic biomarkers for ocular surface cicatrizing conjunctivitis | journal = Journal of Molecular Medicine | volume = 98 | issue = 5 | pages = 751–760 | date = May 2020 | pmid = 32313985 | pmc = 7220886 | doi = 10.1007/s00109-020-01907-w }}</ref>

=== Other ===

[[File:Chlamydial-conjunctivitis.jpg|thumb|right|An eye with chlamydial conjunctivitis]]
Inclusion conjunctivitis of the newborn is a conjunctivitis that may be caused by the bacterium ''Chlamydia trachomatis'', and may lead to acute, [[purulent]] conjunctivitis.<ref name="Microbiology">{{Cite book | vauthors = Fisher B, Harvey RP, Champe PC |title=Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Microbiology (Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews Series) |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-7817-8215-9 |location=Hagerstown MD}}</ref> However, it is usually self-healing.<ref name=Microbiology/>

== Causes ==
Viruses are the most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis.<ref name=Az2013/> Bacterial infections, allergies, other irritants, and dryness are also common causes. Both bacterial and viral infections are contagious, passing from person to person or spread through contaminated objects or water. Contact with contaminated fingers is a common cause of conjunctivitis. Bacteria may also reach the conjunctiva from the edges of the eyelids and surrounding skin, from the nasopharynx, from infected eye drops or contact lenses, from the genitals, or from the bloodstream.<ref name=":1" /> Infection by human adenovirus accounts for 65% to 90% of cases of viral conjunctivitis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Singh MP, Ram J, Kumar A, Rungta T, Gupta A, Khurana J, Ratho RK | title = Molecular epidemiology of circulating human adenovirus types in acute conjunctivitis cases in Chandigarh, North India | journal = Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology | volume = 36 | issue = 1 | pages = 113–115 | date = 2018 | pmid = 29735838 | doi = 10.4103/ijmm.ijmm_17_258 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

=== Viral ===
[[Adenoviruses]] are the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis ([[adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis]]).<ref name=Yanoff/> [[Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis]], caused by [[herpes simplex]] viruses, can be serious and requires treatment with [[aciclovir]]. Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is a highly contagious disease caused by one of two [[enterovirus]]es, enterovirus 70 and [[coxsackievirus]] A24. These were first identified in an outbreak in Ghana in 1969 and have spread worldwide since then, causing several epidemics.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lévêque N, Huguet P, Norder H, Chomel JJ | title = [Enteroviruses responsible for acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis] | language = fr | journal = Médecine et Maladies Infectieuses | volume = 40 | issue = 4 | pages = 212–218 | date = April 2010 | pmid = 19836177 | doi = 10.1016/j.medmal.2009.09.006 }}</ref>

=== Bacterial ===
The most common causes of acute bacterial conjunctivitis are ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'', ''[[Streptococcus pneumoniae]]'', and ''[[Haemophilus influenzae]]''.<ref name="Yanoff">{{Cite book | vauthors = Yanoff M, Duker JS |title=Ophthalmology |publisher=Mosby |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-323-05751-6 |edition=3rd |location=Edinburgh |pages=227–236}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-02 |title=Protect Yourself From Pink Eye |url=https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/causes.html |access-date=2018-12-07 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref> Though very rare, hyperacute cases are usually caused by ''[[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]]'' or ''[[Neisseria meningitidis]]''. Chronic cases of bacterial conjunctivitis are those lasting longer than 3 weeks and are typically caused by ''S. aureus'', ''[[Morax-Axenfeld diplobacilli|Moraxella lacunata]]'', or Gram-negative enteric flora.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

=== Allergic ===
Conjunctivitis may also be caused by allergens such as pollen, perfumes, cosmetics, smoke,<ref name="FD">{{Cite web |title=Allergic Conjunctivitis |url=http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/allergic-conjunctivitis/causes-risk-factors.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906031026/http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/allergic-conjunctivitis/causes-risk-factors.html |archive-date=6 September 2015 |access-date=18 September 2015 |publisher=familydoctor.org }}</ref>{{Unreliable medical source|date=September 2015}} dust mites, [[Balsam of Peru]],<ref name="google1">{{Cite book | vauthors = Brooks P |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eReGG6UtxbcC&pg=PT413 |title=The Daily Telegraph: Complete Guide to Allergies |date=25 October 2012 |publisher=Little, Brown Book |isbn=978-1-4721-0394-9 |access-date=15 April 2014}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> or eye drops.<ref name="MedNews">{{Cite web |title=What Is Allergic Conjunctivitis? What Causes Allergic Conjunctivitis? |url=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157692.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316174827/http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157692.php |archive-date=16 March 2010 |access-date=6 April 2010 |publisher=medicalnewstoday.com }}</ref> The most frequent cause of conjunctivitis is allergic conjunctivitis, and it affects 15% to 40% of the population.<ref name=":0" /> Allergic conjunctivitis accounts for 15% of eye related primary care consultations; most including seasonal exposures in the spring and summer or perpetual conditions.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Perkin MR, Bader T, Rudnicka AR, Strachan DP, Owen CG | title = Inter-Relationship between Rhinitis and Conjunctivitis in Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis and Associated Risk Factors in Rural UK Children | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 10 | issue = 11 | article-number = e0143651 | date = 2015-11-24 | pmid = 26600465 | pmc = 4658044 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0143651 | bibcode = 2015PLoSO..1043651P | doi-access = free }}</ref>

=== Other ===
* [[Computer vision syndrome]]
* [[Dry eye syndrome]]
* [[Reactive arthritis]]: Conjunctivitis is part of the triad of [[reactive arthritis]], which is thought to be caused by [[autoimmune]] cross-reactivity following certain bacterial infections. Reactive arthritis is highly associated with [[HLA-B27]]. Conjunctivitis is associated with the autoimmune disease [[relapsing polychondritis]].<ref name="Puechal 2014">{{cite journal | vauthors = Puéchal X, Terrier B, Mouthon L, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Guillevin L, Le Jeunne C | title = Relapsing polychondritis | journal = Joint Bone Spine | volume = 81 | issue = 2 | pages = 118–124 | date = March 2014 | pmid = 24556284 | doi = 10.1016/j.jbspin.2014.01.001 | s2cid = 205754989 }}</ref><ref name="Cantarini 2014">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cantarini L, Vitale A, Brizi MG, Caso F, Frediani B, Punzi L, Galeazzi M, Rigante D | title = Diagnosis and classification of relapsing polychondritis | journal = Journal of Autoimmunity | volume = 48-49 | pages = 53–59 | year = 2014 | pmid = 24461536 | doi = 10.1016/j.jaut.2014.01.026 }}</ref>

== Diagnosis ==
[[File:Procedure of conjunctival swabs.jpg|thumb|The procedure of conjunctival swabs]]

Cultures are not often taken or needed, as most cases resolve either with time or typical antibiotics. If bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected, but no response to topical antibiotics is seen, swabs for bacterial culture should be taken and tested. Viral culture may be appropriate in epidemic case clusters.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Sheikh A, Hurwitz B | chapter = BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS 372.05 (Infective Conjunctivitis, Mucopurulent Conjunctivitis, Purulent Conjunctivitis) |date=2008 | title = Roy and Fraunfelder's Current Ocular Therapy |pages=332–334 |publisher=Elsevier |doi=10.1016/b978-1-4160-2447-7.50182-1 |isbn=978-1-4160-2447-7 }}</ref>

A [[patch test]] is used to identify the causative allergen in allergic conjunctivitis.<ref name="google2">{{Cite book | vauthors = Mannis MJ, Macsai MS, Huntley AC |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FtlsAAAAMAAJ&q=Conjunctivitis+%22patch+test%22 |title=Eye and skin disease |date=1996 |publisher=Lippincott-Raven |isbn=978-0-7817-0269-0 |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705035958/http://books.google.com/books?id=FtlsAAAAMAAJ&q=Conjunctivitis+%22patch+test%22&dq=Conjunctivitis+%22patch+test%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=oY9UU932MMPjsAT5j4KYCg&ved=0CF8Q6AEwBg |archive-date=5 July 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although conjunctival scrapes for [[Cytopathology|cytology]] can be useful in detecting chlamydial and [[Fungus#Mycology|fungal]] infections, allergies, and [[dysplasia]], they are rarely done because of the cost and the general dearth of laboratory staff experienced in handling ocular specimens. Conjunctival incisional biopsy is occasionally done when [[granulomatous]] diseases (''e.g.'', [[sarcoidosis]])<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Korkmaz Ekren P, Mogulkoc N, Toreyin ZN, Egrilmez S, Veral A, Akalın T, Bacakoglu F | title = Conjunctival Biopsy as a First Choice to Confirm a Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis | journal = Sarcoidosis, Vasculitis, and Diffuse Lung Diseases | volume = 33 | issue = 3 | pages = 196–200 | date = October 2016 | pmid = 27758983 }}</ref> or dysplasia are suspected.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Roberts F, Thum CK | chapter = The Conjunctival Biopsy |date=2021 | title = Lee's Ophthalmic Histopathology |pages=343–388 | veditors = Roberts F |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-76525-5_11 |isbn=978-3-030-76525-5 }}</ref>

=== Classification ===
Conjunctivitis may be classified either by cause or by extent of the inflamed area.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

==== Causes ====
* Allergy
* Bacteria
* Viruses
* Chemicals
* Autoimmune

Neonatal conjunctivitis is often grouped separately from bacterial conjunctivitis because it is caused by different bacteria than the more common cases of bacterial conjunctivitis.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Makker |first1=Kartikeya |title=Neonatal Conjunctivitis |date=2025 |work=StatPearls |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441840/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=28722870 |last2=Nassar |first2=George N. |last3=Kaufman |first3=Evan J.}}</ref>

==== By extent of involvement ====
Blepharoconjunctivitis is the dual combination of conjunctivitis with [[blepharitis]] (inflammation of the eyelids).<ref>{{Citation |last1=Fazal |first1=Mohammad Ihsan |title=Blepharoconjunctivitis |date=2025 |work=StatPearls |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558902/ |access-date=2025-06-18 |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=32644328 |last2=Patel |first2=Bhupendra C.}}</ref>

[[Keratoconjunctivitis]] is the combination of conjunctivitis and [[keratitis]] ([[cornea]]l inflammation).<ref>{{Citation |last1=Burrow |first1=Michael K. |title=Keratoconjunctivitis |date=2025 |work=StatPearls |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542279/ |access-date=2025-07-07 |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=31194419 |last2=Gurnani |first2=Bharat |last3=Patel |first3=Bhupendra C.}}</ref>

Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis is the combination of conjunctivitis with blepharitis and keratitis. It is clinically defined by changes of the lid margin, meibomian gland dysfunction, redness of the eye, conjunctival chemosis, and corneal inflammation.<ref name="OGallagher">{{cite journal | vauthors = O'Gallagher M, Banteka M, Bunce C, Larkin F, Tuft S, Dahlmann-Noor A | title = Systemic treatment for blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in children | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2016 | issue = 5 | article-number = CD011750 | date = May 2016 | pmid = 27236587 | pmc = 9257284 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD011750.pub2 }}</ref>

=== Differential diagnosis ===

Some more serious conditions can present with a red eye, such as infectious keratitis, angle-closure glaucoma, or iritis. These conditions require the urgent attention of an ophthalmologist. Signs of such conditions include decreased vision, significantly increased sensitivity to light, inability to keep the eye open, a pupil that does not respond to light, or a severe headache with nausea.<ref name="McGra-Hill">{{Cite book |title=Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine |vauthors=Longo DL |date=2012 |publisher=McGra-Hill |chapter=Disorders of the Eye(Horton JC)}}</ref> Fluctuating blurring is common, due to tearing and mucoid discharge. Mild photophobia is common. However, if any of these symptoms is prominent, considering other diseases such as [[glaucoma]], [[uveitis]], [[keratitis]], and even [[meningitis]] or [[caroticocavernous fistula|carotico-cavernous fistula]] is important.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

A more comprehensive differential diagnosis for the red or painful eye includes:<ref name="McGra-Hill" />
* [[Corneal abrasion]]
* [[Subconjunctival hemorrhage]]
* [[Pinguecula]]
* [[Blepharitis]]
* [[Dacryocystitis]]
* [[Keratoconjunctivitis sicca]] (dry eye)
* [[Keratitis]]
* [[Herpes simplex]]
* [[Herpes zoster]]
* [[Episcleritis]] – an [[Inflammation|inflammatory]] condition that produces a similar appearance to conjunctivitis, but without discharge or tearing
* [[Uveitis]]
* [[Acute angle-closure glaucoma]]
* [[Endophthalmitis]]
* [[Orbital cellulitis]]

== Prevention ==
The most effective prevention is good hygiene, especially avoiding rubbing the eyes with infected hands. Vaccination against some of the causative pathogens, such as ''Haemophilus influenzae'', pneumococcus, and ''Neisseria meningitidis'' is also effective.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 October 2017 |title=Protect Yourself From Pink Eye |url=https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/prevention.html |access-date=18 October 2017 |work=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref>

[[Povidone-iodine]] eye solution has been found to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis.<ref name=Is2003/> It is becoming more commonly used globally because of its low cost.<ref name="Is2003">{{cite journal | vauthors = Isenberg SJ | title = The ocular application of povidone-iodine | journal = Community Eye Health | volume = 16 | issue = 46 | pages = 30–31 | date = 2003 | pmid = 17491857 | pmc = 1705857 }}</ref>

== Management ==
Conjunctivitis resolves in 65% of cases without treatment, within 2–5 days. The prescription of antibiotics is not necessary in most cases.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rose P | title = Management strategies for acute infective conjunctivitis in primary care: a systematic review | journal = Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy | volume = 8 | issue = 12 | pages = 1903–1921 | date = August 2007 | pmid = 17696792 | doi = 10.1517/14656566.8.12.1903 | s2cid = 45899988 }}</ref>

=== Viral ===
Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own and does not require any specific treatment.<ref name=Az2013/> Antihistamines (e.g., [[diphenhydramine]]) or mast cell stabilizers (e.g., [[Cromoglicic acid|cromolyn]]) may be used to help with the symptoms.<ref name=Az2013/> Povidone-iodine has been suggested as a treatment, but as of 2008, evidence to support it was poor.<ref name="BartlettJaanus2008">{{Cite book | vauthors = Bartlett JD, Jaanus SD |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Eybg7fbs65MC&pg=PA454 |title=Clinical Ocular Pharmacology |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7506-7576-5 |pages=454– |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203204429/https://books.google.com/books?id=Eybg7fbs65MC&pg=PA454 |archive-date=3 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Allergic ===
For allergic conjunctivitis, cool water poured over the face with the head inclined downward constricts capillaries, and [[artificial tears]] sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, [[NSAID|nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications]] and [[antihistamine]]s may be prescribed. Persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Patel DS, Arunakirinathan M, Stuart A, Angunawela R | title = Allergic eye disease | journal = BMJ | volume = 359 | article-number = j4706 | date = November 2017 | pmid = 29097360 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.j4706 | s2cid = 5316455 }}</ref>

=== Bacterial ===
Bacterial conjunctivitis usually resolves without treatment.<ref name=Az2013/> Topical antibiotics may be needed only if no improvement is observed after 3 days.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Visscher KL, Hutnik CM, Thomas M | title = Evidence-based treatment of acute infective conjunctivitis: Breaking the cycle of antibiotic prescribing | journal = Canadian Family Physician | volume = 55 | issue = 11 | pages = 1071–1075 | date = November 2009 | pmid = 19910590 | pmc = 2776793 }}</ref> No serious effects were noted either with or without treatment.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chen YY, Liu SH, Nurmatov U, van Schayck OC, Kuo IC | title = Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 3 | issue = 3 | article-number = CD001211 | date = March 2023 | pmid = 36912752 | pmc = 10014114 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD001211.pub4 }}</ref> Because antibiotics speed healing in bacterial conjunctivitis, their use may be considered.<ref name=":2" /> Antibiotics are also recommended for those who wear contact lenses, are [[immunocompromised]], have disease which is thought to be due to chlamydia or gonorrhea, have a fair bit of pain, or have copious discharge.<ref name=Az2013/> Gonorrheal or chlamydial infections require both oral and topical antibiotics.<ref name=Az2013/>

The choice of antibiotic varies based on the strain or suspected strain of bacteria causing the infection. [[Fluoroquinolones]], [[sodium sulfacetamide]], or [[trimethoprim/polymyxin]] may be used, typically for 7–10 days.<ref name="Yanoff" /> Cases of meningococcal conjunctivitis can also be treated with systemic penicillin, as long as the strain is sensitive to penicillin.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

When investigated as a treatment, povidone-iodine ophthalmic solution has also been observed to have some effectiveness against bacterial and chlamydial conjunctivitis, with a possible role suggested in locations where topical antibiotics are unavailable or costly.<ref name="Am J Ophthalmol 2002">{{cite journal | vauthors = Isenberg SJ, Apt L, Valenton M, Del Signore M, Cubillan L, Labrador MA, Chan P, Berman NG | title = A controlled trial of povidone-iodine to treat infectious conjunctivitis in children | journal = American Journal of Ophthalmology | volume = 134 | issue = 5 | pages = 681–688 | date = November 2002 | pmid = 12429243 | doi = 10.1016/S0002-9394(02)01701-4 }}</ref>

=== Chemical ===
Conjunctivitis due to chemicals is treated via [[Therapeutic irrigation|irrigation]] with [[Ringer's lactate]] or [[saline (medicine)|saline solution]]. Chemical injuries, particularly alkali burns, are medical emergencies, as they can lead to severe scarring and intraocular damage. People with chemically induced conjunctivitis should not touch their eyes to avoid spreading the chemical.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Conjunctivitis |url=https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis?sso=y |access-date=March 15, 2024 |website=American Optometric Association}}</ref>

== Epidemiology ==
Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease.<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Smeltzer SC |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SmtjSD1x688C&pg=RA1-PA1787 |title=Brunner & Suddarth's textbook of medical-surgical nursing. |date=2010 |publisher=Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |isbn=978-0-7817-8589-1 |edition=12th |location=Philadelphia |page=1787 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815203433/https://books.google.ca/books?id=SmtjSD1x688C&pg=RA1-PA1787 |archive-date=15 August 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rates of disease are related to the underlying cause, which varies by age as well as the time of year. Acute conjunctivitis is most frequently found in infants, school-age children, and the elderly.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal | vauthors = Høvding G | title = Acute bacterial conjunctivitis | journal = Acta Ophthalmologica | volume = 86 | issue = 1 | pages = 5–17 | date = February 2008 | pmid = 17970823 | doi = 10.1111/j.1600-0420.2007.01006.x | s2cid = 20629824 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis is viral conjunctivitis.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Mourad MS, Rihan RA |date=April 2018 |title=Prevalence of Different Eye Diseases excluding Refractive Errors Presented at the Outpatient Clinic in Beheira Eye Hospital |journal=The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine |language=en |volume=71 |issue=2 |pages=2484–2489 |doi=10.12816/0045645 |s2cid=80882721|doi-access=free }}</ref>

It is estimated that acute conjunctivitis affects 6 million people annually in the United States.<ref name=Az2013/>

Some seasonal trends have been observed for the occurrence of different forms of conjunctivitis. In the Northern Hemisphere, the occurrence of bacterial conjunctivitis peaks from December to April, viral conjunctivitis peaks in the summer months, and allergic conjunctivitis is more prevalent throughout the spring and summer.<ref name=":1" />

== History ==
An adenovirus was first isolated by Rowe et al. in 1953. Two years later, Jawetz et al. published on epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Jhanji V, Chan TC, Li EY, Agarwal K, Vajpayee RB | title = Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis | journal = Survey of Ophthalmology | volume = 60 | issue = 5 | pages = 435–443 | date = September–October 2015 | pmid = 26077630 | doi = 10.1016/j.survophthal.2015.04.001 }}</ref>{{rp|437}} "Madras eye" is a colloquial term that has been used in [[India]] for the disease.

===Outbreak in Pakistan===
{{Main|Pink eye outbreak in Pakistan}}

In September 2023, a significant outbreak of conjunctivitis occurred in [[Pakistan]]. The outbreak began in [[Karachi]] and quickly spread to [[Lahore]], [[Rawalpindi]], and [[Islamabad]]. By the end of the month, over 86,133 cases had been reported in [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]] alone. The rapid spread of the disease led to the temporary closure of schools in the region. This event marked one of the largest outbreaks of Pink Eye in the country's recent history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2023 |title=From pink eye to blindness |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438104/from-pink-eye-to-blindness}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2023 |title=86,133 pink eye cases in Punjab in September and counting |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1778214}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ahmed |first=Salman |date=27 September 2023 |title=Punjab Announces Holiday for Schools Amid Pink Eye Outbreak |url=https://propakistani.pk/2023/09/27/punjab-announces-holiday-for-schools-amid-pink-eye-outbreak/ |work=Propakistani}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=85 new cases of Pink Eye infection reported in Pakistan's Lahore |url=https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/85-new-cases-of-pink-eye-infection-reported-in-pakistans-lahore/103921170 |website=ETHealthworld.com |agency=[[Asian News International]]}}</ref>

==Society and culture==
Conjunctivitis imposes economic and social burdens. The cost of treating bacterial conjunctivitis in the United States was estimated to be $377 million to $857 million per year.<ref name=Az2013/> Approximately 1% of all primary care office visits in the United States are related to conjunctivitis. Approximately 70% of all people with acute conjunctivitis present to primary care and urgent care.<ref name=Az2013/>

== See also ==
* [[Conjunctival suffusion]]
* [[Ophthalmia]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Conjunctivitis}}
*
* {{Cite web |title=Pink Eye |url=https://medlineplus.gov/pinkeye.html |website=MedlinePlus |publisher=U.S. National Library of Medicine}}
* {{Cite web |date=28 February 2021 |title=Metabolomics for Ocular Surface Disease |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuG1hvcdZBQ |publisher=MSBB Group, Leiden University}}

{{Medical condition classification and resources
|ICD10 = {{ICD10|H|10||h|10}}
|ICD9 = {{ICD9|372.0}}
|OMIM =
|MedlinePlus = 001010
|eMedicineSubj = emerg
|eMedicineTopic = 110
|DiseasesDB = 3067
|MeshID = D003231 |
}}
{{Eye pathology}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Disorders of conjunctiva]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Measles]]
[[Category:Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate]]
[[Category:Wikipedia emergency medicine articles ready to translate]]

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

2025-10-25T01:12:53Z

97.243.30.243: /* Plot */

{{short description|1986 teen comedy film by John Hughes}}
{{redirect|Ferris Bueller|the television series|Ferris Bueller (TV series){{!}}Ferris Bueller (TV series)}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Ferris Bueller's Day Off
| image = Ferris Bueller's Day Off.jpg
| alt = The poster shows a young man smiling with his hands behind his head with the tagline "Leisure Rules" being on the top of the poster. The film's title, the rating and production credits appear at the bottom of the poster.
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]]
| producer = {{plainlist|
* John Hughes
* Tom Jacobson
}}
| writer = John Hughes
| starring = {{plainlist|
* [[Matthew Broderick]]
* [[Mia Sara]]
* [[Alan Ruck]]
}}
| music = [[Ira Newborn]]
| cinematography = [[Tak Fujimoto]]
| editing = [[Paul Hirsch (film editor)|Paul Hirsch]]
| distributor = [[Paramount Pictures]]
| released = {{film date|1986|06|11|United States}}
| runtime = 103 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $5 million<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sonomanews.com/article/entertainment/ferris-bueller-celebrates-middle-age-at-gun-bun/ |title='Ferris Bueller' celebrates middle age at Gun Bun |date=August 12, 2016 |access-date=March 30, 2021 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022344/https://www.sonomanews.com/article/entertainment/ferris-bueller-celebrates-middle-age-at-gun-bun/amp/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| gross = $70.7 million<ref name="mojo" />
}}
'''''Ferris Bueller's Day Off''''' is a 1986 American [[Teen film|teen]] [[comedy film]] written, co-produced, and directed by [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]]. The film stars [[Matthew Broderick]], [[Mia Sara]], and [[Alan Ruck]], with supporting roles from [[Jennifer Grey]], [[Jeffrey Jones]], [[Cindy Pickett]], [[Edie McClurg]], [[Lyman Ward (actor)|Lyman Ward]] and [[Charlie Sheen]]. It tells the story of the eponymous character, a charismatic high school [[slacker]] who lives in [[Chicago]] and skips school with his best friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane for a day, regularly [[Fourth wall|breaking the fourth wall]] to explain his techniques and inner thoughts.

Hughes wrote the screenplay in less than a week. Filming began in September 1985 and finished in November, featuring [[List of Chicago Landmarks|many Chicago landmarks]] including the [[Sears Tower]], [[Wrigley Field]], and the [[Art Institute of Chicago]]. The film was Hughes's love letter to Chicago: "I really wanted to capture as much of Chicago as I could. Not just in the architecture and landscape, but the spirit."<ref name=hugheschicago />

Released by [[Paramount Pictures]] on June 11, 1986, the film became the [[1986 in film#Top grossing films (U.S.)|tenth-highest-grossing film of 1986]] in the United States, grossing $70 million over a $5 million budget. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised Broderick's performance, and the film's humor and tone. In 2014, the film was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] by the [[Library of Congress]], being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |title='Big Lebowski,' 'Ferris Bueller' Added to National Film Registry |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/big-lebowski-ferris-buellers-day-off-added-to-national-film-registry-20141217 |url-status=live |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=December 17, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629122316/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/big-lebowski-ferris-buellers-day-off-added-to-national-film-registry-20141217 |archive-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cinematic Treasures Named to National Film Registry|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-14-210/new-films-added-to-national-registry/2014-12-17/|access-date=October 2, 2020|website=Library of Congress|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126213653/https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-14-210/new-films-added-to-national-registry/2014-12-17/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Complete National Film Registry Listing |url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/|access-date=2020-10-02|website=Library of Congress|archive-date=October 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031213743/https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was followed by a [[Ferris Bueller (TV series)|television series]], starring [[Charlie Schlatter]] as the title character. A [[Spinoff (media)|spin-off]] film titled ''Sam & Victor's Day Off'', focusing on the two [[valet]]s who took Cameron's father's Ferrari on a joy ride, is in development for [[Paramount+]].<ref name="Cordero">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/ferris-buellers-day-off-spinoff-cobra-kai-creators-bill-posley-paramount-pictures-1235088658/|title='Ferris Bueller's Day Off' Spinoff From 'Cobra Kai' Creators & Bill Posley In Works At Paramount Pictures|last=Cordero|first=Rosy|date=August 19, 2022|access-date=August 20, 2022|archive-date=August 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819221822/https://deadline.com/2022/08/ferris-buellers-day-off-spinoff-cobra-kai-creators-bill-posley-paramount-pictures-1235088658/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Plot==

One spring day in a Chicago suburb, high school senior Ferris Bueller [[Malingering|fakes illness]] to stay home from school, two months before his graduation, regularly [[Fourth wall|breaking the fourth wall]] to describe his [[senioritis]]. His parents, Katie and Tom, believe he is ill, though his sister, Jeanie, does not. After learning Ferris has been absent nine times that semester, the school's [[Dean (education)|dean]], Edward Rooney, and his secretary Grace become determined to expose Ferris's chronic [[truancy]]; Ferris [[Hacker|hacks]] into the school's computer system and reduces his absence count to two, making it appear that he attends school regularly.

Ferris persuades his [[hypochondriac]] best friend Cameron Frye to help excuse Ferris's girlfriend Sloane Peterson from school by claiming that her grandmother has died. Cameron calls the school, pretending to be Sloane's father. Knowing Sloane is dating Ferris, Rooney and Grace are suspicious. Ferris also calls the school during Cameron's phone call to confirm his absence, thereby fooling Rooney into believing he offended Sloane's father. To complete the ruse that Sloane's father is picking her up from school, Ferris borrows the prized possession of Cameron's father, a 1961 [[Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder]]. Fearing his father's wrath, Cameron is dismayed when Ferris takes the car on a day trip into Chicago. Ferris promises they will return the car as it was, including preserving the original [[odometer]] mileage.

Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane leave the car with two parking attendants, who promptly take it on a long joyride. The three eat lunch at an upscale restaurant, visit the [[Art Institute of Chicago]], go to a [[Chicago Cubs]] baseball game, and attend the [[Von Steuben Day]] Parade, where Ferris jumps on a [[Float (parade)|float]] and [[lip sync|lip syncs]] to "[[Danke Schoen]]" by [[Wayne Newton]] and "[[Twist and Shout]]" by [[The Beatles]], all while hiding from his father, who works in the city.

Meanwhile, Rooney prowls the Bueller home for Ferris, becoming victim to several [[pratfall|pratfalls]] and pursued by the family's pet [[Rottweiler]]. Jeanie skips class and returns home to confront Ferris, and discovers a dummy in his bed, while finding Rooney there. Mistaking him for a burglar, she knocks him unconscious and calls the police. Rooney regains consciousness and leaves the house upon discovering his car being towed. The police arrest Jeanie, believing she [[prank call|prank-called]] the police station. While detained, she befriends a young delinquent who advises her to worry less about Ferris's exploits and more about her own life.

Upon collecting the Ferrari and heading home, Ferris and Cameron discover that the car's mileage has significantly increased due to some mechanics joy-riding in it. Cameron enters semi-catatonic shock, later almost drowning in a pool before a worried Ferris helps him. At Cameron's house, Ferris jacks up the car and puts it in reverse gear to unsuccessfully attempt to [[Odometer fraud|rewind the odometer]]. Angry toward his domineering father, Cameron wrecks the car by launching it out the garage's rear window. Ferris offers to take the blame, but Cameron decides to tell the truth and stand up to his father. After walking Sloane home, Ferris remembers his parents will be returning home soon. He runs through the neighborhood and is nearly hit by Jeanie's car as Jeanie and Katie drive home. Katie fails to notice Ferris, though Jeanie does, and attempts to bolt home while the police catch her speeding.

Ferris makes it home first, but Rooney confronts him before he can get back inside. Seeing the two of them through the window, Jeanie has a change of heart and allows Ferris to come inside, claiming that he was at the hospital for his illness. She also shows Rooney his wallet that had fallen from his pocket in the kitchen earlier, tosses it into a nearby puddle, and shuts the back door loud enough to wake up the Rottweiler, who attacks and chases Rooney away. Ferris rushes back to his bedroom to await his parents, who find him in bed and believe he has been home all day. Meanwhile, during the end credits, a humiliated, disheveled and injured Rooney reluctantly accepts a ride on a school bus filled with students who act derisively toward him.

In a [[post-credits scene]], Ferris tells the audience that the movie is over and to go home.

==Cast==
[[File:Matthew Broderick.jpg|thumb|175px|alt=A black and white photo of young man with dark hair and a moustache|right|Broderick in Sweden during his promotion of ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'', June 1986]]
{{Cast listing|
* [[Matthew Broderick]] as Ferris Bueller, a popular high school senior
* [[Alan Ruck]] as Cameron Frye, Ferris' best friend
* [[Mia Sara]] as Sloane Peterson, Ferris' girlfriend
* [[Jeffrey Jones]] as Edward "Ed" R. Rooney, the Dean of Students
* [[Jennifer Grey]] as Jeanie Bueller, Ferris' sister
* [[Cindy Pickett]] as Katie Bueller, Ferris' mother
* [[Lyman Ward (actor)|Lyman Ward]] as Tom Bueller, Ferris' father
* [[Edie McClurg]] as Grace, Rooney's secretary
* [[Charlie Sheen]] as Garth Volbeck, the juvenile delinquent who flirts with Jeanie in the police station
* [[Ben Stein]] as Ferris' sardonic economics teacher
* [[Del Close]] as the English teacher
* [[Virginia Capers]] as Florence Sparrow, the school nurse
* [[Richard Edson]] as a garage attendant
* [[Larry "Flash" Jenkins]] as the garage attendant's co-pilot
* [[Kristy Swanson]] as an economics student
* [[Max Perlich]] as an economics student
* [[Scott Coffey]] as an economics student
* [[Anne Ryan (actress)|Anne Ryan]] as Shermerite
* [[Jonathan Schmock]] as Chez Quis Maitre D'
* [[Louie Anderson]] as a flower delivery person
* [[Stephanie Blake]] as a singing telegram "nurse"
* [[Dee Dee Rescher]] as a bus driver who picks up Rooney during the end credits
* [[Joey D. Vieira]] as a pizza man
}}

[[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]] made his final on-screen appearance in a cameo role as a man running between the cabs, but was uncredited.

==Production==
[[File:Ferris Bueller Room Replica.jpg|thumb|alt=A replica of Ferris Bueller's bedroom, with band posters on the wall|right|A replica of Ferris Bueller's bedroom recreated by Sarah Keenlyside at the [[Gladstone Hotel (Toronto)|Gladstone Hotel]] in 2016.]]

===Writing===
As he was writing the film in 1985, [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]] kept track of his progress in a spiral-bound logbook. He noted that the basic storyline was developed on February 25 and was successfully pitched the following day to [[Paramount Studios]] chief [[Ned Tanen]]. Tanen was intrigued by the concept, but wary that the [[Writers Guild of America]] was hours away from picketing the studio.<ref name="bratpackbook" /> Hughes wrote the screenplay in less than a week.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kamp |first=David |title=Sweet Bard of Youth |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2010/03/john-hughes-201003?printable=true&currentPage=5 |url-status=live |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |date=March 2010 |page=5 |access-date=February 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221025524/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2010/03/john-hughes-201003?printable=true&currentPage=5 |archive-date=February 21, 2010}}</ref>

Editor Paul Hirsch explained that Hughes had a trance-like concentration to his script-writing process, working for hours on end, and would later shoot the film on essentially what was his first draft of the script. "The first cut of ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' ended up at two hours, 45 minutes. The shortening of the script had to come in the cutting room", said Hirsch.<ref name="editing">{{cite book |last=McGrath |first=Declan |title=Editing & post-production |year=2001 |page=79 |publisher=Focal Press |isbn=0-240-80468-6}}</ref> "Having the story episodic and taking place in one day...meant the characters were wearing the same clothes. I suspect that Hughes writes his scripts with few, if any costume changes just so he can have that kind of freedom in the editing."<ref name="editing" />

Hughes intended to focus more on the characters rather than the plot. "I know how the movie begins, I know how it ends", said Hughes. "I don't ever know the rest, but that doesn't seem to matter. It's not the events that are important, it's the characters going through the event. Therefore, I make them as full and real as I can. This time around, I wanted to create a character who could handle everyone and everything."<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferris Bueller: John Hughes and Speedwriting |url=http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2007/04/10/ |work=AMC Movie Blog |date=April 10, 2007 |access-date=February 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406094443/http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2007/04/10/ |archive-date=April 6, 2012}}</ref>

Edward McNally was rumored as the inspiration for the character Ferris Bueller. McNally grew up on the same street as Hughes, had a best friend named "Buehler", and was relentlessly pursued by the school dean over his truancy, which amounted to 27 days' absence, compared to Bueller's nine in the film.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNally |first=Edward |title=A Mirror Up To the Original Ferris Bueller |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/11/AR2009081103453.html |url-status=live |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=August 12, 2009 |access-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818161414/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/11/AR2009081103453.html |archive-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref>

===Casting===
Hughes said that he had Matthew Broderick in mind when he wrote the screenplay, saying Broderick was the only actor he could think of who could pull off the role, calling him clever and charming.<ref name="broderick-charm">{{cite news| first=Sharon| last=Barrett| title=Broderick taps charm in 'Day Off'| date=1986-06-13 |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3770685.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422062357/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3770685.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2018-04-22| work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|url-access=subscription | access-date=July 21, 2017}}</ref> "Certain guys would have played Ferris and you would have thought, 'Where's my wallet?{{' "}} Hughes said. "I had to have that look; that charm had to come through. [[Jimmy Stewart]] could have played Ferris at 15...I needed Matthew."<ref name="broderick-charm" /> [[Anthony Michael Hall]], who had worked with Hughes on three previous films, was offered the part but turned it down as he was busy with other projects.<ref name="ruckavclub">{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Will |title=Alan Ruck's journey from Ferris Bueller to Sears to the bridge of the Enterprise and beyond |url=https://www.avclub.com/alan-ruck-s-journey-from-ferris-bueller-to-sears-to-the-1827063548 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |publisher=Onion, Inc. |access-date=July 9, 2018 |date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226002743/https://www.avclub.com/alan-ruck-s-journey-from-ferris-bueller-to-sears-to-the-1827063548 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Guerrasio">{{cite web |date=2021 |last1=Guerrasio |first1=Jason |title=Anthony Michael Hall says he regrets turning down the lead role in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' |url=https://www.insider.com/anthony-michael-hall-regrets-passing-on-ferris-buellers-day-off-2021-10 |website=Insider |access-date=October 16, 2021 |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121054459/https://www.insider.com/anthony-michael-hall-regrets-passing-on-ferris-buellers-day-off-2021-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other actors who were considered for the role included [[Jim Carrey]],<ref name="carcus">{{cite web | url=https://screenrant.com/ferris-buellers-day-off-movie-actors-almost-cast/ | title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off: The Actors Who Almost Played Ferris | work=Screenrant | date=14 March 2020 | accessdate=20 November 2021 | author=Kandell, Zachary | archive-date=November 20, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120133711/https://screenrant.com/ferris-buellers-day-off-movie-actors-almost-cast/ | url-status=live }}</ref> [[John Cusack]],<ref name="carcus"/> [[Johnny Depp]],<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2, 2021 |first1=Diana |last1=Pearl |first2=Maria |last2=Yagoda |title=Iconic Roles That Were Almost Played by Another Actor |url=https://people.com/movies/iconic-roles-that-were-almost-played-by-another-actors/ |website=People |quote=it could have been Depp twisting-and-shouting through the streets of Chicago. The future ''21 Jump Street'' star was John Hughes's first choice for the title role, but he had to turn it down due to scheduling conflicts. |access-date=July 1, 2021 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628210914/https://people.com/movies/iconic-roles-that-were-almost-played-by-another-actors/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[George Clooney]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/actors-who-almost-starred-in-classic-80s-movies | title=19 Actors Who Almost Starred in Classic '80s Movies | date=July 2, 2023 }}</ref> [[Tom Cruise]], and [[Michael J. Fox]].<ref>{{cite web| last=Evans| first=Bradford| title=The Lost Roles of Jim Carrey| date=17 March 2011| publisher=[[Splitsider]]| url=http://splitsider.com/2011/03/the-lost-roles-of-jim-carrey/| access-date=10 August 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808040454/http://splitsider.com/2011/03/the-lost-roles-of-jim-carrey/| archive-date=August 8, 2015| url-status=dead}}</ref>

Mia Sara surprised Hughes when she auditioned for the role of Sloane Peterson. "It was funny," she said. "He didn't know how old I was and said he wanted an older girl to play the 17-year-old. He said it would take someone older to give her the kind of dignity she needed. He almost fell out of his chair when I told him I was only 18."<ref>{{cite news| first=Vernon | last=Scott| title=Mia Sara Lands Plum Roles Despite Lack of Training| date=1986-07-16| work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> [[Molly Ringwald]], who had also wanted to play Sloane, said, "John wouldn't let me do it: he said that the part wasn't big enough for me."<ref name="bratpackbook" />

Alan Ruck had auditioned for the role of Bender in ''[[The Breakfast Club]]'' that went to [[Judd Nelson]], but Hughes remembered Ruck and cast him as the 17-year-old Cameron Frye.<ref name='Ruck-Casting' /> Hughes based the character of Cameron on a friend of his in high school: "He was sort of a lost person. His family neglected him, so he took that as license to really pamper himself. When he was legitimately sick, he actually felt good, because it was difficult and tiring to have to invent diseases but when he actually had something, he was relaxed."<ref name="DVDCommShoot">{{cite video| title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off-(Commentary by John Hughes)| medium=DVD| publisher=[[Paramount Pictures]]| date=1999-10-19}}</ref> Ruck said the role of Cameron had been offered to [[Emilio Estevez]], who turned it down. "Every time I see Emilio, I want to kiss him," said Ruck. "Thank you!"<ref name="bratpackbook" />

Ruck, then 29, worried about the age difference (he was only six years younger than Hughes). "I was worried that I'd be 10 years out of step, and I wouldn't know anything about what was cool, what was hip, all that junk. But when I was going to high school, I didn't know any of that stuff then, either. So I just thought, well, hell—I'll just be me. The character, he's such a loner that he really wouldn't give a damn about that stuff anyway. He'd feel guilty that he didn't know it, but that's it."<ref name='Ruck-Casting'>{{cite news | date=1986-07-03 | first=Diane | last=Haithman | title=Ruck Just Put Himself Into His 'Day Off' Role | newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-07-03-8602170641-story.html | access-date=October 18, 2021 | archive-date=April 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407105557/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-07-03-8602170641-story.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Ruck was not surprised to find himself cast young. "No, because, really, when I was 18, I sort of looked 12," he said. "Maybe it's a genetic imbalance."<ref name="Ruck-Casting" />

Ruck and Broderick had previously acted together in the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] production of ''[[Biloxi Blues]]''. Cameron's "Mr. Peterson" voice was an [[in-joke]] imitation of their former director [[Gene Saks]].<ref name="bratpackbook" /> Ruck felt at ease working with Broderick, often sleeping in his trailer. "We didn't have to invent an instant friendship like you often have to do in a movie," said Ruck. "We ''were'' friends."<ref name="bratpackbook" />

Jones was cast as Rooney based on his role in ''[[Amadeus (film)|Amadeus]]'', where he played the emperor; Hughes thought that character's modern equivalent was Rooney.<ref name="DVDCommShoot" /> "My part was actually quite small in the script, but what seemed to be the important part to me was that I was the only one who wasn't swept along by Ferris," recalls Jones.<ref name=Jones>{{cite web |title=Q and A with Jeffrey Jones |date=July 2000 |url=http://www.popculturecorn.com/movies/issues/jun00/interview-jeffreyjones.html |work=Pop Culture Corn |access-date=2010-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924205642/http://www.popculturecorn.com/movies/issues/jun00/interview-jeffreyjones.html |archive-date=September 24, 2010 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> "So I was the only one in opposition, which presented a lot of opportunities, some of which weren't even in the script or were expanded on. John was receptive to anything I had to offer, and indeed got ideas along the way himself. So that was fun, working with him."<ref name=Jones /> "Hughes told me at the time—and I thought he was just blowing his own horn—he said, 'You are going to be known for this for the rest of your life.' And I thought, 'Sure'... but he was right."<ref>{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Coozer |title=Jeffrey Jones |date=1997-10-30 |url=http://www.readjunk.com/interviews/jeffrey-jones/ |publisher=ReadJunk |access-date=2010-03-02 |archive-date=September 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901124550/http://www.readjunk.com/interviews/jeffrey-jones/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To help Jones study for the part, Hughes took him to meet his old vice principal. "This is the guy I want you to pay close attention to," Jones explained to Hughes's biographer Kirk Honeycutt. While meeting him, the VP's coat momentarily flew open revealing a holster and gun attached to the man's belt. This made Jones realize what Hughes had envisioned. "The guy was 'Sign up for the Army quick before I kill you!{{' "}} Jones exclaimed.<ref>{{cite book |last=Honeycutt |first=Kirk |title=John Hughes: A Life in Film: The Genius Behind Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast Club, Home Alone, and more |publisher=Race Point Publishing |date=25 March 2015 |isbn=978-1631060229}}</ref>

Stein says he got the role of Bueller's Economics teacher through [[six degrees of separation]].<ref name='stein-role'>{{cite episode |title=Ben Stein Talks about Famous "Ferris Bueller" Role |airdate=January 10, 2006 |network=[[CNN]] |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0601/10/sbt.01.html |series=[[Showbiz Tonight]] |credits=Presenters: A.J. Hammer and Brooke Anderson |access-date=2017-07-21 |archive-date=April 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415090017/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0601/10/sbt.01.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "[[Richard Nixon]] introduced me to a man named [[Bill Safire]], who's a ''New York Times'' columnist. He introduced me to a guy who's an executive at [[Warner Brothers]]. He introduced me to a guy who's a casting director. He introduced me to John Hughes. John Hughes and I are among the only Republicans in the picture business, and John Hughes put me in the movie," Stein said.<ref name='stein-role' /> Hughes said that Stein was an easy and early choice for the role of the teacher: "He wasn't a professional actor. He had a flat voice, he looked like a teacher."<ref name="DVDCommShoot" />

===Filming===
[[File:Ferris Bueller house northeast view.JPG|thumb|alt=A white house with blue shutters is pictured|Northeast view of the house in [[Long Beach, California|Los Cerritos]] in [[Long Beach, California]], used in the film]]
"Chicago is what I am," said Hughes.<ref name=hugheschicago>{{cite news |title=Ferris Bueller: John Hughes and Chicago |url=http://www.amc.com/talk/2007/04/ferris-bueller |publisher=AMC Movie Blog |access-date=2010-01-15 |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507210615/http://www.amc.com/talk/2007/04/ferris-bueller |url-status=dead }}</ref> "A lot of ''Ferris'' is sort of my love letter to the city. And the more people who get upset with the fact that I film there, the more I'll make sure that's exactly where I film. It's funny—nobody ever says anything to [[Woody Allen]] about always filming in [[New York City|New York]]. America has this great reverence for New York. I look at it as this decaying horror pit. So let the people in Chicago enjoy ''Ferris Bueller''."<ref name=hugheschicago />

[[File:Cameron's House.jpg|thumb|alt=A brown modernist squarish house and garage is pictured|The [[Ben Rose House]], in [[Highland Park, Illinois]], served as the filming location for Cameron Frye's house.]]

For the film, Hughes got the chance to take a more expansive look at the city he grew up in. "We took a helicopter up the [[Chicago River]]. This is the first chance I'd really had to get outside while making a movie. Up to this point, the pictures had been pretty small. I really wanted to capture as much of Chicago as I could, not just the architecture and the landscape, but the spirit."<ref name="hugheschicago" /> [[Principal photography|Shooting]] began in Chicago on September 9, 1985.<ref name="Larry Granillo">{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Granillo |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off at Wrigley Field |url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=12877 |publisher=Baseball Prospectus |date=2011-02-06 |access-date=2011-02-10 |archive-date=February 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210143618/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=12877 |url-status=live }}</ref> In late October 1985, the production moved to Los Angeles, and shooting ended on November 22.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off: Miscellaneous Notes |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/4563/ferris-buellers-day-off#notes |publisher=[[Turner Classic Movies]] (TCM) |access-date=2014-07-19 |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809163206/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/4563/Ferris-Bueller-s-Day-Off/misc-notes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Von Steuben Day]] Parade scene was filmed on September 28. Scenes were filmed at several locations in [[downtown Chicago]] and [[Winnetka, Illinois|Winnetka]] (Ferris's home, his mother's real estate office, etc.).<ref name="Ferris Bueller Film Locations">{{cite news |url=http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/10/07/save-ferris-the-ultimate-map-guide-to-ferris-buellers-day-off.php |title=Save Ferris: The Ultimate Map Guide to Ferris Bueller |work=[[Curbed]] |date=2014-10-07 |access-date=2015-03-09 |archive-date=February 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209205700/http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/10/07/save-ferris-the-ultimate-map-guide-to-ferris-buellers-day-off.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Many of the other scenes were filmed in [[Northbrook, Illinois]], including at [[Glenbrook North High School]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.avclub.com/video/chicago-the-iferris-bueller-ihigh-school-57337 |title=Chicago: The Ferris Bueller high school |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=2011-07-29 |access-date=2015-03-09 |archive-date=March 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321001348/http://www.avclub.com/video/chicago-the-iferris-bueller-ihigh-school-57337 |url-status=live }}</ref> The exterior of Ferris's house is located at 4160 Country Club Drive, [[Long Beach, California]],<ref name="Ferris Bueller Film Locations" /> which, at the time of filming, was the childhood home of Judge [[Thad Balkman]].<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/26/health/oklahoma-opioid-judge-thad-balkman-profile/index.html | title = From Ferris Bueller to opioid trial: A judge's wild ride into history | first = Wayne | last = Drash | date = August 26, 2019 | access-date = August 26, 2019 | work = [[CNN]] | archive-date = August 26, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190826221209/https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/26/health/oklahoma-opioid-judge-thad-balkman-profile/index.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

The [[Modern architecture|modernist]] house of Cameron Frye is located in [[Highland Park, Illinois]]. Known as the [[Ben Rose House]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/370-Beech-Street_Highland-Park_IL_60035_1109385563 |title=For Sale: Property Information for 370 Beech Street |publisher='[[Move.com|Realtor.com]] |date=2009-05-27 |access-date=2009-05-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528022335/http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/370-Beech-Street_Highland-Park_IL_60035_1109385563 |archive-date=May 28, 2009 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> it was designed by architects A. James Speyer, who designed the main building in 1954, and David Haid, who designed the [[pavilion]] in 1974. It was once owned by photographer [[Ben Rose (photographer)|Ben Rose]], who had a car collection in the pavilion. In the film, Cameron's father is portrayed as owning a [[Ferrari 250#250 GT Spyder California SWB|Ferrari 250 GT California]] in the same pavilion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.landmarks.org/2009_5.htm |title=Rose House and Pavilion |date=2011-12-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923190550/http://www.landmarks.org/2009_5.htm |archive-date=September 23, 2009}}</ref> According to [[Lake Forest College]] art professor Franz Shulze, during the filming of the scene where the Ferrari crashes out of the window, Haid explained to Hughes that he could prevent the car from damaging the rest of the pavilion.<ref name="rose-house">{{cite web |url=http://www.landmarks.org/2009_5.htm |title=Rose House and Pavilion |access-date=2009-12-08 |publisher=Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923190550/http://www.landmarks.org/2009_5.htm |archive-date=September 23, 2009}}</ref> Haid fixed connections in the wall and the building remained intact. Haid said to Hughes afterward, "You owe me $25,000," and which Hughes paid.<ref name="rose-house" /> In the DVD commentary for the film, Hughes mentions that they had to remove every pane of glass from the house to film the car crash scene, since every pane was weakened by age and had acquired a similar tint, hence replacement panels would be obvious. Hughes added that they were able to use the house because producer [[Ned Tanen]] knew the owner because they were both [[Ferrari]] collectors.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/nmVaIYv8ZLo Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20190622212155/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmVaIYv8ZLo&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |date=Aug 13, 2016 |title='Ferris Bueller's Day Off' – John Hughes Commentary – Car Crash |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmVaIYv8ZLo |via=[[YouTube]] }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

[[File:Art Institute of Chicago from south.jpg|thumb|alt=The Romanesque facade of the Art Institute of Chicago is pictured|Hughes says The [[Art Institute of Chicago]] was a "place of refuge" in his youth.]]

According to Hughes, the scene at the [[Art Institute of Chicago]] was "a self-indulgent scene of mine—which was a place of refuge for me, I went there quite a bit, I loved it. I knew all the paintings, the building. This was a chance for me to go back into this building and show the paintings that were my favorite." The museum had not been shot in, until the producers of the film approached them.<ref name="DVDCommShoot" /> "I remember Hughes saying, 'There are going to be more works of art in this movie than there have ever been before,'" recalled Jennifer Grey.<ref name="bratpackbook" /> Among notable works featured in this scene include ''[[A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte]]'' ([[Georges Seurat]], 1884), during which Cameron struggles to find his identity in the face of one of the children in the painting, and ''[[America Windows]]'' ([[Marc Chagall]], 1977), in front of which Ferris and Sloane have a romantic moment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/how-ferris-buellers-day-perfectly-illustrates-power-art-museums-180959279/ |title=How Ferris Bueller's Day Off Perfectly Illustrates the Power of Art Museums |first=Katie |last=Nodjimbadem |date=June 1, 2016 |access-date=August 12, 2019 |work=[[Smithsonian (magazine)|Smithsonian]] |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812204436/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/how-ferris-buellers-day-perfectly-illustrates-power-art-museums-180959279/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A passionate [[the Beatles|Beatles]] fan, Hughes makes multiple references to them and [[John Lennon]] in the script. While filming, Hughes listened to their [[The Beatles (album)|self-titled 1968 album]] every single day for 56 days.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ferris-buellers-day-off-upset-paul-mccartney/ | title=Why 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' upset Paul McCartney | date=September 14, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Molly Ringwald Interviews John Hughes |date=Spring 1986 |journal=[[Seventeen (American magazine)|Seventeen]]}}</ref> Hughes also pays tribute to his childhood hero [[Gordie Howe]] with Cameron's [[Detroit Red Wings]] jersey.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://medium.com/mel-magazine/why-cameron-frye-wore-a-gordie-howe-jersey-in-ferris-buellers-day-off-adfc36129fd5|title=Why Cameron Frye Wore a Gordie Howe Jersey in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' |first=John |last=McDermott |date=June 11, 2016 |journal=Medium |access-date=July 21, 2017 |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231101144942/https://medium.com/mel-magazine/why-cameron-frye-wore-a-gordie-howe-jersey-in-ferris-buellers-day-off-adfc36129fd5|url-status=live }}</ref> "I sent them the jersey," said Howe. "It was nice seeing the No. 9 on the big screen."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Q&A with Gordie Howe |date=May 5, 2009 |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2009/05/15/gordie-howe |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |first=Arash |last=Markazi |access-date=December 11, 2017 |archive-date=January 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114115820/http://www.si.com/more-sports/2009/05/15/gordie-howe |url-status=live }}</ref> Ruck later explained the significance of Cameron wearing the Detroit Red Wings jersey. "John [Hughes] had spent some of his boyhood in Detroit...(and) had decided that Cameron had a horrible relationship with his father, but a great relationship with his grandfather, who lived in Detroit and would take Cameron to Red Wings games," Ruck said. "That's all it was, and it was never explained in the movie."<ref name="a603">{{cite web | title=Why Cameron Frye Wore a Gordie Howe Jersey in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ | website=MEL Magazine | date=2016-06-11 | url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/why-cameron-frye-wore-a-gordie-howe-jersey-in-ferris-buellers-day-off | access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>

====Car====
[[File:1961-ferrari-rc.jpg|thumb|alt=A red sports car is pictured|A 1961 Ferrari GT California]]
In the film, Ferris convinces Cameron to borrow his father's rare 1961 [[Ferrari 250|Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder]]. "The [[Insert (filmmaking)|insert shots]] of the Ferrari were of the real 250 GT California," Hughes explains in the DVD commentary. "The cars we used in the wide shots were obviously reproductions. There were only 100 of these cars, so it was way too expensive to destroy. We had a number of replicas made. They were pretty good, but for the tight shots I needed a real one, so we brought one in to the stage and shot the inserts with it."<ref name="DVDCommShoot" />

Prior to filming, Hughes learned about Modena Design and Development that produced the Modena Spyder California, a replica of the Ferrari 250 GT.<ref name='ferris-glassmoyer'>{{cite news |title=Ferrari California replica from Ferris Bueller is so choice |date=June 29, 2013 |first=Seyth |last=Miersma |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/29/ferrari-california-replica-from-ferris-bueller-is-so-choice/ |work=Auto Blog |access-date=2017-07-21 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407084432/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/29/ferrari-california-replica-from-ferris-bueller-is-so-choice/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hughes saw a mention of the company in a car magazine and decided to research them. Neil Glassmoyer recalls the day Hughes contacted him to ask about seeing the Modena Spyder:

{{blockquote|The first time he called I hung up on him because I thought it was a friend of mine who was given to practical jokes. Then he called back and convinced me it really was him, so Mark and I took the car to his office. While we were waiting outside to meet Hughes this scruffy-looking fellow came out of the building and began looking the car over; we thought from his appearance he must have been a janitor or something. Then he looked up at a window and shouted, 'This is it!' and several heads poked out to have a look. That scruffy-looking fellow was [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]], and the people in the window were his staff. Turned out it was between the Modena Spyder and a Porsche Turbo, and Hughes chose the Modena.<ref name='ferris-glassmoyer' />}}

Automobile restorationist Mark Goyette designed the kits for three reproductions used in the film and chronicled the whereabouts of the cars today:<ref name='ferris-goyette'>{{cite news |first=David Traver |last=Adolphus |title=Save these Cars – Hollywood, California: Part II |date=December 1, 2009 |url=http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2009/12/01/save-these-cars-hollywood-california-part-ii/ |work=Hemmings Auto blog |access-date=2017-07-21 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174122/http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2009/12/01/save-these-cars-hollywood-california-part-ii/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
# "Built by Goyette and leased to Paramount for the filming. It's the one that jumps over the camera, and is used in almost every shot. At the end of filming, Paramount returned it to Goyette, with the exhaust crushed and cracks in the body. "There was quite a bit of superficial damage, but it held up amazingly well," he said. He rebuilt it, and sold it to a young couple in California. The husband later ran it off the road, and Goyette rebuilt the front end for him. That owner sold it in the mid-90s, and it turned up again around 2000, but hasn't emerged since."<ref name='ferris-goyette' />
# "Sold to Paramount as a kit for them to assemble as their stunt car, they did such a poor job that it was basically unusable, aside from going backwards out the window of Cameron's house. Rebuilt, it ended up at [[Planet Hollywood]] in [[Minneapolis]] and was moved to [[Planet Hollywood]] in [[Cancún]] when this one was closed."<ref name='ferris-goyette' />
# "Another kit, supposed to be built as a shell for the out the window scene, it was never completed at all, and disappeared after the film was completed. Goyette thinks he once heard it was eventually completed and sold off, but it could also still be in a back lot at Paramount."<ref name='ferris-goyette' />

One of the "replicars" was sold by [[Bonhams]] on April 19, 2010, at the [[Royal Air Force Museum London|Royal Air Force Museum]] at [[Hendon]], [[United Kingdom]] for {{GBP|79600|2010}}.<ref name='bonhams'>{{cite news |title=Ferrari replica created for Ferris Bueller's Day Off for sale |date=March 30, 2010 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/7538543/Ferrari-replica-created-for-Ferris-Buellers-Day-Off-for-sale.html |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=2017-07-21 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022357/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/7538543/Ferrari-replica-created-for-Ferris-Buellers-Day-Off-for-sale.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name='bonham'>{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Campbell |title=Buy the 'Ferris Bueller' Ferrari For Only $67,000 |date=March 30, 2010 |url =http://www.cinematical.com/2010/03/30/buy-the-ferris-bueller-ferrari-for-only-67-000/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603053121/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/03/30/buy-the-ferris-bueller-ferrari-for-only-67-000/ |archive-date=2010-06-03 |work=Cinematical.com |access-date=2010-03-30}}</ref> Another "replicar" used in the movie, serial number 001, referenced as the "hero car" that Goyette stated "hasn't emerged since" was sold at the 2020 Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on January 18, 2020, for {{US$|396000|2020}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1963-MODENA-SPYDER-CALIFORNIA-GTC0001-FERRIS-BUELLERS-DAY-OFF-241009 |title=1963 MODENA SPYDER CALIFORNIA #GTC0001 'FERRIS BUELLer's DAY – Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions |access-date=January 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220115128/https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1963-MODENA-SPYDER-CALIFORNIA-GTC0001-FERRIS-BUELLERS-DAY-OFF-241009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The "replicar" was "universally hated by the crew," said Ruck. "It didn't work right." The scene in which Ferris turns off the car to leave it with the garage attendant had to be shot a dozen times because it would not start.<ref name="bratpackbook" /> The car was built with a real wheel base, but used a [[Ford V8 engine]] instead of a V12.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uncrate.com/stuff/ferris-buellers-day-off-ferrari/ |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off Ferrari |publisher=Uncrate |access-date=2014-07-19 |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413080703/http://uncrate.com/stuff/ferris-buellers-day-off-ferrari/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time of filming, the original 250 GT California model was worth $350,000.<ref name="bratpackbook" /> Since the release of the film, it has become one of the [[List of most expensive cars sold at auction|most expensive cars ever sold]], going at auction in 2008 for {{US$|10976000|2008|long=no}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cargurus.com/blog/2009/05/22/the-five-most-expensive-cars-ever-sold-at-auction |title=The Five Most Expensive Cars Ever Sold At Auction |author=tgriffith |publisher=The CarGurus Blog |date=2009-05-22 |access-date=2010-03-29 |archive-date=March 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315045330/http://www.cargurus.com/blog/2009/05/22/the-five-most-expensive-cars-ever-sold-at-auction |url-status=live }}</ref> and more recently in 2015 for {{US$|16830000|2015|long=no}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.caranddriver.com/hammer-down-the-25-most-expensive-cars-at-the-2015-monterey-auctions/ |title=Hammer Down: The 25 Most Expensive Cars at the 2015 Monterey Auctions |first=Rusty |last=Blackwell |work=[[Car and Driver]] |date=2015-08-18 |access-date=2015-09-06 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905155102/http://blog.caranddriver.com/hammer-down-the-25-most-expensive-cars-at-the-2015-monterey-auctions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[vanity plate]] of Cameron's dad's Ferrari spells NRVOUS and the other plates seen in the film are homages to Hughes's earlier works, VCTN (''National Lampoon's Vacation''), TBC (''The Breakfast Club''), MMOM (''Mr. Mom''), as well as 4FBDO (''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'').

====Economics lecture====
[[Ben Stein]]'s famous monotonous lecture about the [[Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act]] was not originally in Hughes's script. Stein, by happenstance, was lecturing off-camera to the amusement of the student cast. "I was just going to do it off camera, but the student extras laughed so hard when they heard my voice that (Hughes) said do it on camera, improvise, something you know a lot about. When I gave the lecture about [[supply-side economics]], I thought they were applauding. Everybody on the set applauded. I thought they were applauding because they had learned something about supply-side economics. But they were applauding because they thought I was boring. ... It was the best day of my life," Stein said.<ref name='stein-role' />

====Parade scene====
The parade scene took multiple days of filming; Broderick spent some time practicing the dance moves. "I was very scared," Broderick said. "Fortunately, the sequence was carefully choreographed beforehand. We worked out all the moves by rehearsing in a little studio. It was shot on two Saturdays in the heart of downtown Chicago. The first day was during a real parade, and John got some very long shots. Then radio stations carried announcements inviting people to take part in 'a John Hughes movie'. The word got around fast and 10,000 people showed up! For the final shot, I turned around and saw a river of people. I put my hands up at the end of the number and heard this huge roar. I can understand how rock stars feel. That kind of reaction feeds you."<ref>{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Thomas |title=Sad Wise Eyes in a Boy's Face |date=1986-06-19 |work=[[Argus-Press]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=00QiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3254,3793155 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |page=9 |access-date=2017-07-22 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022358/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=00QiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3254%2C3793155 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Thomas |title=Young star of Ferris Bueller seeks to get away from high school roles |date=1986-06-19 |work=[[Ottawa Citizen]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=saQyAAAAIBAJ&pg=1289,4733180 |agency=Associated Press |pages=F17 |access-date=2017-07-21 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022345/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=saQyAAAAIBAJ&pg=1289%2C4733180 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Broderick's moves were choreographed by [[Kenny Ortega]] (who later choreographed ''[[Dirty Dancing]]''). Much of it had to be scrapped, though, for Broderick had injured his knee badly during the scenes of running through neighbors' backyards. "I was pretty sore", Broderick said. "I got well enough to do what you see in the parade there, but I couldn't do most of Kenny Ortega's knee spins and things like that that we had worked on. When we did shoot it, we had all this choreography and I remember John would yell with a megaphone, 'Okay, do it again, but don't do any of the choreography', because he wanted it to be a total mess." "[[Danke Schoen]]" was somewhat choreographed but for "[[Twist and Shout]]", Broderick said, "we were just making everything up."<ref name="bratpackbook">{{cite book |last=Gora |first=Susannah |title=You Couldn't Ignore Me If You Tried. The Brat Pack, John Hughes, and Their Impact on a Generation |publisher=Crown |date=2010-02-09 |page=176 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XawD2yexM_kC&q=ferris+bueller |isbn=978-0307408433}}</ref> Hughes explained that much of the scene was spontaneously filmed. "It just happened that this was an actual parade, which we put our float into—unbeknownst to anybody, all the people on the reviewing stand. Nobody knew what it was, including the governor."<ref name="DVDCommShoot" />

====Wrigley Field====
[[File:Saveferris-wrigleyfield.jpg|thumb|alt=Wrigley Field at night lit up to say 'Save Ferris'|''Ferris Bueller'' Night at Wrigley Field, October 1, 2011]]
[[Wrigley Field]] is featured in two interwoven and consecutive scenes. In the first scene, Rooney is looking for Ferris at a pizza joint while [[Harry Caray]]'s voice announces the action of a ballgame that is being shown on TV. From the play-by-play descriptions, the uniforms, and the player numbers, this game has been identified as the June 5, 1985, game between the [[1985 Atlanta Braves season|Atlanta Braves]] and the [[1985 Chicago Cubs season|Chicago Cubs]].<ref name="Larry Granillo" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/ferris-buellers-actual-day-was-30-years-ago-today-220465 |title=Ferris Bueller's actual day off was 30 years ago today |first=Annie |last=Zaleski |date=2015-06-05 |access-date=2015-06-05 |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |archive-date=June 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606033748/http://www.avclub.com/article/ferris-buellers-actual-day-was-30-years-ago-today-220465 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the next scene, Sloane, Cameron, and Ferris are in the left field stands inside Wrigley. Ferris flexes his hand in pain after supposedly catching the foul ball. During this scene, the characters enjoy the game and joke about what they would be doing if they had played by the rules. All these "in the park" shots, including the one from the previous scene where Ferris catches the foul ball on TV, were filmed on September 24, 1985, at a game between the [[1985 Montreal Expos season|Montreal Expos]] and the Cubs. During the [[1985 Major League Baseball season|1985 season]], the Braves and the Expos both wore powder blue uniforms during their road games so, with seamless editing by Hirsch, it is difficult to distinguish that the game being seen and described in the pizza joint is not only a different game but also a different Cubs' opponent than the one filmed inside the stadium.<ref>{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Granillo |title=Ferris Bueller Follow-up |url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=12899 |publisher=Baseball Prospectus |date=2011-02-08 |access-date=2011-02-10 |archive-date=February 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212144424/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=12899 |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 1, 2011, Wrigley Field celebrated the 25th anniversary of the film by showing it on three giant screens on the infield.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7048417/ferris-bueller-returns-wrigley-field |title=Ferris Bueller returns to Wrigley Field |publisher=ESPN |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808143714/http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7048417/ferris-bueller-returns-wrigley-field |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Post-production==
===Editing===
[[File:A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat, 1884.png|alt=Georges Seurat, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte — 1884, 1884/86|thumb|Cameron is transfixed by [[Georges Seurat]]'s ''[[A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte]]''.]]

According to editor [[Paul Hirsch (film editor)|Paul Hirsch]], in the original cut, the museum scene fared poorly at test screenings until he switched sequences around and Hughes changed the soundtrack.<ref name="ferris-edit">{{cite book |last=Oldham |first=Gabriella |title=First Cut: Conversations with Film Editors |publisher=University of California Press |year=1995 |pages=191–192 |isbn=0-520-07588-9}}</ref>

{{blockquote|The piece of music I originally chose was a [[classical guitar]] solo played on acoustic guitar. It was [[wikt:nonmetrical|nonmetrical]] with a lot of [[rubato]]. I cut the sequence to that music and it also became nonmetrical and irregular. I thought it was great and so did Hughes. He loved it so much that he showed it to the studio but they just went "Ehhh." Then after many screenings where the audience said, "The museum scene is the scene we like least," he decided to replace the music. We had all loved it, but the audience hated it. I said, "I think I know why they hate the museum scene. It's in the wrong place." Originally, the parade sequence came before the museum sequence, but I realized that the parade was the highlight of the day, there was no way we could top it, so it had to be the last thing before the three kids go home. So that was agreed upon, we reshuffled the events of the day, and moved the museum sequence before the parade. Then we screened it and everybody loved the museum scene! My feeling was that they loved it because it came in at the right point in the sequence of events. John felt they loved it because of the music. Basically, the bottom line is, it worked.<ref name="ferris-edit" />}}

The music used for the final version of the museum sequence is an instrumental cover version of [[The Smiths]]' "[[Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want]]", performed by [[The Dream Academy]].

===Deleted scenes===
Several [[Deleted scene|scenes were cut from the final film]]; one lost scene titled "[[Islets of Langerhans|The Isles of Langerhans]]" has the three teenagers trying to order in the French restaurant, shocked to discover [[pancreas]] on the menu (although in the finished film, Ferris still says, "We ate pancreas", while recapping the day). This is featured on the ''Bueller, Bueller'' Edition DVD. Other scenes were never made available on any DVD version.<ref>Chaney, Jen: "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/09/AR2006010900642.html 'Bueller, Bueller' Edition Almost Saves 'Ferris'] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107020808/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/09/AR2006010900642.html |date=November 7, 2017}}", ''[[The Washington Post]]'', January 10, 2006</ref> These scenes included additional screen time with Jeanie in a locker room, Ferris's younger brother and sister (both of whom were completely removed from the film), and additional lines of dialogue throughout the film, all of which can be seen in the original theatrical trailer. Hughes had also wanted to film a scene where Ferris, Sloane, and Cameron go to a strip club. Paramount executives told him there were only so many shooting days left, so the scene was scrapped.<ref name="bratpackbook" />

According to former vice president of production for [[Paramount Pictures]] [[Lindsay Doran]], an earlier version of the film included a line by Sloane to Cameron during the parade scene when they are discussing their future that resulted in very low scores from young female viewers during test screenings. In the scene, Sloane said, "A girl can always bail out and have a baby and get some guy to support her." "Girls hated that line," Doran recalls. "It was meant as an ironic criticism of gender politics," explained producer Tom Jacobson. "But it went over the heads of the audience and they thought maybe she was espousing them." After cutting the line, Doran said young female test scores skyrocketed approximately 40 points, which was the most dramatic test screening improvement through cutting a single line that she had ever seen.<ref name="Inside Story">{{cite episode |title=Inside Story: Ferris Bueller |series=Biography: Inside Story |network=The Biography Channel |date=15 November 2011}}</ref>

The script also included more dialogue that would have explained Charlie Sheen's character and provided more context to his scene. Though Sheen's character was not named in the film, the script identified him as Garth Volbeck, a friend of Ferris from middle school with a difficult home life. Early in the script, Ferris spoke about how he tried to help Garth turn his life around, but was ultimately unsuccessful as Garth threw his life away due to his substance abuse. This ultimately led to Sheen's appearance in the police station, where he reveals that he is Garth. The scene provided extra context to why Ferris's motivation as to why he wanted to show Cameron a memorable day – Garth represented Cameron's future if Ferris did not get involved. The backstory would have also given additional context as to why Garth was so complimentary towards Ferris in the scene with Jeanie – he still felt loyalty to Ferris from his time when they were friends.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gaughan |first=Liam |date=December 26, 2023 |title=Charlie Sheen's Part in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' Would've Meant More With This Deleted Scene |url=https://collider.com/charlie-sheen-ferris-bueller-deleted-scene/ |publisher=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102231353/https://collider.com/charlie-sheen-ferris-bueller-deleted-scene/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Music==

===Limited edition fan club soundtrack===
An official soundtrack was not originally released for the film, since director [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]] felt the songs would not work well together as a continuous album.<ref>{{cite news | first=William | last=Ham | title=John Hughes: Straight Outta Sherman | url=http://www.lollipop.com/issue47/47-02-03.html | work=Lollipop Magazine | access-date=December 12, 2009 | archive-date=August 19, 2000 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000819144335/http://www.lollipop.com/issue47/47-02-03.html | url-status=live }}</ref> However, according to an interview with ''Lollipop'' Magazine, Hughes noted that he had sent 100,000 7" vinyl singles containing two songs featured in the film to members of his fan mailing list.<ref name="lollipop">''Lollipop'' Magazine article: "[http://www.lollipop.com/issue47/47-02-03.html John Hughes – Straight Outta Sherman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000819144335/http://www.lollipop.com/issue47/47-02-03.html |date=August 19, 2000 }}" By William Ham.</ref> Hughes gave further details about his refusal to release a soundtrack in the ''Lollipop'' interview:

{{blockquote|The only official soundtrack that ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' ever had was for the mailing list. [[A&M Records|A&M]] was very angry with me over that; they begged me to put one out, but I thought "who'd want all of these songs?" I mean, would kids want "[[Danke Schoen]]" and "[[Oh Yeah (Yello song)|Oh Yeah]]" on the same record? They probably already had "Twist and Shout", or their parents did, and to put all of those together with the more contemporary stuff, like the (English) Beat—I just didn't think anybody would like it. But I did put together a seven-inch of the two songs I owned the rights to—"Beat City" on one side, and... I forget, one of the other English bands on the soundtrack... and sent that to the mailing list. By '86, '87, it was costing us $30 a piece to mail out 100,000 packages. But it was a labor of love.<ref name="lollipop" />}}

===Songs in the film===
Songs featured in the film include:
* "[[Love Missile F1-11]]" (extended version) by [[Sigue Sigue Sputnik]]
* "Jeannie" (theme from ''[[I Dream of Jeannie]]'')
* "Beat City" by [[The Flowerpot Men]]
* "Main Title / Rebel Blockade Runner" by [[John Williams]] (from ''[[Star Wars]]'')
* "[[Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want]]" (instrumental) by [[The Dream Academy]] (a cover version of a song by [[The Smiths]])
* "[[String Quintet in E major, Op. 11, No. 5 (Boccherini)|The Celebrated Minuet]]" by [[Luigi Boccherini]] (performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Chamber Studio)
* "Danke Schoen" by [[Wayne Newton]]
* "[[Twist and Shout]]" by [[The Beatles]]
* "Radio People" by [[Zapp]]
* "I'm Afraid" by Blue Room
* "Taking the Day Off" by [[General Public]]
* "The Edge of Forever" by The Dream Academy
* "March of the Swivelheads" (a remix of "Rotating Heads") by [[The Beat (British band)|The Beat]]
* "[[Oh Yeah (Yello song)|Oh Yeah]]" by [[Yello]]
* "BAD" by [[Big Audio Dynamite]]

"Danke Schoen" is one of the recurring [[Motif (music)|motifs]] in the film and is sung by Ferris, Ed Rooney, and Jeanie. Hughes called it the "most awful song of my youth. Every time it came on, I just wanted to scream, claw my face. I was taking German in high school—which meant that we listened to it in school. I couldn't get away from it."<ref name="DVDCommShoot" /> According to Broderick, Ferris's singing "Danke Schoen" in the shower was [[Improvisation|his idea]]. "Although it's only because of the brilliance of John's deciding that I should sing "Danke Schoen" on the float in the parade. I had never heard the song before. I was learning it for the parade scene. So we're doing the shower scene and I thought, 'Well, I can do a little rehearsal.' And I did something with my hair to make that Mohawk. And you know what good directors do: they say; 'Stop! Wait until we roll.' And John put that stuff in."<ref name="hughesactors">{{cite magazine | date=March 20, 2010 | first=David | last=Kamp | title=John Hughes' Actors on John Hughes | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/03/actors-on-john-hughes-201003 | magazine=Vanity Fair | access-date=August 27, 2020 | archive-date=September 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918074031/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/03/actors-on-john-hughes-201003 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Wayne Newton told the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' he was thrilled to have his song featured in the film. "It was really cool because I thought, okay, 'Danke Schoen' had run its gamut. When I saw [Broderick] doing an impression, lip syncing to my version of the song, I thought that was the coolest thing I had ever seen."<ref name="YouTube 2014">{{cite web | title=Wayne Newton on Ferris Bueller and Bobby Darin | website=Chicago Sun-Times | date=June 18, 2014 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcZL0rUsIVc | access-date=October 20, 2022 | archive-date=January 21, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121054517/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcZL0rUsIVc | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' propelled the Beatles' 1963 recording of "Twist and Shout" back onto the ''[[Billboard Hot 100]]'' chart, where it peaked at No. 23 on September 27, 1986, 22 years after its original issue in the US.

===2016 soundtrack===
{{Infobox album
| name = Ferris Bueller's Day Off
| type = soundtrack
| artist = various artists
| cover =blank
| alt =
| released = September 13, 2016
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[New wave music|New wave]]
| length = 76:47
| label = La-La Land Records
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}

The soundtrack for the film, limited to 5,000 copies, was released on September 13, 2016, by La-La Land Records. The album includes [[New wave music|new wave]] and [[pop music|pop]] songs featured in the film, as well as [[Ira Newborn]]'s complete score, including unused cues.<ref name="pitchfork">{{cite web |last=Yoo |first=Noah |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off Soundtrack to Get First Official Release |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/68069-ferris-buellers-day-off-soundtrack-to-get-first-official-release |website=Pitchfork.com |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=6 September 2016 |archive-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907015748/http://pitchfork.com/news/68069-ferris-buellers-day-off-soundtrack-to-get-first-official-release/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to licensing restrictions, "Twist and Shout," "Taking The Day Off," and "March of the Swivelheads" were not included, but are available elsewhere. The Flowerpot Men's "Beat City" makes its first official release on CD with a new mix done by The Flowerpot Men's Ben Watkins and Adam Peters that differs from the original 7" fan club release.<ref name="pitchfork" /><ref>{{cite web |last=O'Neal |first=Sean |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off soundtrack arrives after skipping the past 30 years |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/ferris-buellers-day-soundtrack-arrives-after-skipp-242198 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |access-date=6 September 2016 |date=6 September 2016 |archive-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907140741/http://www.avclub.com/article/ferris-buellers-day-soundtrack-arrives-after-skipp-242198 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical response===
The film largely received positive reviews from critics. [[Roger Ebert]] gave it three out of four stars, calling it "one of the most innocent movies in a long time," and "a sweet, warm-hearted comedy."<ref>{{cite web |date=June 11, 1986 |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off movie review (1986) |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/ferris-buellers-day-off-1986 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903022823/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/ferris-buellers-day-off-1986 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Richard Roeper]] called the film: {{cquote|..
one of my favorite movies of all time. It has one of the highest 'repeatability' factors of any film I've ever seen... I can watch it again and again. There's also this, and I say it in all sincerity: ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' is something of a suicide prevention film, or at the very least a story about a young man trying to help his friend gain some measure of self-worth... Ferris has made it his mission to show Cameron that the whole world in front of him is passing him by, and that life can be pretty sweet if you wake up and embrace it. That's the lasting message of ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off.''<ref>{{cite news | first=Richard| last=Roeper | author-link= Richard Roeper | title='Ferris' could never go too far, to our delight | date=2009-08-07 | url =http://blog.richardroeper.com/?p=1119 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110614043238/http://blog.richardroeper.com/?p=1119 | archive-date =2011-06-14 | work =Richard Roeper |url-status=dead| access-date = 2020-08-27 }}</ref>}} Roeper pays homage to the film with a license plate that reads "SVFRRIS".<ref>{{cite news | first=Richard | last=Roeper |author-link= Richard Roeper | title=Save Ferris | date=2009-08-07 | url =http://blog.richardroeper.com/?p=1122 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120303231551/http://blog.richardroeper.com/?p=1122 | archive-date =2012-03-03 | access-date = 2010-02-26}}</ref>

Essayist [[Steve Almond]] called ''Ferris'' "the most sophisticated teen movie [he] had ever seen," adding that while Hughes had made a lot of good movies, ''Ferris'' was the "one film [he] would consider true art, [the] only one that reaches toward the ecstatic power of teendom and, at the same time, exposes the true, piercing woe of that age." Almond also applauded Ruck's performance, going so far as saying he deserved the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]] of 1986: "His performance is what elevates the film, allows it to assume the power of a modern parable."<ref>{{cite news | first=Steve | last=Almond | title=John Hughes Goes Deep: The Unexpected Heaviosity of Ferris Bueller's Day Off | year=2006 | url =http://www.vqronline.org/articles/2006/summer/almond-john-hughes/ | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130608074443/http://www.vqronline.org/articles/2006/summer/almond-john-hughes/ | archive-date =2013-06-08 | work =Virginia Quarterly Review | access-date = 2010-03-18 }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' reviewer Nina Darnton criticized Mia Sara's portrayal of Sloane for lacking "the specific detail that characterized the adolescent characters in Hughes's other films," asserting she "created a basically stable but forgettable character."<ref name="nyt-ferris">{{cite news | first=Nina | last=Darnton | title=SCREEN: A YOUTH'S DAY OFF | date=1986-06-11 | url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A0DE5DB1E3BF932A25755C0A960948260 | work=The New York Times | access-date=2010-03-27 | archive-date=May 4, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022352/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/11/movies/screen-a-youth-s-day-off.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=[[The New York Times]]|title=Timesmachine.nytimes.com|date=June 11, 1986|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1986/06/11/284286.html|access-date=June 11, 2016|archive-date=May 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022353/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1986/06/11/284286.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Conversely, Darnton praised Ruck and Grey's performances: {{cquote|The two people who grow in the movie{{mdash}}Cameron, played with humor and sensitivity by Alan Ruck, and Ferris's sister Jeanie, played with appropriate self-pity by Jennifer Grey{{mdash}}are the most authentic. Grey manages to play an insufferably sulky teen-ager who is still attractive and likable.<ref name="nyt-ferris" />}}

Co-star Ben Stein was exceptionally moved by the film, calling it "the most life-affirming movie possibly of the entire post-war period."<ref>{{cite news | first=Mark | last=Preston | title=Preston on Politics: Bueller? Bueller? – McCain needs Rove | date=2008-07-28 | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/27/preston.mccain/index.html?iref=newssearch | work=CNN | access-date=2009-12-12 | archive-date=September 12, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912135051/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/27/preston.mccain/index.html?iref=newssearch | url-status=live }}</ref> "This is to comedies what ''[[Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind]]'' is to epics," Stein added. {{cquote|It will never die, because it responds to and calls forth such human emotions. It isn't dirty. There's nothing mean-spirited about it. There's nothing sneering or sniggering about it. It's just wholesome. We want to be free. We want to have a good time. We know we're not going to be able to all our lives. We know we're going to have to buckle down and work. We know we're going to have to eventually become family men and women, and have responsibilities and pay our bills. But just give us a couple of good days that we can look back on.<ref name="DVD-WATBS">{{cite video|title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off-(World According to Ben Stein)|medium=DVD|publisher=[[Paramount Pictures]]|date=2006}}</ref>}}

''[[National Review]]'' writer Mark Hemingway lauded the film's celebration of liberty. {{cquote|If there's a better celluloid expression of ordinary American freedom than ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'', I have yet to see it. If you could take one day and do absolutely anything, piling into a convertible with your best girl and your best friend and taking in a baseball game, an art museum, and a fine meal seems about as good as it gets.<ref>{{cite news | first=Mark | last=Hemingway | title=Missing John Hughes | date=2009-08-10 | url=http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/228039/missing-john-hughes/mark-hemingway | work=National Review | access-date=2009-12-12 | archive-date=August 31, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831131959/http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/228039/missing-john-hughes/mark-hemingway | url-status=live }}</ref>}}

Others were less enamored of ''Ferris'', many taking issue with the film's "rebel without a cause" hedonism. [[David Denby]] of ''New York Magazine'', called the film "a nauseating distillation of the slack, greedy side of [[Reaganism]]."<ref>{{cite news | first=David | last=Denby | title=Movies | date=1986-12-22 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2-cCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA142 | work=New York Magazine | access-date=2010-03-21 | archive-date=May 4, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022405/https://books.google.com/books?id=2-cCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA142 | url-status=live }}</ref> Author Christina Lee agreed, adding it was a "splendidly ridiculous exercise in unadulterated indulgence," and the film "encapsulated the Reagan era's near solipsist worldview and insatiable appetite for immediate gratification—of living in and for the moment..."<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Christina | first1 = Lee | title = Screening Generation X: the politics and popular memory of youth in contemporary cinema | year = 2010 | publisher = Ashgate | isbn = 978-0-7546-4973-1}}</ref> [[Gene Siskel]] panned the film from a Chicago-centric perspective, saying: "Ferris Bueller doesn't do anything much fun ... [t]hey don't even sit in the bleachers where all the kids like to sit when they go to Cubs games."<ref name="Ferris Bueller">{{cite news | first1 = Gene | last1= Siskel | first2 = Roger | last2 = Ebert |author-link1 = Gene Siskel | author-link2 = Roger Ebert | title=Ferris Bueller | year=1986 | work =At the Movies }}</ref> Siskel did enjoy the chemistry between Jennifer Grey and Charlie Sheen. Ebert thought Siskel was too eager to find flaws in the film's view of Chicago.<ref name="Ferris Bueller" />

On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has an approval rating of 83% based on 80 critics' reviews, with an average rating of 7.80/10. The website's critical consensus reads: "Matthew Broderick charms in ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'', a light and irrepressibly fun movie about being young and having fun."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ferris_buellers_day_off/ |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116055256/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ferris_buellers_day_off |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gave the film a score of 61 based on 13 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/ferris-buellers-day-off |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811105818/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/ferris-buellers-day-off |url-status=live }}</ref> Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-12-20|title=Cinemascore :: Movie Title Search|url=https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/|access-date=2020-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/|archive-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref>

===Accolades===
Broderick was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award]] in [[44th Golden Globe Awards|1987]] for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy|Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/1987/all#category-1890 |title=Winners & Nominees 1987 |publisher=[[Hollywood Foreign Press Association]] |access-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-date=September 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907074020/http://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/1987/all#category-1890 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Box office===
The film opened in 1,330 theaters in the United States, and had a total weekend gross of $6,275,647 . Opening at No. 2. ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off''{{'s}} total gross in the United States was approximately $70,136,369, making it a box office success.<ref name="mojo">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ferrisbuellersdayoff.htm |title=Ferris Buellers's Day Off |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=June 5, 2008 |archive-date=December 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208112051/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ferrisbuellersdayoff.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> It subsequently became the [[1986 in film#Highest-grossing films|10th-highest-grossing film of 1986]].<ref name="bueller">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdfanatic.com/review.php?id=bueller |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209143721/http://www.dvdfanatic.com/review.php?id=bueller |archive-date=2006-02-09 |title=''Ferris Bueller's Day Off – Bueller Bueller Edition'' |url-status=usurped |access-date=2014-07-19}}</ref>

===Rankings===
As an influential and popular film, ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' has been included in many film rating lists. The film is number 54 on [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo's]] "100 Funniest Movies", came 26th in the British ''50 Greatest Comedy Films'' and ranked number 10 on ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'s'' list of the "50 Best High School Movies".<ref>[http://ew.com/gallery/50-best-high-school-movies-0/10-ferris-buellers-day-off-1986 50 Best High School Movies] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830004705/http://ew.com/gallery/50-best-high-school-movies-0/10-ferris-buellers-day-off-1986/ |date=August 30, 2017}}. ''Entertainment Weekly''.</ref>

==Cultural influence==
[[File:Barbara Bush portrait.jpg|alt=Barbara Bush, wearing pearls and a dress, is shown smiling|thumb|left|upright| [[Barbara Bush]] used dialogue from the film at a [[commencement speech]].<ref name="barbarabush" />]]

[[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]] said of Bueller, "That kid will either become [[President of the United States]] or go to prison."<ref name="orourke20150322">{{cite news |last=O'Rourke |first=P.J. |author-link=P. J. O'Rourke |title=Don't You Forget About Me: The John Hughes I Knew |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/22/how-john-hughes-made-conservatism-funny |url-status=live |website=The Daily Beast |date=March 22, 2015 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503021001/https://www.thedailybeast.com/dont-you-forget-about-me-the-john-hughes-i-knew |archive-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref> U.S. President [[Ronald Reagan]] viewed the film at [[Camp David]] on June 21, 1986.<ref>{{cite web |title=Films Viewed by President and Mrs. Reagan {{!}} Ronald Reagan |url=https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/sreference/films-viewed-by-president-and-mrs-reagan |url-status=live |access-date=October 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925224014/https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/sreference/films-viewed-by-president-and-mrs-reagan |archive-date=September 25, 2020}}</ref> First Lady [[Barbara Bush]] paraphrased the film in her 1990 commencement address at [[Wellesley College]]: "Find the joy in life, because as Ferris Bueller said on his day off, 'Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!'" Responding to the audience's enthusiastic applause, she added "I'm not going to tell [[George H. W. Bush|George]] you clapped more for Ferris than you clapped for George."<ref name="barbarabush">Barbara Pierce Bush, ''Commencement Address at Wellesley College'' (June 1, 1990) [https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/barbarabushwellesleycommencement.htm Americanrhetoric.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121527/https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/barbarabushwellesleycommencement.htm |date=January 19, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Chaney">{{cite news |date=10 June 2011 |last=Chaney |first=Jen |title='Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and its 25 contributions to pop culture lore |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/ferris-buellers-day-off-and-its-25-contributions-to-pop-culture-lore/2011/06/10/AGZetzOH_blog.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730081511/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/ferris-buellers-day-off-and-its-25-contributions-to-pop-culture-lore/2011/06/10/AGZetzOH_blog.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Other phrases from ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' such as Stein's monotone-voiced "Bueller? ...Bueller? ...Bueller?" (while taking roll call in class), and "Anyone? Anyone?" (trying to probe the students for answers) as well as [[Kristy Swanson]]'s cheerful "No problem whatsoever!" also permeated popular culture.<ref>{{cite news | last=Andrews | first=Casandra | title=The cast of ''Bueller'': Where are they now? | work=[[Press-Register]] | date=February 5, 2006}}</ref> In fact, Stein's monotone performance launched his acting career.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://money.cnn.com/2008/03/06/pf/minds_over_money.moneymag/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130730100318/https://money.cnn.com/2008/03/06/pf/minds_over_money.moneymag/ | archive-date = 2013-07-30 | title = Ben Stein: What, him worry? | magazine = [[Money (magazine)|Money]]| date = 2008-03-13 | access-date = 2009-04-07 | first = Eric | last = Schurenberg}}</ref> In 2016, Stein reprised the attendance scene in a campaign ad<ref>Ad may be viewed at Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/vDEdrlR84MU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20161021114428/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDEdrlR84MU Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDEdrlR84MU |title=Judge advertisement |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=January 17, 2017 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> for Iowa Senator [[Charles Grassley]]; Stein intoned the last name of Grassley's opponent ([[Patty Judge]]), to silence, while facts about her missed votes and absences from state board meetings were listed. Stein then calls out "Grassley," which gets a response; Stein mutters, "He's always here."<ref>Robillard, Kevin, ''Politico'', October 21, 2016, "[https://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/ben-stein-chuck-grassley-ferris-bueller-230136 Ben Stein reprises 'Bueller' role in Grassley ad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729060901/https://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/ben-stein-chuck-grassley-ferris-bueller-230136 |date=July 29, 2020 }}"</ref>

Broderick said of the Bueller role, "It eclipsed everything, I should admit, and to some degree it still does."<ref name="bratpackbook" /> Later at the 2010 Oscar tribute to Hughes, he said, "For the past 25 years, nearly every day someone comes up to me, taps me on the shoulder and says, 'Hey, Ferris, is this your day off?'"<ref>{{cite news | first=Greg | last=Braxton | title=John Hughes High School reunion | date=2010-03-08 | url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/oscars/la-et-oscars-hughes8-2010mar08,0,5063722.story | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | access-date=2010-03-18 | archive-date=October 24, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024144825/http://www.theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/oscars/la-et-oscars-hughes8-2010mar08%2C0%2C5063722.story | url-status=dead}}</ref> In a 2023 interview, Broderick stated that the 1990s "were hard" after starring in the film.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/aug/04/my-legacy-im-ferris-bueller-matthew-broderick-on-life-love-and-opioids | title='My legacy? I'm Ferris Bueller': Matthew Broderick on life, love and opioids | work=The Guardian | date=August 4, 2023 | last1=Brooks | first1=Xan }}</ref> [[Matthew Broderick]] reprises his role of Bueller in the end credits for ''[[She's Having a Baby]]''. He is among the people that pitch the names of Jake and Kristy's baby son.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a29586961/shared-universe-ghostbusters-ferris-bueller-80s/ |title=Ghostbusters, Frasier, Ferris Bueller and more are in a SHARED UNIVERSE |publisher=Digitalspy.com |date=2019-10-27 |accessdate=2022-03-22 |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321155523/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a29586961/shared-universe-ghostbusters-ferris-bueller-80s/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ruck says that with Cameron Frye, Hughes gave him "the best part I ever had in a movie, and any success that I've had since 1985 is because he took a big chance on me. I'll be forever grateful."<ref name="alan-ruck-remembers">{{cite magazine | author= | title=John Hughes Remembered: Alan Ruck, Cameron from 'Ferris Bueller' | date=2009-08-13 | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | url=https://ew.com/article/2009/08/13/john-hughes-remembered-alan-ruck/ | access-date=August 27, 2020 | archive-date=May 4, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022420/https://ew.com/article/2009/08/13/john-hughes-remembered-alan-ruck/ | url-status=live }}</ref> "While we were making the movie, I just knew I had a really good part", Ruck says. "My realization of John's impact on the teen-comedy genre crept in sometime later. Teen comedies tend to dwell on the ridiculous, as a rule. It's always the preoccupation with sex and the self-involvement, and we kind of hold the kids up for ridicule in a way. Hughes added this element of dignity. He was an advocate for teenagers as complete human beings, and he honored their hopes and their dreams. That's what you see in his movies."<ref name="alan-ruck-remembers" />

{{anchor|Matthew's Day Off}}Broderick starred in a television advertisement prepared by [[Honda]] promoting its [[Honda CR-V (fourth generation)|CR-V]] for the 2012 [[Super Bowl XLVI]]. The ad pays homage to ''Ferris Bueller'', featuring Broderick (as himself) faking illness to skip out of work to enjoy sightseeing around Los Angeles. Several elements, such as the use of the song "Oh Yeah", and a valet monotonously calling for "Broderick... Broderick...", appear in the ad. A teaser for the ad had appeared two weeks prior to the Super Bowl, which had created rumors of a possible film sequel.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ferris-bueller-ad-story,0,5397206.story | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120722082332/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ferris-bueller-ad-story,0,5397206.story | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2012-07-22 | title = Honda releases complete Ferris Bueller ad | work = [[Chicago Tribune]] | date = 2012-01-30 | access-date = 2012-01-30 | first = Rob | last = Manker }}</ref> It was produced by Santa Monica-based [[Rubin Postaer and Associates|RPA]] and directed by [[Todd Phillips]].<ref name="adweek.com">{{cite news | title = Honda Unveils Ferris Bueller Ad, and It Is Awesome | date = 2012-01-30 | url = http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/honda-unveils-ferris-bueller-ad-and-it-awesome-137831 | work = AdWeek | access-date = 2012-01-31 | archive-date = January 31, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120131163625/http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/honda-unveils-ferris-bueller-ad-and-it-awesome-137831 | url-status = live }}</ref> [[Adweek]]'s Tim Nudd called the ad "a great homage to the original 1986 film, with Broderick this time calling in sick to a film shoot and enjoying another day of slacking."<ref name="adweek.com" /> On the other hand, ''[[Jalopnik]]''{{'}}s Matt Hardigree called the spot "sacrilegious".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://jalopnik.com/5880570/save-ferris-from-hondas-sacrilegious-super-bowl-ad | title = SAVE FERRIS From Honda's Sacrilegious Super Bowl Ad | work = [[Jalopnik]] | date = 2012-01-30 | access-date = 2012-01-30 | first = Matt | last = Hardigree | archive-date = February 1, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120201193630/http://jalopnik.com/5880570/save-ferris-from-hondas-sacrilegious-super-bowl-ad | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Tele">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturevideo/filmvideo/9050065/Ferris-Bueller-stars-in-Honda-Super-Bowl-advert.html |date=January 30, 2012 |title='Ferris Bueller' stars in Honda Super Bowl advert |format=Article, video |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=January 5, 2017 |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106105447/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturevideo/filmvideo/9050065/Ferris-Bueller-stars-in-Honda-Super-Bowl-advert.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The film has been parodied in television series, with characters taking a day off from their normal routine to have a day of adventure. Examples include the episodes "Barry's Day Off" from ''[[The Goldbergs (2013 TV series)|The Goldbergs]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.avclub.com/the-middle-steaming-pile-of-guilt-the-goldbergs-1798182876 | title = The Middle: "Steaming Pile of Guilt" / The Goldbergs: "Barry Goldberg's Day Off" | first = Will | last = Harris | date = February 26, 2015 | access-date = August 12, 2019 | work = [[The A.V. Club]] | archive-date = August 12, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190812203717/https://tv.avclub.com/the-middle-steaming-pile-of-guilt-the-goldbergs-1798182876 | url-status = live }}</ref> "Brian Finch's Black Op" from ''[[Limitless (TV series)|Limitless]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://ew.com/recap/limitless-season-1-episode-7/ | title = 'Limitless' recap: 'Brian Finch's Black Op' | first = Devan | last = Coggan | date = November 4, 2015 | access-date = August 12, 2019 | magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | archive-date = August 12, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190812140005/https://ew.com/recap/limitless-season-1-episode-7/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and "Turner's and Brenda's Day Off" from [[South Side (TV series)|South Side]].<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://ew.com/tv/south-side-paid-tribute-to-ferris-buellers-day-off/ | title = See how HBO Max's South Side paid homage to Ferris Bueller's Day Off | first = Marcus | last = Jones | date = November 19, 2021 | access-date = March 26, 2022 | magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | url-status = live | archive-date = March 26, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220326170517/https://ew.com/tv/south-side-paid-tribute-to-ferris-buellers-day-off/ }}</ref> In March 2017, [[Domino's Pizza]] began an advertising campaign parodying the film, featuring actor [[Joe Keery]] in the lead role.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/dominos-pizza-channels-ferris-buellers-day-off-in-latest-ad-campaign |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Domino's Pizza channels 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' in latest ad campaign |newspaper=[[Fox News]] |access-date=April 15, 2017 |archive-date=April 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416220942/http://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/2017/03/21/dominos-pizza-channels-ferris-buellers-day-off-in-latest-ad-campaign.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Early in 2020, internet personality [[Zach King]] released a short film parody on his [[YouTube]] channel.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-03-20 |title=Zach King Pays Homage to "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" |url=https://theawesomer.com/zach-kings-day-off/564656/ |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=The Awesomer |language=en-US |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128021101/https://theawesomer.com/zach-kings-day-off/564656/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Karlston |first=Marmaduke |date=2020-04-04 |title=Down the Tubes: Zach King's Magical Day Off – A Ferris Bueller Parody |url=http://screenagewasteland.com/down-the-tubes-zach-kings-magical-day-off-a-ferris-bueller-parody/ |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=ScreenAge Wasteland |language=en-US |archive-date=November 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126201409/https://screenagewasteland.com/down-the-tubes-zach-kings-magical-day-off-a-ferris-bueller-parody/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2020, [[LiftMaster]] released a commercial where two young boys attempt to drive a 1966 [[Jaguar E-Type]] owned by the father of one of the boys. The commercial, advertising the Liftmaster Secure View, a security system built into the device, features Alan Ruck as an older Cameron Frye, who warns the boys after catching them on camera. He then speaks to the audience "Been there, done that."<ref>{{cite web |date=October 1, 2020 |first=Scott |last=Stump |title=Watch Alan Ruck revisit iconic 'Ferris Bueller' scene in new ad (ooohhh yeahhh!) |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/watch-alan-ruck-revisit-ferris-bueller-scene-new-ad-t193044 |website=TODAY.com |access-date=2020-12-08 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108025706/https://www.today.com/popculture/watch-alan-ruck-revisit-ferris-bueller-scene-new-ad-t193044 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |date=Sep 28, 2020 |title=LiftMaster Secure View – Oh Yeah! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVZm0iohf-4 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003001412/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVZm0iohf-4&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2020-10-03 | url-status=dead|publisher=LiftMaster |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=December 9, 2020}}</ref>

===Music===
The film's influence in popular culture extends beyond the film itself to how musical elements of the film have been received as well, for example, [[Yello]]'s song "[[Oh Yeah (Yello song)|Oh Yeah]]". As Jonathan Bernstein explains, "Never a hit, this slice of Swiss-made tomfoolery with its varispeed vocal effects and driving percussion was first used by John Hughes to illustrate the mouthwatering must-haveness of Cameron's dad's Ferrari. Since then, it has become synonymous with [[avarice]]. Every time a movie, TV show or commercial wants to underline the jaw-dropping impact of a hot babe or sleek auto, that synth-drum starts popping and that deep voice rumbles, 'Oh yeah . . .'"<ref>Jonathan Bernstein, ''Pretty in pink: the golden age of teenage movies'' (Macmillan, 1997), [https://books.google.com/books?id=4oa4Owxrl44C&pg=PT215 198] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022353/https://books.google.com/books?id=4oa4Owxrl44C&pg=PT215 |date=May 4, 2021 }}</ref> Yello was unheard of in the United States at the time, but the inclusion of their song in ''Ferris Bueller'' and ''[[The Secret of My Success (1987 film)|The Secret of My Success]]'' the following year sparked great interest in the song, where it reached the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and US Dance charts in 1987.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/yello/chart-history/hsi/ |title=Yello: 'Oh Yeah' |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=October 15, 2018 |archive-date=October 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016050534/https://www.billboard.com/music/yello/chart-history/hot-100/song/332048 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Hot Dance/Disco: 1974–2003|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=285}}</ref> It often became referred to as "the Ferris Bueller song" due to its attachment with the movie.<ref name="Blake">{{cite web |quote=Of its inclusion in the movie, writer and critic Jonathan Berstein claimed its use by John Hughes illustrated the "mouthwatering must-haveness of Cameron's dad's Ferrari. Since then, it has become synonymous with lust." |title=The 20 Most Overused Songs In Movies And TV |first1=Boston |last1=Blake |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=August 19, 2016 |url=https://screenrant.com/most-overused-songs-in-movies-and-tv/ |access-date=April 17, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031706/https://screenrant.com/most-overused-songs-in-movies-and-tv/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Dieter Meier]] of Yello was able to use the licensing fees from "Oh Yeah"{{'s}} appearance in ''Ferris Bueller'' and other films to start a series of investments and amassed a large fortune.<ref name="Letzing">{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/oh-yeah-the-song-from-ferris-buellers-day-off-is-catchy-irritating-and-the-origin-of-an-investing-fortune-1485531358 |title=A-HED 'Oh Yeah,' the Song from 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' Is Catchy, Irritating and the Origin of an Investing Fortune |quote=The quirky techno tune, which accompanied Ferris's Ferrari escapade and loads of other advertisements and Hollywood comedies, helped create a lucrative investment career for its Swiss co-creator |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |first1=John |last1=Letzing |date=January 27, 2017 |location=Zurich |access-date=January 29, 2017 |archive-date=January 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129002630/http://www.wsj.com/articles/oh-yeah-the-song-from-ferris-buellers-day-off-is-catchy-irritating-and-the-origin-of-an-investing-fortune-1485531358 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Paul McCartney black and white 2010.jpg|thumb|upright|While [[Paul McCartney]] admitted that he liked the movie, he personally disliked the "Twist and Shout" sequence for its inclusion of brass instruments.<ref name="Dowlding 1989">{{cite book | last = Dowlding | first = William | title = Beatlesongs | publisher = Simon and Schuster | year = 1989 | isbn = 0-671-68229-6}}</ref>]]
Concerning the influence of another song used in the film, [[Roz Kaveney]] writes that some "of the finest moments in later teen film draw on Ferris's blithe [[Dionysian]] fervour — the elaborate courtship by song in ''[[10 Things I Hate About You]]'' (1999) draws usefully on the "[[Twist and Shout]]" sequence in ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off''".<ref>Roz Kaveney, ''Teen dreams: reading teen film from Heathers to Veronica Mars'' (I.B.Tauris, 2006), [https://books.google.com/books?id=xdByJyQ5zfIC&pg=PA44#PPA45,M1 45] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022353/https://books.google.com/books?id=xdByJyQ5zfIC&pg=PA44#PPA45,M1 |date=May 4, 2021 }}</ref> "Twist and Shout" charted again, 16 years after the Beatles broke up, as a result of its prominent appearance in both this film and ''[[Back to School]]'' (where [[Rodney Dangerfield]] performs a cover version) which was released the same weekend as ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off''. The re-released single reached No. 23 in the U.S; a US-only compilation album containing the track ''[[The Early Beatles]]'', re-entered the album charts at No. 197. The version heard in the film includes brass overdubbed onto the Beatles' original recording, which did not go down well with [[Paul McCartney]]. "I liked [the] film but they overdubbed some lousy brass on the stuff! If it had needed brass, we'd had stuck it on ourselves!"<ref name="Dowlding 1989" /> Upon hearing McCartney's reaction, Hughes felt bad for "offend[ing] a Beatle. But it wasn't really part of the song. We saw a band [onscreen] and we needed to hear the instruments."<ref name="DVDCommShoot" /> The bands [[Save Ferris]] and [[Rooney (band)|Rooney]] were named in allusion to ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Eby |first1=Margaret |title=Rock and Roll Baby Names: Over 2,000 Music-Inspired Names, from Alison to Ziggy |publisher=Penguin |year=2012}}</ref> [[Kanye West]] and [[Jay-Z]] mention the character in the song "[[Gotta Have It (Jay-Z and Kanye West song)|Gotta Have It]]" from their collaboration album ''[[Watch the Throne]]''. West raps, "I'ma need a day off, think I'll call Ferris up".<ref>{{Citation |title=JAY-Z & Kanye West – Gotta Have It |url=https://genius.com/Jay-z-and-kanye-west-gotta-have-it-lyrics |access-date=2024-02-18}}</ref>

==Academic analysis==
Many scholars have discussed at length the film's depiction of academia and youth culture. For Martin Morse Wooster, the film "portrayed teachers as humorless buffoons whose only function was to prevent teenagers from having a good time."<ref>Martin Morse Wooster, ''Angry classrooms, vacant minds: what's happened to our high schools?'' (Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy, 1993), 75.</ref>
Regarding not specifically teachers, but rather a type of adult characterization in general, Art Silverblatt asserts that the "adults in ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' are irrelevant and impotent. Ferris's nemesis, the school disciplinarian, Mr. Rooney, is obsessed with 'getting Bueller.' His obsession emerges from envy. Strangely, Ferris serves as Rooney's role model, as he clearly possesses the imagination and power that Rooney lacks. ... By capturing and disempowering Ferris, Rooney hopes to ... reduce Ferris's influence over other students, which would reestablish adults, that is, Rooney, as traditional authority figures."<ref name="books.google.com">Art Silverblatt, ''Genre Studies in Mass Media: A Handbook'' (M.E. Sharpe, 2007), [https://books.google.com/books?id=R7ixUTC8EpwC&pg=PA105 105] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103212823/https://books.google.com/books?id=R7ixUTC8EpwC&pg=PA105 |date=November 3, 2020 }}</ref>

Nevertheless, Silverblatt concludes that "Rooney is essentially a comedic figure, whose bumbling attempts to discipline Ferris are a primary source of humor in the film."<ref name="books.google.com" /> Thomas Patrick Doherty writes that "the adult villains in teenpics such as ... ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' (1986) are overdrawn caricatures, no real threat; they're played for laughs."<ref>Thomas Patrick Doherty, ''Teenagers and Teenpics: The Juvenilization of American Movies in the 1950s'' (Temple University Press, 2002) [https://books.google.com/books?id=mVfrfDACts4C&pg=PA196 196] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022406/https://books.google.com/books?id=mVfrfDACts4C&pg=PA196 |date=May 4, 2021 }}</ref> Yet Silverblatt also remarks that casting "the principal as a comic figure questions the competence of adults to provide young people with effective direction—indeed, the value of adulthood itself."<ref name="books.google.com" />

Adults are not the stars or main characters of the film, and Roz Kaveney notes that what "''Ferris Bueller'' brings to the teen genre, ultimately, is a sense of how it is possible to be cool and popular without being rich or a sports hero. Unlike the heroes of ''[[Weird Science (film)|Weird Science]]'', Ferris is computer savvy without being a nerd or a geek—it is a skill he has taken the trouble to learn."<ref>Roz Kaveney, ''Teen dreams: reading teen film from Heathers to Veronica Mars'' (I.B.Tauris, 2006) [https://books.google.com/books?id=xdByJyQ5zfIC&pg=PA44#PPA44,M1 44] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504022405/https://books.google.com/books?id=xdByJyQ5zfIC&pg=PA44#PPA44,M1 |date=May 4, 2021 }}</ref> In 2010, English comedian [[Dan Willis (comedian)|Dan Willis]] performed his show "Ferris Bueller's Way Of..." at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe|Edinburgh Festival]], delving into the philosophy of the movie and looking for life answers within.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stubbs |first=Jamie |title=Ferris Buellers Way of REVIEW |url=http://www.gigglebeats.co.uk/2010/08/review-dan-willis-ferris-buellers-way-of-espionage-edinburgh/ |website=Giggle Beats |date=August 12, 2010 |access-date=2 January 2017 |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103165151/http://www.gigglebeats.co.uk/2010/08/review-dan-willis-ferris-buellers-way-of-espionage-edinburgh/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Home media and other releases==
{{anchor|DVD|Video}}
The film has been released on [[DVD]] three times; including on October 19, 1999, on January 10, 2006, as the ''Bueller... Bueller'' edition, and the ''I Love the '80s'' edition August 19, 2008.<ref name="Ferris Saved for Blu-ray">{{cite news | title = Ferris Saved for Blu-ray | date = 2011-06-07 | url = http://bluray.ign.com/articles/117/1173679p1.html | work = IGN | access-date = 2011-06-09 | archive-date = June 11, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611173613/http://bluray.ign.com/articles/117/1173679p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> The original DVD, like most [[Paramount Pictures]] films released on DVD for the first time, has very few bonus features, but it does feature a [[Audio commentary|commentary]] by Hughes. Though this is no longer available for sale, the director's commentary is available.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://screencrush.com/ferris-bueller-audio-commentary/ |title=Long Lost 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' Director's Commentary Resurfaces |date=November 26, 2012 |publisher=Screencrush.com |access-date=2014-07-19 |archive-date=May 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513011606/http://screencrush.com/ferris-bueller-audio-commentary/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ''Bueller... Bueller'' DVD re-release has several more bonus features, but does not contain the commentary track of the original DVD release. The edition was released in the United States on January 10, 2006, Sweden on April 12, 2006, Spain on April 18, 2006, and the United Kingdom on May 29, 2006. The ''I Love the '80s'' edition is identical to the first DVD release (no features aside from commentary), but includes a bonus CD with songs from the 1980s. The songs are not featured in the film. The ''Bueller... Bueller'' edition has multiple bonus features such as interviews with the cast and crew, along with a clip of Stein's commentaries on the film's philosophy and impact.<ref name="Ferris Saved for Blu-ray" />

On October 18, 2004, ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' was issued as part of a UK [[Digipack]] DVD collection by Paramount Pictures named ''I Love 80s Movies: John Hughes Classic 80s'', which also included ''[[Pretty in Pink]]'' (1986), ''[[Planes, Trains and Automobiles]]'' (1987), and ''[[Some Kind of Wonderful (film)|Some Kind of Wonderful]]'' (1987). It was later part of the United States [[Warner Bros.]] DVD set ''5 Film Collection: 80's Comedy'', issued on September 30, 2014, and also including ''Planes, Trains and Automobiles'', ''[[The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!]]'' (1988), ''[[Airplane!]]'' (1980), and ''[[Police Academy (film)|Police Academy]]'' (1984). On October 3, 2017, it was released in the United States as part of the DVD collection ''5 Iconic Films of the 80s'' that also included ''The Naked Gun'', ''Some Kind of Wonderful'', ''[[Crocodile Dundee]]'' (1986), and ''[[Harlem Nights]]'' (1989). The film also appeared on two Blu-ray collections: Australia's ''Films That Define A Decade – 80s Collection'' released on April 12, 2017, and France's ''Pop Culture Anthology 20 Films Cultes Blu-ray'' issued on October 17, 2018.

In the United Kingdom, an ''80s Collection'' edition with new artwork was released on DVD in 2018 with the same six bonus features as the 2006 issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ferris-Buellers-Day-Off-Collection/dp/B07FFGJPTL|title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off – 80s Collection|website=Amazon|year=2018|access-date=February 18, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219015814/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ferris-Buellers-Day-Off-Collection/dp/B07FFGJPTL|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016 Paramount, [[Turner Classic Movies]], and [[Fathom Events]] [[re-release]]d the film and ''Pretty in Pink'' to celebrate their 30th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://fathomevents.com/event/ferris-buellers-day-off/more-info/details| title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off: 30th Anniversary| access-date=February 21, 2016| publisher=[[Fathom Events]]| archive-date=February 11, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211175911/http://www.fathomevents.com/event/ferris-buellers-day-off/more-info/details| url-status=live}}</ref> The film was released in [[4K resolution|4K]] to the [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]] format on August 1, 2023. This disc includes John Hughes' commentary track that was first found on the 1999 DVD release.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Ferris-Buellers-Day-Off-4K-Blu-ray/339081/| title=
Ferris Bueller's Day Off 4K Blu-ray|date=2023|accessdate= August 17, 2025}}</ref>

==Follow-ups==
Broderick and Hughes stayed in touch for a while after production. "We thought about a sequel to ''Ferris Bueller'', where he'd be in college or at his first job, and the same kind of things would happen again," said Broderick in a 2010 interview. "But neither of us found a very exciting hook to that. The movie is about a singular time in your life."<ref name="hughesactors" /> "''Ferris Bueller'' is about the week before you leave school, it's about the end of school—in some way, it doesn't have a sequel. It's a little moment and it's a lightning flash in your life. I mean, you could try to repeat it in college or something but it's a time that you don't keep. So that's partly why I think we couldn't think of another," Broderick added.

"But just for fun," said Ruck, "I used to think why don't they wait until Matthew and I are in our seventies and do ''Ferris Bueller Returns'' and have Cameron be in a nursing home. He doesn't really need to be there, but he just decided his life is over, so he committed himself to a nursing home. And Ferris comes and breaks him out. And they go to, like, a titty bar and all this ridiculous stuff happens. And then, at the end of the movie, Cameron dies."<ref name="bratpackbook" />

===Spin-off===
In August 2022, a [[Spinoff (media)|spin-off]] film entitled ''Sam & Victor's Day Off'' was announced to be in development for the [[streaming service]] [[Paramount+]]. Taking place during the events of ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' and focusing on the two titular valets who took Cameron's father's 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder on a joy ride (originally portrayed in the film by [[Richard Edson]] and [[Larry "Flash" Jenkins]]), the film would be produced by [[Jon Hurwitz]], [[Hayden Schlossberg]], and Josh Heald, and written by Bill Posley.<ref name="Cordero"/>

===Television series===
{{Main|Ferris Bueller (TV series)}}

In 1990, a television series titled ''[[Ferris Bueller (TV series)|Ferris Bueller]]'' started airing on [[NBC]]. It starred [[Charlie Schlatter]] as Ferris Bueller and [[Jennifer Aniston]] as Jeannie Bueller.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenplay.com/downloads/scripts/FerrisBuellersDayOff.pdf |title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off |access-date=February 5, 2018 |archive-date=January 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127052910/http://www.screenplay.com/downloads/scripts/FerrisBuellersDayOff.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> Jennifer Aniston and [[Jennifer Grey]] would subsequently appear together in one episode of the sitcom ''[[Friends]]'', their characters (Rachel and Mindy) being the former and current fiancée of [[Barry Farber (Friends)|Barry Farber]]. Mindy returns in one further episode but was played by another actress.

===Lewis Hamilton===
In March 2025, seven time Formula One Driver's Champion [[Lewis Hamilton]] released a short film, which featured [[Edward Norton]] and Hamilton himself being the role of garage attendants while the leading characters placed the Ferrari car to the garage, then spinning out the car themselves. With the help of Paramount Pictures, Dawn Apollo Films (film production company founded by Hamilton himself) used current technologies to fit both new characters into the actual film footage. Hamilton used this short film to salute his favorite film as a child, and commemorate his first racing season with Ferrari in [[2025 Formula One World Championship|2025]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR4uDqRzRUM |title=Another dream come true ... |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=March 12, 2025 |access-date=March 13, 2025}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Category:Ferris Bueller's Day Off |b=no |n=no |q=Ferris Bueller's Day Off |s=no |v=no |species=no |display=Ferris Bueller's Day Off}}
* {{IMDb title|0091042|Ferris Bueller's Day Off}}
* {{TCMDb title|4563|Ferris Bueller's Day Off}}
* {{AFI film|57318|Ferris Bueller's Day Off}}
* Interviews with [https://texasarchive.org/2015_01511 Matthew Broderick] and [https://texasarchive.org/2013_01955 John Hughes] at the press junket for Ferris Bueller's Day Off at [[Texas Archive of the Moving Image]]

{{John Hughes}}
{{Chicago Cubs}}
{{portal bar|1980s|Chicago|Film|United States}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1980s teen comedy films]]
[[Category:1986 films]]
[[Category:American coming-of-age comedy films]]
[[Category:American high school films]]
[[Category:American teen comedy films]]
[[Category:Films about educators]]
[[Category:Films adapted into television shows]]
[[Category:Films directed by John Hughes (filmmaker)]]
[[Category:Films produced by John Hughes (filmmaker)]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ira Newborn]]
[[Category:Films set in Chicago]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chicago]]
[[Category:Paramount Pictures films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by John Hughes (filmmaker)]]
[[Category:United States National Film Registry films]]
[[Category:1986 comedy films]]
[[Category:Films set in art museums and galleries]]
[[Category:Chicago Cubs]]
[[Category:1980s English-language films]]
[[Category:English-language teen comedy films]]

Saturday Night Fever

2025-10-23T18:42:55Z

97.243.30.243:

{{Short description|1977 film by John Badham}}
{{About|the film|the stage musical|Saturday Night Fever (musical){{!}}''Saturday Night Fever'' (musical)|the soundtrack album|Saturday Night Fever (soundtrack){{!}}''Saturday Night Fever'' (soundtrack)}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Saturday Night Fever
| image = Saturday_night_fever_movie_poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[John Badham]]
| screenplay = [[Norman Wexler]]
| based_on = {{Based on|"[[Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night]]"|[[Nik Cohn]]}}
| producer = [[Robert Stigwood]]
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[John Travolta]]
* [[Karen Lynn Gorney|Karen Gorney]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Ralf D. Bode]]
| editing = David Rawlins
| music = {{Plainlist|
* [[Bee Gees]]
* [[David Shire]]
}}
| studio = [[Robert Stigwood Organization]]<ref name="AFI"/>
| distributor = [[Paramount Pictures]]
| released = {{Film date|1977|12|16|ref1=<ref name="AFI"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/saturday-night-fever-gets-its-world-premiere-and-launches-a-musical-juggernaut |title="Saturday Night Fever" premieres in LA |website=History.com |date=November 13, 2009 }}</ref>}}
| runtime = 119 minutes<ref>{{cite web|title=''Saturday Night Fever'' (1977)|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/KVF023094 |access-date=September 5, 2017|website=[[British Board of Film Classification]]}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
| country = United States<ref name="AFI">{{AFI film|55921|Saturday Night Fever}}</ref>
| language = English
| budget = $3.5 million<ref>Loftis, Ryan (December 12, 2012), ''Saturday Night Fever'' Turns 35. [[Suite101]]. Retrieved April 1, 2013.</ref>
| gross = $237.1 million<ref name=mojo>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0076666/|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|title=''Saturday Night Fever''|access-date=May 26, 2014}}</ref>
}}

'''''Saturday Night Fever''''' is a 1977 American [[Dance in film|dance]] [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] directed by [[John Badham]] and produced by [[Robert Stigwood]]. It stars [[John Travolta]] as Tony Manero, a young [[Italian Americans|Italian-American]] man who spends his weekends dancing and drinking at a local [[Nightclub|disco]] while dealing with social tensions and disillusionment in his [[working class]] ethnic neighborhood in [[Brooklyn]]. The story is based on "[[Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night]]", a mostly fictional 1976 ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' article by music writer [[Nik Cohn]].

A major critical and commercial success, ''Saturday Night Fever'' had a tremendous impact on the [[popular culture]] of the late 1970s. It helped popularize [[disco]] around the world and initiated a series of collaborations between film studios and record labels. It made Travolta, already well known from his role in the popular TV sitcom ''[[Welcome Back, Kotter]]'', a household name. He was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]] for his performance, at the time becoming the [[List of oldest and youngest Academy Award winners and nominees#Best Actor in a Leading Role|fourth-youngest nominee]] in the category. The film showcases aspects of the music, dancing, and [[subculture]] surrounding the disco era, including symphony-orchestrated melodies, [[haute couture]] styles of clothing, pre-[[AIDS]] sexual promiscuity and graceful choreography. The [[Saturday Night Fever (soundtrack)|''Saturday Night Fever'' soundtrack]], featuring songs by the [[Bee Gees]], is one of the best-selling soundtrack albums worldwide. Travolta reprised his role of Tony Manero in ''[[Staying Alive (1983 film)|Staying Alive]]'' in 1983, which was panned by critics despite being successful at the box office.

In 2010, ''Saturday Night Fever'' was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the [[Library of Congress]] and selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]].

Adjusted for inflation, it is one of the highest-grossing R-rated films released in the U.S. in the 1970s, with a total box office gross of $673,899,098 in 2024.<ref name="FeverBoxOffice">{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/domestic/all-movies/cumulative/all-time-inflation-adjusted|title=All Time Domestic Inflation Adjusted Box Office|website=www.the-numbers.com|access-date=6 May 2024|archive-date=9 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409114335/https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/domestic/all-movies/cumulative/all-time-inflation-adjusted|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Plot==


Tony Manero is an [[Italian Americans|Italian-American]] from the [[Bay Ridge, Brooklyn|Bay Ridge]] neighborhood of [[Brooklyn]], living in his family's house and working in a hardware store. He escapes his day-to-day life by dancing at 2001 Odyssey, a local [[Nightclub|discotheque]], where he receives the admiration he craves as king of the dance floor.

Tony and his friends Joey, Double J, Gus, and Bobby C spend their nights at the disco, trying to have sex with women in Bobby's car, and climbing on the [[Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge]]. Neighborhood girl Annette is infatuated with Tony, much to his annoyance, and he agrees to be her partner in an upcoming dance contest. Annette's happiness is short-lived when Tony is mesmerized by a better dancer, Stephanie Mangano, who rejects Tony's advances but eventually agrees to be his new partner in the competition.

Tony is pleased to no longer be the [[black sheep]] of the family when his older brother Frank Jr, the pride of their parents and grandmother, quits the [[Catholic priesthood]]. Frank Jr admits that he only became a priest to make their parents happy, and later advises Bobby, who is under pressure to marry his pregnant girlfriend, that the [[Pope]] is unlikely to grant him [[Dispensation (Catholic canon law)|dispensation]] for an abortion. Leaving to start a new life, Frank encourages Tony to do what makes him happy.

Gus is beaten up and hospitalized, telling his friends that his attackers were the Barracudas, a Puerto Rican gang. Annette grows more and more desperate for Tony's attention, as does Bobby, who tries to ask him for guidance. Tony helps Stephanie move to [[Manhattan]], and comforts her after discovering her past relationship with an older married colleague. Tony and his friends take revenge on the Barracudas, crashing Bobby's car into their hangout and starting a brawl, but are angry to learn that Gus may have identified the wrong gang.

After much practice, Tony and Stephanie dance at the competition, sharing a kiss at the end of their performance. They win first prize, but Tony believes that a Puerto Rican couple performed better and the judges' decision was racially biased, and he gives the couple his trophy and award money. Outside in Bobby's car, Tony tries to force himself on Stephanie, who declares that she was only using him to win, before fighting him off and running away.

Tony's friends arrive with Annette, who, under the influence of drugs, agrees to have sex with everyone. Tony tries to lead her away but is subdued by Double J and Joey, and they all drive to the bridge. Joey [[rape]]s Annette in the back seat followed by Double J, while Tony and Bobby appear uncomfortable. They arrive to a point on the bridge and climb out. The others begin their usual cable-climbing antics on the bridge, an erratic Bobby behaves even more recklessly than his friends, and Tony tries to talk him down, but Bobby's strong sense of despair and Tony's broken promise to call him earlier all lead to a suicidal tirade, before Bobby falls to his death. After the police arrive, a disgusted and disillusioned Tony leaves Double J, Joey, and Annette behind, riding the graffiti-riddled [[RR (New York City Subway service)|subway into Manhattan]]. By morning, he appears at Stephanie's apartment and apologizes for his behavior, planning to relocate to Manhattan to start a new life. Stephanie forgives Tony, admitting that she danced with him because he gave her respect and moral support, and they salvage their relationship, agreeing to be friends.

==Cast==
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[John Travolta]] as Anthony "Tony" Manero
* [[Karen Lynn Gorney]] as Stephanie Mangano
* [[Barry Miller (actor)|Barry Miller]] as Bobby C.
* [[Joseph Cali]] as Joey
* [[Paul Pape]] as Double J.
* [[Donna Pescow]] as Annette
* [[Bruce Ornstein]] as Gus
* [[Val Bisoglio]] as Frank Manero Sr.
* [[Julie Bovasso]] as Flo Manero
* [[Martin Shakar]] as Frank Manero Jr.
* [[Lisa Peluso]] as Linda Manero
* Nina Hansen as Grandmother
* [[Sam Coppola]] as Dan Fusco
* [[Denny Dillon]] as Doreen
* [[Bert Michaels]] as Pete
* [[Fran Drescher]] as Connie
* [[Monti Rock|Monti Rock III]] as the [[Disc jockey|DJ]]
* Robert Weil as Becker
* Shelly Batt as Girl in Disco
* Donald Gantry as Jay Langhart
* Ellen March as Bartender
* William Andrews as Detective
* [[Robert Costanzo]] as paint store customer
* Helen Travolta (John's mother) as paint store customer
* Ann Travolta (John's sister) as pizza girl
{{div col end}}

==Production==
===Development===
The film was inspired by a 1976 ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine article entitled "[[Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night]]" by British writer [[Nik Cohn]]. The article centers on [[working class]] [[Italian Americans|Italian-Americans]] in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and on the lives of young men who work [[dead-end job]]s but live for their nights dancing at the local discotheque. Cohn later wrote that "the [disco] craze had started in black gay clubs, then progressed to straight blacks and gay whites and from there to mass consumption—Latinos in the Bronx, West Indians on Staten Island, and, yes, Italians in Brooklyn."<ref name="VanityFair" /> Shortly after Cohn's article was published, British music impresario [[Robert Stigwood]] purchased the film rights and hired Cohn to adapt his own article to screen.<ref name="AFI" />

In the mid-1990s Cohn acknowledged that although his account was presented as factual reporting, he fabricated most of the article.<ref name="NYTimes SNF">{{Cite news|last=Leduff|first=Charlie|date=June 9, 1996|title=Saturday Night Fever: The Life|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/09/nyregion/saturday-night-fever-the-life.html|access-date=2010-05-23}}</ref> He said that as a newcomer to the United States and a stranger to the disco lifestyle, he was unable to make any sense of the subculture he had been assigned to write about; instead, the article's protagonist (who would become Tony Manero) was based on an acquaintance of Cohn who was an English [[Mod (subculture)|mod]].<ref name="NYTimes SNF" />

[[John G. Avildsen]] was originally hired as the film's director but was replaced one month before principal photography by [[John Badham]] over "conceptual disagreements."<ref name="AFI" /><ref name="VanityFair" /> Badham was a lesser-known director who, like his star, had mostly worked in television. His sole prior film credit, ''[[The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings]]'', was released while ''Saturday Night Fever'' was already well into production.<ref name="VanityFair" />

The film went through several different titles, including ''Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night'' and ''Saturday Night''. After the Bee Gees wrote "[[Night Fever]]" and submitted it for the soundtrack, they told Stigwood they disliked the title ''Saturday Night''. It was after this that the film's final title of ''Saturday Night Fever'' was decided upon.<ref name="Bronson">{{cite book |last1=Bronson |first1=Fred |title=The Billboard Book of Number One Hits |chapter=Night Fever |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PgGqNrqfrsoC&pg=480 |year=2003 |publisher=Billboard Books |page=480 |isbn=978-0823076772 |access-date=26 September 2023 }}</ref>

===Writing===
After Cohn finished a single screenplay draft, he was replaced by [[Norman Wexler]], a screenwriter with [[Academy Award|Oscar]] nominations for [[Joe (1970 film)|''Joe'']] (1970) and ''[[Serpico]]'' (1973). Among the elements Wexler added to the story was Tony's younger sister, as well as older brother Frank who disappoints his parents by leaving the priesthood. "I think what Norman did so well was to create a family situation that had real truth, an accurate look at how men related to women in that moment, in ways that you would never get away with now," said producer [[Kevin McCormick (producer)|Kevin McCormick]].<ref name="VanityFair" />

===Casting===
The film's relatively low budget ($3.5 million) meant that most of the actors were relative unknowns, many of whom were recruited from New York's theatre scene.<ref name="VanityFair" /> For more than 40% of the actors it was their film debut. The only actor in the cast who was already an established name was [[John Travolta]], thanks to his role on the sitcom ''[[Welcome Back, Kotter]]''.<ref name="VanityFair" /> Travolta, who had previously auditioned for Stigwood's film version of ''[[Jesus Christ Superstar (film)|Jesus Christ Superstar]]'', was remembered by the producer and signed to a three-movie contract with his company in 1976.<ref name="VanityFair" /> Stigwood wanted Travolta to first star in a movie version of ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]'', but because a film adaptation of ''Grease'' was not permitted to begin filming until 1978 when its stage run had completed, they made this film first.<ref name="VanityFair" /> Travolta's performance as Tony Manero brought him critical acclaim and helped launch him into international stardom.

Travolta researched the part by visiting the real 2001 Odyssey discotheque, and claimed he adopted many of the character's swaggering mannerisms from the male patrons.<ref name="VanityFair" /> Travolta said when he would get recognized, "[Guys'] girlfriends would come up, and they'd say, 'Hey, stay away from him, don't bug Travolta,' and they’d actually push the girls away. Tony Manero's whole [[chauvinism#male chauvinism|male-chauvinist]] thing I got from watching those guys in the discos."<ref name="VanityFair" /> He insisted on performing his character's own dance sequences after producers suggested he be substituted by a [[body double]], rehearsing his choreography with [[Lester Wilson]] and [[Deney Terrio]] for three hours every day, losing {{convert|20|lb|kg}} in the process.<ref name="VanityFair" /><ref name="Time">{{cite magazine |last1=Sanburn |first1=Josh |title=On the Floor in ''Saturday Night Fever'' |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2010/12/03/top-10-movie-dance-scenes/slide/on-the-floor-in-saturday-night-fever/ |access-date=26 September 2023 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=2010-12-02}}</ref> Wilson is credited for providing the look of the dance scenes and "breathing life" into the film. Said Travolta, "He taught me what he called his 'hang time.' He would smoke a cigarette to greet the day, and he infused my dancing with African-American rhythm. I'm the kind of dancer who needs thought and construction—an idea—before I dance. I need an internal story. Lester would put on some music and he would say, 'Move with me, motherfucker—move with me!{{'"}}<ref name="VanityFair" />

[[Karen Lynn Gorney]] was nine years older than Travolta when she was cast as his love interest Stephanie. Although Gorney had dance experience before she was cast, she found it difficult to keep up with her co-star due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident some years before.<ref name="VanityFair" /> After the success of ''Saturday Night Fever'', Gorney took a break from film acting to work as a dance instructor at a performing arts academy in [[Brooklyn]]. [[Jessica Lange]], [[Kathleen Quinlan]], [[Carrie Fisher]], and [[Amy Irving]] were all considered for the part before Gorney was cast.

[[Donna Pescow]] was considered almost "too pretty" by Paramount heads [[Michael Eisner]] and [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] for the role of Annette. She corrected this matter by putting on weight. She also had to relearn her native Brooklyn accent, which she had overcome while studying drama at the [[American Academy of Dramatic Arts]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Van Gelder|first=Lawrence|author-link=Lawrence Van Gelder|date=1978-01-06|title=New race: Donna Pescow |language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/01/06/archives/new-race-donna-pescow-elocution-lessons-in-brooklynese-a-solution-a.html|access-date=2020-11-09|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

===Filming===
The film was shot entirely on location in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City|New York]].<ref name="VanityFair">{{cite magazine |last1=Kashner |first1=Sam |title=''Fever'' Pitch |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/12/saturday-night-fever |access-date=26 September 2023 |magazine=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |date=2013-08-15}}</ref><ref name="nycfilm">{{cite web |title=Saturday Night Fever (1977) |url=https://nycinfilm.com/2023/03/09/saturday-night-fever-1977/ |website=nycinfilm.com |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=2023-03-09}}</ref> The 2001 Odyssey Disco was a real club located at 802 64th Street, but it has since been demolished.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramsey |first1=James |title=Wednesday Night Fever: The One-Night Return of the 2001 Odyssey Disco |url=https://www.wnyc.org/story/wednesday-night-fever-one-night-return-2001-odyssey-disco/ |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=WNYC |date=2017-12-14}}</ref> The interior was modified for the film, including the addition of a $15,000 lighted floor,<ref name="VanityFair" /> which was inspired by a [[Birmingham, Alabama]] establishment that Badham had visited.<ref name="CBS42">{{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Tanner |title='Saturday Night Fever' director John Badham hasn't forgotten his Alabama roots |url=https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/saturday-night-fever-director-john-badham-hasnt-forgotten-his-alabama-roots/ |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=[[WIAT|CBS 42]] |date=2021-11-18 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926210059/https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/saturday-night-fever-director-john-badham-hasnt-forgotten-his-alabama-roots/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> A similar effect was achieved on the club's walls using [[tin foil]] and [[Christmas lights]]. Since the Bee Gees were not involved in the production until after principal photography had wrapped, the "Night Fever", "You Should Be Dancin'" and "More Than a Woman" sequences were shot with [[Stevie Wonder]] tracks that were later overdubbed in the sound mix.<ref name="VanityFair" /> During filming, the production was harassed by local gangs over use of the location, and was even firebombed.<ref name="VanityFair" />

The dance studio was Phillips Dance Studio in [[Bensonhurst, Brooklyn|Bensonhurst]], the Manero home was a house in [[Bay Ridge, Brooklyn|Bay Ridge]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-14|title=Bay Ridge Still Has Saturday Night Fever, 35 Years Later|url=https://brooklynbased.com/2012/12/14/bay-ridge-still-has-saturday-night-fever-35-years-later/|access-date=2021-03-31|website=brooklynbased.com|language=en-US|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731000800/https://brooklynbased.com/2012/12/14/bay-ridge-still-has-saturday-night-fever-35-years-later/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the paint store was Pearson Paint & Hardware, also in Bay Ridge. Other locations included the [[Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge]],<ref name="VanityFair" /> [[John J. Carty Park]] and the Bay Ridge Promenade.<ref name="nycfilm" />

To avoid Travolta's fans who might disrupt filming, Badham and his team shot exterior scenes as early in the morning as possible, often at the break of dawn. The producers also generated fake [[Daily call sheet|call sheets]]. Badham was usually able to complete the scenes before significant crowds had time to gather.<ref name="VanityFair" />

==Soundtrack==
{{Main|Saturday Night Fever (soundtrack)}}

{{Infobox album
| name = Saturday Night Fever
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[Bee Gees]] and various artists
| cover =
| border = yes
| alt =
| released = {{Start date|1977|11|15}}
| recorded = 1975–1977
| venue =
| studio = [[Château d'Hérouville]] (France); [[Criteria Studios]] (Miami)
| genre = [[Disco]]
| length = 75:54
| label = [[RSO Records|RSO]]
| producer = Bill Oakes (music supervisor)
| chronology = [[Bee Gees]]
| prev_title = [[Here at Last... Bee Gees... Live]]
| prev_year = 1977
| next_title = [[Spirits Having Flown]]
| next_year = 1979
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Saturday Night Fever
| type = soundtrack
| single1 =[[How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees song)|How Deep Is Your Love]]
| single1date = September 24, 1977
| single2 =[[More Than a Woman (Bee Gees song)#Tavares version|More Than a Woman]]
| single2date =November 19, 1977
| single3 = [[Stayin' Alive]]
| single3date = December 15, 1977
| single4 = [[If I Can't Have You (Bee Gees song)|If I Can't Have You]]
| single4date = January 1978
| single5 = [[Night Fever]]
| single5date = January 1978
| single6 = [[Boogie Shoes]]
| single6date = February 1978
| single7 = [[More Than a Woman (Bee Gees song)|More Than a Woman]]
| single7date = April 8, 1978<ref>{{cite book|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|title=[[Billboard Adult Contemporary|Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–2001]] |year=2002 |publisher=Record Research|page=30|isbn=0-89820-149-7}}</ref>
| single8 = Manhattan Skyline
| single8date = June 17, 1978 <ref>{{cite book|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|title=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cash Box Looking Ahead Pop Hits 101–150]]|publisher=Sheridan Books, Inc.|page= 149|year=2014|isbn=978-0-89820-211-3}}</ref>
}}
}}
The soundtrack was released on November 15, 1977. Prior to the release of ''[[Thriller (album)|Thriller]]'' by [[Michael Jackson]], ''Saturday Night Fever'' was the [[List of best-selling albums|best-selling album in music history]], and still ranks among the best-selling soundtrack albums worldwide, with sales figures of over 40 million copies.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1685455/bee-gees-robin-gibb-dead-died-62.jhtml|title=Bee Gees' Robin Gibb Dead At 62|first=Katie|last=Byrne|work=[[MTV]]|date=May 20, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419164046/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1685455/bee-gees-robin-gibb-dead-died-62.jhtml|archive-date=April 19, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20030112/gibb12/maurice-gibb-53-of-discos-bee-gees-saturday-night-fever-album-defined-era|title=Maurice Gibb, 53, of disco's Bee Gees: 'Saturday Night Fever' album defined era|agency=The Associated Press|newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]]|date=January 12, 2013|access-date=March 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525013728/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20030112&slug=gibb12|archive-date=May 25, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the United States, the album was certified 16× [[Music recording certification|Platinum]] for shipments of at least 16 million units.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS |title=Gold & Platinum – November 30, 2009 |publisher=RIAA |access-date=November 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820142502/http://riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS |archive-date=August 20, 2010 }}</ref> The album stayed atop the charts for 24 straight weeks from January to July 1978 and stayed on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s album charts for 120 weeks until March 1980. The soundtrack included material written by the [[Bee Gees]]: "[[How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees song)|How Deep Is Your Love]]", "[[Stayin' Alive]]" and "[[Night Fever]]", which they also performed, as well as [[Yvonne Elliman]]'s version of "[[If I Can't Have You (Bee Gees song)|If I Can't Have You]]". All four reached No. 1 in the US. In the UK, the album spent 18 consecutive weeks at No. 1. The album epitomized the [[disco]] phenomenon on both sides of the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] and was an international sensation.<ref>{{cite web|first1=James |last1=Sullivan |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/appreciation-contributor-to-a-sound-that-went-2679565.php |title=APPRECIATION / Contributor to a sound that went beyond disco |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=January 14, 2003 |access-date=November 30, 2009}}</ref> The album has been added to the [[National Recording Registry]] in the [[Library of Congress]] in 2014 for being culturally significant.<ref name=Merc>{{cite news|last=Richards |first=Chris |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_22840673/library-congress-adds-saturday-night-fever-simon-and |title=Library of Congress adds 'Saturday Night Fever,' Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd to audio archive |date=2013-03-20 |newspaper=[[San Jose Mercury News]] |access-date=2014-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408214035/https://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_22840673/library-congress-adds-saturday-night-fever-simon-and |archive-date=2014-04-08}}</ref>

# "[[Stayin' Alive]]" performed by the [[Bee Gees]] – 4:45
# "[[How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees song)|How Deep Is Your Love]]" performed by Bee Gees – 4:05
# "[[Night Fever]]" performed by Bee Gees – 3:33
# "[[More Than a Woman (Bee Gees song)|More Than a Woman]]" performed by Bee Gees – 3:17
# "[[If I Can't Have You (Bee Gees song)|If I Can't Have You]]" performed by [[Yvonne Elliman]] – 3:00
# "[[A Fifth of Beethoven]]" performed by [[Walter Murphy]] – 3:03
# "[[More Than a Woman (Bee Gees song)|More Than a Woman]]" performed by [[Tavares (group)|Tavares]] – 3:17
# "Manhattan Skyline" performed by [[David Shire]] – 4:44
# "Calypso Breakdown" performed by [[Ralph MacDonald]] – 7:50
# "[[Night on Bald Mountain|Night on Disco Mountain]]" performed by David Shire – 5:12
# "Open Sesame" performed by [[Kool & the Gang]] – 4:01
# "[[Jive Talkin']]" performed by Bee Gees – 3:43 (*)
# "[[You Should Be Dancing]]" performed by Bee Gees – 4:14
# "[[Boogie Shoes]]" performed by [[KC and the Sunshine Band]] – 2:17
# "Salsation" performed by David Shire – 3:50
# "[[K-Jee]]" performed by [[MFSB]] – 4:13
# "[[Disco Inferno]]" performed by [[The Trammps]] – 10:51
:With the exception of (*) track 12 "''Jive Talkin''", all of the songs are played in the film.
:The novelty songs "Dr. Disco" and "[[Disco Duck]]", both performed by [[Rick Dees]], are played in the film but not included on the album.

According to the DVD commentary for ''Saturday Night Fever'', the producers intended to use the song "[[Lowdown (Boz Scaggs song)|Lowdown]]" by [[Boz Scaggs]] in the rehearsal scene between Tony and Annette in the dance studio, and choreographed their dance moves to the song.<ref name=DVD>Badham, John (2002). ''Saturday Night Fever'': [[Audio commentary]] (DVD). Paramount.</ref> However, representatives for Scaggs' label [[Columbia Records]] refused to grant legal clearance for it, as they wanted to pursue another disco movie project, which never materialized. Composer [[David Shire]], who scored the film, had to write a song to match the dance steps in the scene, replacing the Scaggs track. However, Shire's track does not appear on the movie's soundtrack.

The song "K-Jee" was used during the dance contest with the Puerto Rican couple that competed against Tony and Stephanie. Some VHS cassettes used a more traditional Latin-style song instead.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saturday Night Fever 1979 VHS, Latin Dancers/"K-Jee" by MSFB (Paramount Home Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFfIK5-HvAU |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=June 30, 2021}}</ref> The DVD restores the original recording.

The album, like its parent film, has been added to the [[Library of Congress]] via the [[National Recording Registry]].<ref name=Merc/>

==Release==
===Theatrical===
[[File:Saturday night fever pg version movie poster.jpg|thumb|right|Movie poster of the PG version of ''Saturday Night Fever'']]
Two theatrical versions of the film were released: the original [[Motion Picture Association film rating system|R-rated]] version and an edited PG-rated version in 1979.<ref name="AFI"/><ref name="PGversion">{{cite web |title=''Saturday Night Fever'' version comparison (R and PG-rated) |url=https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=811400 |website=movie-censorship.com |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref>

The R-rated version released in 1977 represented the movie's [[First run (filmmaking)|first run]], and totaled 119 minutes.<ref name="DCversion">{{cite web |title=''Saturday Night Fever'' version comparison (theatrical and director's cut) |url=https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=543815 |website=movie-censorship.com |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref> After the success of the first run, the film's content was re-edited into a 112-minute, toned down, PG-rated version, not only to attract a wider audience, but also to capitalize on attracting the target audience of the teenagers who were not old enough to see the film by themselves, but who made the film's soundtrack album a monster hit.<ref name="Harmetz79" /> The R-rated version's profanity, nudity, fight sequence, and a [[gang rape]] scene in a car, were all de-emphasized or removed from the PG version.<ref name="Harmetz79" /> Numerous profanity-filled scenes were replaced with alternate [[Take#Film|takes]] of the same scenes, substituting milder language initially intended for the network television cut.<ref name="Harmetz79" />

Paramount initially intended to release the PG-rated version of the film in 1978, as it was already being [[In-flight entertainment|screened on airlines]].<ref name="Harmetz79" /> However, due to the regulations set by the [[Motion Picture Association|MPAA]] at the time, it was not permissible to have two versions of a film with different ratings shown concurrently in American theaters.<ref name="Harmetz79" /> Consequently, Paramount had to remove the film from exhibition for a period of 90 days before they could showcase the alternate rated version, thereby causing a delay in their release plans.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=May 31, 1978|last=Segers|first=Frank|page=3|title=Par Asks, Then Drops, Request MPAA Give Two Ratings Of Pic, With No 90-Day Withdrawal}}</ref><ref name="Harmetz79" /> Eventually, in 1979, the PG-rated version was made available to the public.<ref name="Harmetz79">{{cite news|last1=Harmetz |first1=Aljean |title=Fever' Redone for PG Rating |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/01/11/archives/fever-redone-for-pg-rating-version-for-television.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=18 September 2023 |date=1979-01-11}}</ref> Paramount later decided to present it as a [[double feature]] along with their other successful John Travolta film, ''[[Grease (film)|Grease]]''. In the ''[[Biography (TV program)|Biography]]'' documentary ''Inside Story: Saturday Night Fever'', producer Robert Stigwood criticized the PG-rated version, stating that it undermined the film's impact and lacked the power of the original R-rated edition.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Inside Story: ''Saturday Night Fever'' |date=2010-03-17 |type=Television production |publisher=[[Biography (TV program)|Biography]]}}</ref>

In 2017, the [[director's cut]] (running 122 minutes) premiered at the TCM Classic Film Festival at [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre|TCL Chinese Theatre]] in Hollywood.<ref name="DiNunzio">{{cite news |last1=Di Nunzio |first1=Miriam |title=Director: 'Saturday Night Fever' stayin' relevant after 40 years |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2017/4/28/18364056/director-saturday-night-fever-stayin-relevant-after-40-years |access-date=18 September 2023 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=April 28, 2017}}</ref> [[Fathom Events]] hosted special screenings of this version in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Seminal Classic ''Saturday Night Fever'' |url=https://www.fathomevents.com/news/press-release/celebrate-the-40th-anniversary-of-the-seminal-classic-saturday-night-fever-dancing-back-into-cinemas-for-two-nights-only-may-7-and-10 |website=Fathom Events |access-date=18 September 2023 |date=March 30, 2017 |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927014810/https://www.fathomevents.com/news/press-release/celebrate-the-40th-anniversary-of-the-seminal-classic-saturday-night-fever-dancing-back-into-cinemas-for-two-nights-only-may-7-and-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Home media===
Both theatrical versions were released on [[VHS]]. The PG-rated version never had a [[home video]] release on [[Laserdisc]]. It was first released to DVD by Paramount on October 8, 2002, as an R-rated special-edition, which included most of the deleted scenes present on the PG version, as well as a director's commentary and "Behind the Music" featurettes.<ref name="AllMovie">{{cite web |title=Saturday Night Fever - Releases |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/saturday-night-fever-vm466411/releases |website=[[AllMovie]] |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref>

On May 5, 2009, Paramount released ''Saturday Night Fever'' on [[Blu-ray|Blu-ray Disc]] in [[16:9 aspect ratio|1.78:1]] aspect ratio. This release retains the R-rated version of the film, and included bonus features from the 2002 release as well as new extras.<ref>{{cite web|website=Blu-ray.com|last=Terrence|first=Sir|title=Saturday Night Fever Blu-ray Review|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Saturday-Night-Fever-Blu-ray/478/#Review|access-date=November 25, 2013|date=May 8, 2009}}</ref>

The [[4K resolution|4K]] director's cut (122 minutes) was released on Blu-ray on May 2, 2017.<ref name="4K">{{cite web |title=Saturday Night Fever Blu-ray (4K Director's cut) |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Saturday-Night-Fever-Blu-ray/174755/ |website=blu-ray.com |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref> This disc includes both the director's cut and the original theatrical version, as well as the bulk of the bonus features from the prior release.

On November 8, 2022, Paramount released the film as a special edition 4K [[high-definition video|HD]] Blu-ray.<ref name="Salmons">{{cite web |last1=Salmons |first1=Tim |title=''Saturday Night Fever'': 45-Year Anniversary (4K UHD Review) |url=https://thedigitalbits.com/item/saturday-night-fever-2022-uhd |website=The Digital Bits |access-date=18 September 2023 |date=November 28, 2022}}</ref>

===Television broadcast===
When [[HBO]] acquired the [[pay television]] rights to ''Saturday Night Fever'' in 1980, both versions of the film were aired by the network: the PG version during the day, and the R version during the evening (HBO, which had primarily operated on a late afternoon-to-early overnight schedule at the time, had maintained a programming policy restricting the showing of R-rated films to the nighttime hours, a rule that continued long after it switched to a 24-hour schedule full-time in December 1981). The R-rated theatrical version premiered on the network at midnight [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Time]] on January 1, 1980.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

For the film's network television premiere, airing on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] on November 16, 1980, a new milder version was created to conform with network broadcast standards.<ref>{{cite web |title=ABC promo Saturday Night Fever 1980 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2JVxGFXGfo |website=YouTube |access-date=26 September 2023 |date=March 28, 2012}}</ref> The network television version was a slightly shortened cut of the PG-rated version. In order to maintain runtime, a few additional scenes deleted from both theatrical releases were added to make up for the lost/cut material, making the ABC version among the longest cuts of the film.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} These added scenes included Tony dancing with Doreen to "[[Disco Duck]]", Tony running his finger along the cables of the [[Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge]], and Tony's father getting his job back. The last two deleted scenes were included in the 2017 director's cut.

Starting in the late 1990s, [[VH1]], [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]] and [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]] began showing the original R-rated version with a [[TV Parental Guidelines|TV-14 rating]], although with nudity removed/censored, and the stronger profanity either being edited or (on recent airings) silenced.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} However, this version of the TV cut included some innuendo included in the original theatrical release that was edited or removed from the PG version. [[Turner Classic Movies]] has aired the film in both versions: the original R-rated version (rated [[TV Parental Guidelines|TV-MA]] on the network) is the cut commonly broadcast, although the PG cut has been presented as part of TCM's family-oriented "Funday Night at the Movies" and "Essentials Jr." film showcases.

==Reception==
===Box office===
The film grossed $25.9 million in its first 24 days of release and grossed an average of $600,000 a day throughout January to March<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=May 10, 1978|page=4|title='Sat. Nite Fever' At $87,749,000}}</ref> going on to gross $94.2 million in the United States and Canada and $237.1 million worldwide.<ref name=mojo/> Adjusted for inflation, it is the highest-grossing R-rated film released in the U.S. in the 1970s, with a total box office gross of $673,899,098 in 2024.<ref name="FeverBoxOffice" />

===Critical response===
''Saturday Night Fever'' received positive reviews and is regarded by many critics as one of the best films of 1977.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~ejohnson/critics/siskel.html |title=Gene Siskel's Top Ten Lists 1969–1998 |publisher=Alumnus.caltech.edu |date=February 20, 1999 |access-date=April 11, 2011 |archive-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127054504/http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~ejohnson/critics/siskel.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmsite.org/1977.html |title=Greatest Films of 1977: "melodramatic, out-dated blockbuster" |website=Filmsite.org |access-date=April 11, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Johanson |first=MaryAnn|url=http://www.film.com/features/story/10-best-movies-of-1977/14896015 |title=The 10 Best Movies of 1977 – Movies |website=Film.com |date=May 25, 2007 |access-date=April 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620184640/http://www.film.com/features/story/10-best-movies-of-1977/14896015 |archive-date=June 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.films101.com/y1977r.htm |title=The Best Movies of 1977 by Rank |website=Films101.com |access-date=April 11, 2011}}</ref> {{RT prose|{{RT data|score}}|{{RT data|average}}|{{RT data|count}}|Boasting a smart, poignant story, a classic soundtrack, and a starmaking performance from John Travolta, ''Saturday Night Fever'' ranks among the finest dramas of the 1970s.|ref=yes|access-date=October 26, 2023}} {{Metacritic film prose|77|7|ref=yes|access-date=October 26, 2023}} It was added to ''[[The New York Times]]'' "Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made", which was published in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/ref/movies/1000best.html | work=The New York Times | title=The Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made | date=April 29, 2003 | access-date=May 23, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211043539/http://www.nytimes.com/ref/movies/1000best.html | archive-date=December 11, 2013 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2010, the film was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] by the [[Library of Congress]] as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Film critic [[Gene Siskel]], who would later list this as his favorite movie, praised the film: "One minute into ''Saturday Night Fever'' you know this picture is onto something, that it knows what it's talking about." He also praised John Travolta's energetic performance: "Travolta on the dance floor is like a peacock on amphetamines. He struts like crazy."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34591299/snf-review-energy-reality-make/|title=Energy, reality make 'Fever' dance|first=Gene|last=Siskel|work=Chicago Tribune|date=December 16, 1977|accessdate=May 20, 2022}}</ref> Siskel even bought Travolta's famous white suit from the film at a charity auction.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ebert|first=Roger|date=March 7, 1999|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-saturday-night-fever-1977|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|title=Saturday Night Fever (1977)}}</ref>

Film critic [[Pauline Kael]] wrote a gushing review of the film in ''[[The New Yorker]]'': "The way ''Saturday Night Fever'' has been directed and shot, we feel the languorous pull of the discotheque, and the gaudiness is transformed. These are among the most hypnotically beautiful pop dance scenes ever filmed ... Travolta gets so far inside the role he seems incapable of a false note; even the Brooklyn accent sounds unerring ... At its best, though, ''Saturday Night Fever'' gets at something deeply romantic: the need to move, to dance, and the need to be who you'd like to be. Nirvana is the dance; when the music stops, you return to being ordinary."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/4110/saturday-night-fever/#articles-reviews |website=Turner Classic Movies|title=Critics' Corner – Saturday Night Fever |access-date=2013-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | magazine=[[The New Yorker]] | first=Pauline | last=Kael | author-link=Pauline Kael | pages=59–60 | date=December 26, 1977 | title=Nirvana }}</ref>

===Accolades===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! Award
! Category
! Nominee(s)
! Result
! {{Abbreviation|Ref.|References}}
|-
| [[50th Academy Awards|Academy Awards]]
| [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| [[John Travolta]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1978 |title=The 50th Academy Awards (1978) Nominees and Winners |publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] |access-date=October 5, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[32nd British Academy Film Awards|British Academy Film Awards]]
| [[BAFTA Award for Best Original Music|Anthony Asquith Award for Original Film Music]]
| [[Bee Gees]]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/1979/film |title=BAFTA Awards: Film in 1979 |publisher=[[British Academy Film Awards]] |access-date=June 3, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[BAFTA Award for Best Sound|Best Soundtrack]]
| Michael Colgan, [[Les Lazarowitz]], [[John Wilkinson (sound engineer)|John Wilkinson]], [[Robert W. Glass Jr.]], and [[John T. Reitz]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[DVD Exclusive Awards]]
| Best Audio Commentary, Library Release
| [[John Badham]] {{small|(for the ''25th Anniversary Edition'')}}
| {{nom}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdexclusive.com/article.asp?articleID=1841&categoryID=22 |title=DVD Premiere Awards 2002 Nominations & Winners |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050114192121/http://www.dvdexclusive.com/article.asp?articleID=1841&categoryID=22 |archive-date=January 14, 2005 |publisher=DVD Exclusive Magazine}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4"| [[35th Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe Awards]]
| colspan="2"| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy|Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy]]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="4" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/film/saturday-night-fever |title=Saturday Night Fever |publisher=[[Golden Globe Awards]] |access-date=July 5, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy|Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy]]
| John Travolta
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Score – Motion Picture]]
| [[Barry Gibb]], [[Maurice Gibb]], [[Robin Gibb]], and [[David Shire]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song – Motion Picture]]
| "[[How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees song)|How Deep Is Your Love]]" Music and Lyrics by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, and Robin Gibb
| {{nom}}
|-
| colspan="3"| [[Goldene Leinwand|Golden Screen Awards]]
| {{won}}
| align="center"|
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[20th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]] {{small|(1977)}}
| [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Group]]
| "How Deep Is Your Love" – Bee Gees
| {{won}}
| rowspan="2" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/20th-annual-grammy-awards |title=20th Annual GRAMMY Awards |publisher=[[Grammy Awards]] |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| [[Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical|Producer of the Year]]
| Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, [[Albhy Galuten]], and Karl Richardson
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="6"| [[21st Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]] {{small|(1978)}}
| [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]]
| ''[[Saturday Night Fever (soundtrack)|Saturday Night Fever]]'' – Bee Gees, Broadway Eddie, [[Richard Finch (musician)|Richard Finch]], Albhy Galuten, [[K.G. Productions]], [[Ron Kersey]], [[Arif Mardin]], [[Bobby Martin (producer)|Bobby Martin]], Bill Oakes, [[Freddie Perren]], Karl Richardson, William Salter, [[Thomas J. Valentino]], [[Ralph MacDonald]], David Shire, Don Renaldo, [[Yvonne Elliman]], [[K.C. and the Sunshine Band]], [[Kool & the Gang]], [[Walter Murphy]], [[Tavares (music group)|Tavares]], and [[Trammps]]
| {{won}}
| rowspan="6" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/21st-annual-grammy-awards |title=21st Annual GRAMMY Awards |publisher=[[Grammy Awards]] |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]]
| "[[Stayin' Alive]]" – Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Albhy Galuten, and Karl Richardson
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Grammy Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]]
| "Stayin' Alive" – Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, and Robin Gibb
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus]]
| ''Saturday Night Fever'' – Bee Gees
| {{won}}
|-
| [[Grammy Award for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices|Best Arrangement for Voices]]
| "Stayin' Alive" – Bee Gees
| {{won}}
|-
| Producer of the Year
| Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Albhy Galuten, and Karl Richardson
| {{won}}
|-
| [[46th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]] {{small|(2004)}}
| [[Grammy Hall of Fame]]
| ''Saturday Night Fever'' – Various Artists
| {{won|Inducted}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/hall-of-fame-award |title=GRAMMY Hall of Fame |publisher=[[Grammy Awards]] |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[National Board of Review Awards 1977|National Board of Review Awards]]
| colspan="2"| [[National Board of Review: Top Ten Films|Top Ten Films]]
| {{draw|7th Place}}
| rowspan="2" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://nationalboardofreview.org/award-years/1977/ |title=1977 Award Winners |publisher=[[National Board of Review]] |access-date=July 5, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[National Board of Review Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| John Travolta
| {{won}}
|-
| [[National Film Preservation Board]]
| colspan="2"| [[National Film Registry]]
| {{won|Inducted}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ |title=Complete National Film Registry Listing |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |access-date=December 16, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| [[1977 National Society of Film Critics Awards|National Society of Film Critics Awards]]
| [[National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| rowspan="2"| John Travolta
| {{draw|3rd Place}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://nationalsocietyoffilmcritics.com/about-2/ |title=Past Awards |publisher=[[National Society of Film Critics]] |date=December 19, 2009 |access-date=July 5, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[1977 New York Film Critics Circle Awards|New York Film Critics Circle Awards]]
| colspan="2"| [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| {{Runner-up}}
| rowspan="2" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nyfcc.com/awards/?awardyear=1977 |title=1977 New York Film Critics Circle Awards |publisher=[[New York Film Critics Circle]] |access-date=July 5, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| [[Donna Pescow]]
| {{Runner-up}}
|-
| [[30th Writers Guild of America Awards|Writers Guild of America Awards]]
| [[Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Screenplay|Best Drama – Written Directly for the Screen]]
| [[Norman Wexler]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wga.org/awards/awardssub.aspx?id=1551 |title=Awards Winners |publisher=[[Writers Guild of America Awards]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205095022/http://www.wga.org/awards/awardssub.aspx?id=1551 |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2010}}</ref>
|}

'''[[American Film Institute]] Lists'''
* [[AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Songs]]:
** [[Stayin' Alive]] – #9<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years…100 Songs |url=https://www.afi.com/afis-100-years-100-songs/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=American Film Institute |language=en}}</ref>

==In popular culture==

A television show based on the film was in development, at some point after the film's release. In 2024, [[David Letterman]] said that he was sent to an audition for the series.<ref>{{cite web |author1=World Wide Pants |title=Dave's Audition for "Saturday Night Fever" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c-eQIWUEBI |website=YouTube |access-date=26 November 2024 |date=26 November 2024}}</ref>

The 1980 comedy ''[[Airplane!]]'' by directors [[David Zucker|David]] & [[Jerry Zucker]] and [[Jim Abrahams]], included a flashback scene that directly parodied the dance competition scene at the disco in ''Saturday Night Fever''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherlock |first=Ben |date=2021-08-22 |title=9 Classic Movies Referenced In Airplane! |url=https://screenrant.com/nine-classic-movies-referenced-airplane/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

In 2008, director [[Pablo Larraín]] made a film, ''[[Tony Manero (film)|Tony Manero]]'', about a Chilean dancer obsessed by the main character in ''Saturday Night Fever'' who tries to win a Tony Manero look-alike contest.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rohter|first1=Larry|title=The Dictator and the Disco King|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/movies/05roht.html|access-date=February 5, 2017|work=The New York Times|date=July 2, 2009}}</ref>

On April 17, 2012, [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] aired series ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]''{{'}}s episode 16, "[[Saturday Night Glee-ver]]", which pays tribute to the film and features various songs from its soundtrack (especially the songs performed by the [[Bee Gees]]), covered by the series' cast.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/13/glee-bee-gees-disco-songs_n_1423821.html | work=The Huffington Post | first=Chris | last=Harnick | title=WATCH: 'Glee' Goes Disco | date=April 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.music.aol.com/2012/04/17/glee-saturday-night-glee-ver-songs-bee-gees/ |title='Glee,' 'Saturday Night Glee-ver' Songs: Season 3, Episode 16 Includes Tribute to the Bee Gees |date=April 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629105940/http://blog.music.aol.com/2012/04/17/glee-saturday-night-glee-ver-songs-bee-gees/ |website=AOL |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2012}}</ref>

The [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]] 2016 music video for their song "[[Go Robot]]" is heavily inspired by the film and recreates the opening scene and classic characters from the film who are portrayed by each band member.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/watch-the-new-red-hot-chili-peppers-music-video-go-robot.html | work=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] | first=Devon | last=Ivie | title=Anthony Kiedis Makes a White-Painted Saturday Night Fever Homage in the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Go Robot' Video | date=September 9, 2016}}</ref>

In ''[[Team Fortress 2]]'', a community-created taunt for the spy in July 2016. The spy's dance references Tony Monero's dancing to "You Should Be Dancin.'"<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fortress|first1=Team|author-link1=Team Fortress 2|title=Disco Fever|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yF_IOHKbYw|website=youtube.com|format=video|language=en|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|date=July 7, 2016|access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref>

The 2018 film ''[[Ready Player One (film)|Ready Player One]]'' features a dance scene that references ''Saturday Night Fever'', particularly the red, yellow, and blue dance floor from the 2001 Odyssey night club in the film.<ref name="Warner">{{cite magazine |last1=Warner |first1=Kara |title='Ready Player One' 's Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke Spent 3 Weeks Learning That Disco Dance Number |url=https://people.com/movies/ready-player-ones-tye-sheridan-olivia-cooke-spent-3-weeks-learning-that-disco-dance-number/ |access-date=18 September 2023 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=April 4, 2018}}</ref>

In November 2023, [[Capital One]] began airing a holiday-themed commercial titled "Holiday Night Fever" which contained an homage to the opening scene of the movie. In the sixty second version, as the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" plays over the scene, [[Santa Claus]] (a heavily made-up John Travolta) struts down a street that has been mostly cleared of snow after a winter storm. He carries a can of "magical glitter paint"; buys two cookies (instead of pizza slices) at a walk-up window and asks "what happened to three?" (he was offered three slices in the movie); eats them stacked; then pauses at a shoe store window and compares his shoes to a pair of elven boots with a jingle bell on them; he flirts with a store clerk (Donna Pescow); buys a disco ball [[Christmas ornament]] for his [[sleigh]]; throws some of the glitter paint onto a [[Christmas tree]] that is set up on the sidewalk; then goes to a disco where he asks how his hair looks and dances on the illuminated floor. The shorter version of the commercial was still being aired as of November 2024.

== See also ==

{{Portal|1970s}}
; Other films released during the late 1970s disco and jukebox musical craze
* ''[[Thank God It's Friday (film)|Thank God It's Friday]]'' (1978)
* ''[[Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (film)|Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band]]'' (1978)
* ''[[Roller Boogie]]'' (1979)
* ''[[Skatetown, U.S.A.]]'' (1979)
* ''[[The Apple (1980 film)|The Apple]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Xanadu (film)|Xanadu]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Can't Stop the Music]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Fame (1980 film)|Fame]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Get Rollin' (film)|Get Rollin'<nowiki/>]]'' (1980), roller disco documentary

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|0076666}}
* {{TCMDb title|4110}}
* {{AFI film|55921}}
* ''[https://www.paramountmovies.com/movies/saturday-night-fever Saturday Night Fever]'' at [[Paramount Pictures]]

{{Saturday Night Fever}}
{{John Badham}}

{{Portal bar|Film|United States}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1977 drama films]]
[[Category:1977 films]]
[[Category:1970s American films]]
[[Category:1970s coming-of-age drama films]]
[[Category:1970s dance films]]
[[Category:1970s English-language films]]
[[Category:American coming-of-age drama films]]
[[Category:American dance films]]
[[Category:Disco films]]
[[Category:Films about casual sex]]
[[Category:Films about dysfunctional families]]
[[Category:Films about friendship]]
[[Category:Films about gang rape]]
[[Category:Films about Italian-American culture]]
[[Category:Films based on American short stories]]
[[Category:Films based on newspaper and magazine articles]]
[[Category:Films directed by John Badham]]
[[Category:Films produced by Robert Stigwood]]
[[Category:Films scored by David Shire]]
[[Category:Films set in Brooklyn]]
[[Category:Films shot in New York City]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Norman Wexler]]
[[Category:Paramount Pictures films]]
[[Category:United States National Film Registry films]]

Runaway Brain

2025-10-21T19:59:07Z

97.243.30.243: /* Cultural references */

{{short description|1995 Mickey Mouse cartoon}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Runaway Brain
| image = Runawaybrain.jpg
| caption = Europe theatrical release poster with ''[[A Goofy Movie]]''
| director = [[Chris Bailey (animator)|Chris Bailey]]
| story = Tim Hauser
| animator = [[Andreas Deja]] Gary Dunn Sylvain Deboissy
| starring = [[Wayne Allwine]] [[Russi Taylor]] [[Kelsey Grammer]] [[Jim Cummings]] [[Bill Farmer]]
| music = [[John Debney]]
| producer = Ron Tippe
| production_companies = [[Walt Disney Feature Animation]]
| distributor = [[Buena Vista Pictures Distribution]]
| released = {{Film date|1995|8|11}}(with ''[[A Kid in King Arthur's Court]]'')
| color_process = [[Technicolor]]
| runtime = 7 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
}}

'''''Runaway Brain''''' is a 1995 American animated [[comedy horror]] [[short film]] produced by [[Walt Disney Feature Animation]]. Featuring [[Mickey Mouse]] and [[Minnie Mouse]], the short centers on Mickey attempting to earn money to pay for an anniversary gift for Minnie. He responds to an advertisement to work for Doctor Frankenollie, only to find out that he is looking for a donor to [[Body swap|switch brains]] with the monster he created. Featuring animation by animator [[Andreas Deja]], it was first released in 1995 attached to North American theatrical showings of ''[[A Kid in King Arthur's Court]]'' and in 1996 attached to international theatrical showings of ''[[A Goofy Movie]]'' (1995). It would be the final original ''Mickey Mouse'' theatrical animated short until ''[[Get a Horse!]]'' in 2013.

The short received mixed reviews from audiences.<ref name=brand/> It was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film]] at the [[68th Academy Awards]].<ref name=oscar>{{cite web |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1996 |title = 1996 {{!}} Oscars.org {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | date=October 5, 2014 }}</ref> Later references to the cartoon have been made in Disney related media, such as the [[video game]] ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]''.

==Plot==
[[File:129 - Runaway Brain.png|thumb|left|The short's title card]]
On a dark and stormy evening, Minnie Mouse arrives at Mickey Mouse's house and discovers that he has forgotten about the anniversary of their first date. Mickey then comes up with the last-minute idea to take her to a [[miniature golf]] course and shows her a [[newspaper]] [[Advertising|advertisement]] for it, but she instead notices another ad for a trip to [[Hawaii]], which is overpriced, and mistakes it for the gift. After Minnie leaves, Mickey panics over how he can make that much money when [[Pluto (Disney)|Pluto]] shows him the want ads and Mickey sees one from [[chimpanzee]] [[mad scientist]] Doctor Frankenollie to earn the amount of money that he needs for "a mindless day's work". Upon arriving at Frankenollie's residence, Mickey is dropped down a trapdoor into the scientist's laboratory, where he reveals his plan to [[Body swap|switch his donor's brain]] with that of his enormous [[Pete (Disney)|Pete]]-resembling monster, Julius. Although the experiment takes Frankenollie's life, it is a success nonetheless, as Mickey and Julius' brains are switched.

In his new body, Julius finds Mickey's wallet and notices a photo of Minnie, with whom he instantly becomes smitten. He escapes from the laboratory and finds Minnie while she is shopping for [[swimsuit]]s. After Minnie immediately mistakes Julius for Mickey, the latter arrives to save her, but Minnie becomes terrified of him due to the appearance of Julius' body and panics, until Mickey convinces her of who he is and places her on the top of a [[skyscraper]] for safety. As Julius continues to pursue Minnie and a battle between him and Mickey occurs, they land on a [[telephone line]] and become electrocuted, sending their brains back into their proper bodies. Continuing their fight at the skyscraper where Minnie is, Mickey manages to subdue Julius using a billboard advertising the trip to Hawaii there and save her. The couple eventually travel to Hawaii together on an [[inflatable boat]] pulled by Julius, who is goaded by Mickey into chasing after the photo of Minnie in his wallet.

==Voice cast==
{{multiple image
| direction = horiztotal
| align = right
| total_width = 300
| footer = [[Russi Taylor]] (pictured in 2018) voices [[Minnie Mouse]]
| image1 =
| image2 = Russi Taylor (cropped).jpg
}}
* [[Wayne Allwine]] as Mickey Mouse
* [[Russi Taylor]] as Minnie Mouse
* [[Kelsey Grammer]] as Doctor Frankenollie
* [[Jim Cummings]] as Julius
* [[Bill Farmer]] as Pluto

==Production==
After Disney celebrated [[Mickey Mouse]]'s 60th anniversary in 1988, Mickey starred in the featurette ''[[The Prince and the Pauper (1990 film)|The Prince and the Pauper]]'', which was directed by [[George Scribner]] and released in theaters with ''[[The Rescuers Down Under]]'' in 1990. ''The Rescuers Down Under'' however failed at the box office, so a new project was sought for the character.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=October 21, 2021 |title=What happened to Runaway Brain, Disney's lost Mickey short |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/22738384/runaway-brain-evil-mickey-short-streaming |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The director of ''Runaway Brain'', [[Chris Bailey (animator)|Chris Bailey]] recalled: "If you were a director or part of the development, if you were between assignments, you were asked to develop Mickey shorts".<ref name=":0" /> Bailey at first saw approval from studio president [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] and Disney Animation executives [[Thomas Schumacher]] and [[Peter Schneider (film executive)|Peter Schneider]] regarding the rework of an idea he had for a [[Roger Rabbit]] short, ''Tourist Trap'', with Mickey and [[Donald Duck]] heading on a vacation and Donald attempting to kill Mickey, but after a failed [[storyboard]] screening, Bailey received permission from [[Roy E. Disney]] to develop another short idea, ''Runaway Brain''.<ref name=":0" />

Jim Beihold was assigned to layout, Ian Gooding served as art director, and [[Andreas Deja]], who had animated [[Scar (The Lion King)|Scar]] in ''[[The Lion King]]'' (1994), developed the monstrous version of Mickey possessed by Julius based on Bailey's sketches.<ref name=":0" /> [[List of animation studios owned by The Walt Disney Company#Disney Animation France|Disney Animation France]], who was just finishing ''[[A Goofy Movie]]'' (1995), was given the animation job. While the crew was in France, Katzenberg left Disney, leaving Bailey without one of the executives who most supported his ideas.<ref name=":0" /> While the first screening of the mostly completed short to the executives was successful, Schumacher and Schneider went on to order many changes that would cut scenes and require others to be newly animated.<ref name=":0" /> These included not having the monstrous Mickey drooling, toning Mickey's electrocution to be more cartoonish, and having the ending with Julius chasing an "[[effigy]] Minnie" made of pillows replaced with having him pursue the wallet picture.<ref name=":0" />

==Cultural references==
The beginning of the cartoon shows Mickey playing a [[Snow White (franchise)|''Snow White'']]-based satirical take of [[fighting games]], such as [[Capcom]]'s ''[[Street Fighter]]'' series and the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' franchise, which details a match between [[Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 film)#Cast|Dopey]] and [[Evil Queen (Disney)|Queen Grimhilde]] in her peddler disguise. Director [[Chris Bailey (animator)|Chris Bailey]] said that [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] was the one who suggested a scene with a video game, and Bailey came up with the fighting game after his idea of a [[first-person shooter]] based on ''[[Bambi]]'' (1942) was rejected.<ref name="polygon">[https://www.polygon.com/features/22738384/runaway-brain-evil-mickey-short-streaming Why Disney buried Runaway Brain, the monstrous Mickey short]</ref> The general plot of the cartoon refers back to [[Mary Shelley]]'s ''[[Frankenstein]]'', with Doctor Frankenollie and Julius being heavily inspired by [[Victor Frankenstein|the titular character]] and [[Frankenstein's monster|his monster]]. The composite name "Frankenollie" comes from the names of animators [[Frank Thomas (animator)|Frank Thomas]] and [[Ollie Johnston]], who were two of [[Disney's Nine Old Men]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Doug |author-link=Doug Walker (comedian) |date=2021-01-29 |title=Runaway Brain – Dark Toons |url=https://channelawesome.com/runaway-brain-dark-toons/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=[[Channel Awesome]] |language=en}}</ref>

Mickey's wallet contains a photo of him from ''[[Steamboat Willie]]'' (1928). In addition, Mickey whistles the short's primary theme, [[Steamboat Bill]], before he is dropped down into Frankenollie's laboratory and a [[Polynesian culture|Polynesian]]-styled rendition of it also plays in the credits.<ref name=":1" /> The wallet also features a [[library card]] from the fictional 'Guillard County Library', a reference to [[Stuart Gillard]].

''[[The Exorcist (film)|The Exorcist]]'' (1973) is referenced in the shot where Mickey first arrives at Frankenollie's residence, with the imagery mirroring [[Father Merrin]]'s arrival at the MacNeil house.<ref name=":1" />

[[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Zazu|Zazu]] from ''[[The Lion King]]'' (1994), which was released the year prior to ''Runaway Brain'', briefly appears twice; once when Mickey is dropped down into the lab and again when Julius roars at him.<ref name=":1" />

One of the objects seen during Mickey's descent into the lab is a [[Termination of employment#Pink slip|pink slip]] with "J.K." on it. This is a reference to Katzenberg, who left Disney in 1994 and went on to form rival studio [[DreamWorks Pictures]] with [[Steven Spielberg]] and [[David Geffen]].<ref name=":1" />

==Release and reception==
In terms of general reception, the macabre nature of the animation's plot brought criticism from some Disney fans due to the contrast with the previously light tone of Mickey Mouse cartoons. Andy Mooney, then chairman of Disney's consumer products unit, remarked to the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' in 2003 that "the very fact that Mickey was possessed was very disturbing" to some audiences, though the character "overcomes that".<ref name=brand>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|title=M-I-C-K-E-Y: He's the Leader of the Brand|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-23-fi-mickey23-story.html|date=July 23, 2003|first=Richard|last=Verrier}}</ref>

The film was screened out of competition at the [[1996 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref name="festival-cannes.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/4733/year/1996.html |title=Festival de Cannes: Runaway Brain |access-date=2009-09-20|work=festival-cannes.com}}</ref> It was first released in North America on August 11, 1995, alongside theatrical showings of ''[[A Kid in King Arthur's Court]]'', then on September 12, 1996, with ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]'' in Australia and on October 18, 1996, attached to ''[[A Goofy Movie]]'' in the UK. The short was to be re-released with ''[[101 Dalmatians (1996 film)|101 Dalmatians]]'', which was sent to theaters with the short attached in 1996, but Disney asked theater owners to cut the short off all film prints and replace it with trailers for then upcoming Disney films.<ref name="groups.google.com">{{cite web |url=https://groups.google.com/g/rec.arts.disney.animation/c/FmYms-uf140?hl=en|title=Whither ''Runaway Brain''?|access-date=2010-08-01|work=groups.google.com}}</ref> In addition, the short was released with theatrical screenings of ''[[George of the Jungle (film)|George of the Jungle]]'' in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shelby |first1=Jim |title=Movie Openings |url=https://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/morgue/movies/1997_Jul_18.movie_openings.html |website=paloaltoonline.com |access-date=10 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Runaway Brain before George of the Jungle |url=https://groups.google.com/g/rec.arts.disney.animation/c/xAsulJImFnM/m/9uHoshq7JWoJ |website=groups.google.com |access-date=10 July 2023}}</ref>

The cartoon was nominated the [[Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film]] at the [[68th Academy Awards]], ending up losing to ''[[A Close Shave]]'' starring [[Wallace & Gromit]].<ref name=oscar/>

==Home media==
The short was released on May 18, 2004 on ''[[Walt Disney Treasures: Wave Three#Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Volume Two|Walt Disney Treasures: Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Volume Two: 1939-Today]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mickey Mouse in Living Color Volume 2 DVD Review|url=https://www.dvdizzy.com/mmlivingcolor2.htmlml|website=DVD Dizzy|access-date=19 February 2021}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

It is also available as a [[Movies Anywhere]]-exclusive digital download with the [[Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection]] (but is not included on the Blu-Ray/DVD disc set).<ref>Press release for Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection.</ref>

It was also released on [[Super 8 film]] film by [[Derann|Derann Film Services]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.derannlists.co.uk/derann/8c.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603024733fw_/http://www.derannlists.co.uk/derann/8c.php |archive-date=2008-06-03 |url-status=dead |title=Derann.com – Disney}}</ref>

==In other media==
* Julius appears as an optional secret [[Boss (video games)|boss]] in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' in Traverse Town.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance gameplay video |website=[[YouTube]] |date=2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0VhlmQYh0U}}</ref>
* A newspaper clipping of Dr. Frankenollie's advertisement is inside of the ticket booth of the El CapiTOON Theater at [[Disneyland]], which houses the [[Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway]] attraction.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Soberman |first=Matthew |date=January 27, 2013 |title=PHOTOS, VIDEO: Take a Full Tour of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Now Open at Disneyland |url=https://dlnewstoday.com/2023/01/photos-video-take-a-full-tour-of-mickey-minnies-runaway-railway-now-open-at-disneyland/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329025150/https://dlnewstoday.com/2023/01/photos-video-take-a-full-tour-of-mickey-minnies-runaway-railway-now-open-at-disneyland/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2023 |work=dlnewstoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1619264488414519296|title=Actually I think there IS! I was looking at this pic of the inside the El Capitoon ticket booth that Disneyland Today took and I think that's the ad Mickey finds for the mind swap experiment (screenshot from the cartoon for reference)|user=krystian_magic|author=Krys Magic|date=January 28, 2023|access-date=March 24, 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Mickey Mouse (film series)|''Mickey Mouse'' (film series)]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|id=0114308|title=Runaway Brain}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070124194854/http://www.disneyshorts.org/years/1995/runawaybrain.html ''Runaway Brain''] at [http://www.disneyshorts.org The Encyclopedia of Disney Animated Shorts]

{{Mickey Mouse in animation}}
{{Minnie Mouse in animation}}
{{Pluto (Disney) in animation}}
{{Pete (Disney) in animation}}

[[Category:1995 comedy horror films]]
[[Category:1995 American animated short films]]
[[Category:1990s Disney animated short films]]
[[Category:1990s monster movies]]
[[Category:American horror short films]]
[[Category:American fantasy films]]
[[Category:American science fiction comedy films]]
[[Category:American mad scientist films]]
[[Category:Mickey Mouse short films]]
[[Category:Pluto (Disney) short films]]
[[Category:Films scored by John Debney]]
[[Category:American monster movies]]
[[Category:Films about body swapping]]
[[Category:Films about brain transplantation]]
[[Category:1990s English-language films]]
[[Category:1995 science fiction films]]
[[Category:English-language comedy horror films]]
[[Category:English-language science fiction horror films]]
[[Category:English-language comedy-drama short films]]
[[Category:Walt Disney Pictures short films]]