Common Sense Media Review
High school tale explores class differences, romance.
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Pretty in Pink
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say this rom-com is a fun representation of teen life, but it's filled with strong language, drug use, and suggestive humor that may not be suitable for younger viewers. Despite some criticism over its ending and messages, many love the character dynamics and 80s nostalgia, making it a classic among fans of the genre.
- language issues
- drug use
- suggestive humor
- character dynamics
- 80s nostalgia
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In the third of writer John Hughes' high school films starring Molly Ringwald, Andie (Ringwald) is a smart girl from the wrong side of the tracks who lives with her well-meaning unemployed father and hangs out with her best friend, Duckie (Jon Cryer). When Andie and a wealthy kid named Blane (Andrew McCarthy) develop a mutual crush, her world is turned upside down, as friends from both sides disapprove of their relationship.
Is It Any Good?
For many children of the 1980s, writer-director Hughes' enjoyable teen films, like this one, played a considerable role in forming their opinions about what high school was like. The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Pretty in Pink all served as primers for how to navigate the shark-infested waters of the brutal high school caste system.
Although well intentioned, this movie's repeated message of being true to yourself is completely lost during its trite conclusion. (A different ending was intended but proved unpopular with test audiences.) The script is full of clichés, and not a shred of chemistry exists between Ringwald and McCarthy. The film's only redeeming qualities are in the performances of the supporting cast and a memorable, catchy soundtrack. James Spader is perfect as McCarthy's best friend, Steff, the obnoxious self-entitled snob viewers love to hate. Annie Potts is divine as nostalgia-ridden Iona, Andie's co-worker/mother figure, and Cryer's Duckie evokes sympathy, bemusement, and, at times intense, irritation. Despite its flaws, Pretty in Pink is highly entertaining and has some of Hughes' best one-liners.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Pretty in Pink portrays the relationship between family wealth and high school popularity. Do you think it's an accurate interpretation? Why, or why not?
How are drinking and smoking conveyed in the movie? Are they glamorized, or are the potential negative consequences shown?
How is bullying conveyed in the movie? Do you think it's a realistic portrayal?
Who do you think Andie should have ended up with in the end, if anyone? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 14, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : August 20, 2002
- Cast : James Spader , Jon Cryer , Molly Ringwald , Andrew McCarthy
- Director : Howard Deutch
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : drug use and language
- Last updated : February 11, 2026
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