Risky Business
Performance & Direction: Risky Business Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Risky Business (1983) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Risky Business features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Cruise . Supported by the likes of Rebecca De Mornay and Joe Pantoliano , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Risky Business (1983) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Risky Business
Quick Plot Summary: Risky Business is a Romance, Comedy, Drama film that explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Meet Joel Goodson, an industrious, college-bound 17-year-old and a responsible, trustworthy son. However, when his parents go away and leave him home alone in the wealthy Chicago suburbs with the Porsche at his disposal he quickly decides he has been good for too long and it is time to enjoy himself. After an unfortunate incident with the Porsche Joel must raise some cash, in a risky way. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Risky Business
Ending Breakdown: Risky Business concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Risky Business reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Risky Business?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Risky Business
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.2M |
| Worldwide Gross | $63.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Risky Business Budget
The estimated production budget for Risky Business is $6.2M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Risky Business
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Risky Business Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoRisky Business Parents Guide & Age Rating
1983 AdvisoryWondering about Risky Business age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Risky Business is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Risky Business is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1983 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Risky Business worth watching?
Risky Business is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Risky Business parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Risky Business identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Risky Business?
The total duration of Risky Business is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
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Critic Reviews for Risky Business
***Entertaining teen comedy with Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay, but disturbingly dishonest*** “Risky Business” (1983) stars Tom Cruise as a preppy teen from the Chicago suburbs. When his parents leave for a trip, he has the house to himself and enlists the services of a call girl (Rebecca De Mornay), which leads to serious and amusing problems. This is the film with the iconic sequence of Cruise lip-syncing in private to Bob Seger’s "Old Time Rock and Roll." We’ve all done it. In any case, “Risky Business” is similar to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986), but with the artiness of “Less than Zero” (1987) minus the melancholy. As far as all-around entertainment goes, this is an easy 7/10, but I have to lower my grade due to the glorification of prostitution. Yes, I realize it’s a teen comedy and you have to roll with it to enjoy it, which I did and did. But the portrayal of prostitution & prostitutes is strictly fantasyland and I find it disingenuous and irresponsible. Would all these guys seriously be so hot for these women who have sex with several strangers every work day? Am I the only one who finds this gross? Wouldn’t at least some of them be concerned about STDs? Wouldn’t the loose lifestyle of prostitution negatively affect the women, psychologically and spiritually? Wouldn’t there be signs of “wear and tear”? Of course none of these types of realities are addressed. The film runs 1 hour, 39 minutes and was shot in Highland Park, Illinois, & the Chicago area. GRADE: C
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
