RATING★ 7.1/10
VERDICT HIT
The Lost Boys (1987) movie backdrop
The Lost Boys (1987) movie poster

The Lost Boys Hit or Flop?

Rating
7.1/10
🎯Verdict
HIT
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
198797 minHorror, Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Romance
Audience VerdictHIT
Box Office ClassStandard

The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:The Lost Boys is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.1/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Horror, Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Romance genre.

Is The Lost Boys Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, The Lost Boys is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.

It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

7.1/10 2,214 votes
97Minutes
1987Release Year
Visual Story
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The Lost Boys Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, The Lost Boys emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When an unsuspecting town newcomer is drawn to local blood fiends, the Frog brothers and other unlikely heroes gear up to rescue him. Unlike standard genre fare, The Lost Boys attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Lost Boys features a noteworthy lineup led by Jason Patric . Supported by the likes of Corey Haim and Dianne Wiest , 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 The Lost Boys (1987) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.

The Lost Boys Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: The Lost Boys is a Horror, Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Romance film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. When an unsuspecting town newcomer is drawn to local blood fiends, the Frog brothers and other unlikely heroes gear up to rescue him. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
  • 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 final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Thematic Depth

Beneath the scares lies commentary on deeper fears—loss of control, the unknown, or societal anxieties manifested as literal monsters.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Solid execution of genre conventions
  • Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
  • Competent performances from the cast

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Some narrative choices that feel predictable
  • Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act

The Lost Boys Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: The Lost Boys resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Lost Boys reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Lost Boys?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere

The Lost Boys Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $8.5M
Worldwide Gross $32.2M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

The Lost Boys Budget

The estimated production budget for The Lost Boys is $8.5M. 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.

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Full Cast & Crew of The Lost Boys

  • Jason Patric – Michael Emerson
  • Corey Haim – Sam Emerson
  • Dianne Wiest – Lucy Emerson
  • Barnard Hughes – Grandpa
  • Edward Herrmann – Max

Top Highlights

Jason Patric
Jason PatricMichael Emerson
Corey Haim
Corey HaimSam Emerson
Dianne Wiest
Dianne WiestLucy Emerson
Barnard Hughes
Barnard HughesGrandpa
Edward Herrmann
Edward HerrmannMax
Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer SutherlandDavid
Jami Gertz
Jami GertzStar
Corey Feldman
Corey FeldmanEdgar Frog
Jamison Newlander
Jamison NewlanderAlan Frog
Brooke McCarter
Brooke McCarterPaul

Where to Watch The Lost Boys Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
The Lost Boys is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence, romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Lost Boys stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Lost Boys movie hit or flop?

The Lost Boys is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Horror, Comedy, Thriller movies.

Is The Lost Boys worth watching?

Yes, The Lost Boys is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Horror, Comedy, Thriller cinema.

Where can I watch The Lost Boys online?

The Lost Boys may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Lost Boys

How The Lost Boys Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Lost Boys

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.1
The Lost Boys
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