Adventures in Babysitting

Play trailer

Adventures in Babysitting

PG-13

1987

1h 42m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

When plans with her boyfriend fall through, high school senior Chris Parker (Elisabeth Shue) ends up babysitting the Anderson kids, Brad (Keith Coogan) and Sara (Maia Brewton). What should be a quiet night in, however, turns into a series of ridiculous exploits, starting when they leave the house to pick up Chris' friend Brenda (Penelope Ann Miller). Soon, Brad's buddy Daryl (Anthony Rapp) is involved, and the group must contend with car thieves, blues musicians and much more.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

Sweet and spry, Adventures in Babysitting gets by on its amiable tone.

Read Critics Reviews

Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Adventures in Babysitting holds up because it is so remarkably progressive in its depiction of its primary female characters.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 24, 2022

Full Review

Carrie Rickey

Philadelphia Inquirer

In many ways, Babysitting is interesting for what it is not: namely, a John Hughes selfish-teen movie that asks, "Will the girl from the wrong side of the tracks get invited to the prom by the preppie?"

Rated: 3/4

Jun 26, 2021

Full Review

Jay Carr

Boston Globe

Although far from original. "Adventures in Babysitting" is a likable exercise In soft-core juvenile anarchy.

Jun 26, 2021

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a larger-than-life premise that’s employed to fun, inventive effect by Columbus...

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 5, 2024

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

A romp of a family film that hasn't aged particularly well in its treatment of POC, but features a fun, sexy lead performance by Elizabeth Shue and an escalating number of ridiculous "the city is scary" developments that make for a very entertaining time.

Rated: 4.5/5

Jan 25, 2023

Full Review

Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

This kind of teen-oriented movie died out in the 1990s, and today that leaves Babysitting without a comfortable place to sit.

Rated: 6/10

Sep 12, 2022

Full Review

Read all reviews

Audience Member

Nostalgic little watch, I liked the blast to the past and 80s feel to it. One of, if not, the best decade ever. Wish they made movies like this today. It is obviously more childish, so it wasn't fully for me. But I had fun with it nonetheless.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

Full Review

Dave C

A very entertaining, well directed, well acted YA romp that stands the test of time as it doesn't focus on anything other than the story. I cannot believe I've not seen it before. I mean, it's a solid watch for the hairstyles alone, right?!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

Full Review

Zachary E

My full thoughts and opinions can be heard on The Knife Partty Podcast episode 306

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

Full Review

Dale R

A Touchstone release about a teen’s babysitting job that goes horribly wrong. Elisabeth Shue stars in the lead and does a fine job, as do her children co-stars. There are a few questionable camera angles and character choices in the writing. The tone felt off as well. I wasn’t sure if this was meant for children as there was plenty of swearing, but the plot felt aimed toward a younger crowd. A serviceable movie that I think is worth your time.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/07/24

Full Review

Turiyan G

Adventures in Babysitting is a Documentary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/01/24

Full Review

Leaburn O

The 80s did these teen films better than any era. It's fun, sweet and irreverent. An original plot that wasn't ruined with ridiculous sequels, this is a film that still works and has aged well. Rented this one on Amazon Prime

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Chris Columbus

Director

Elisabeth Shue

Chris Parker

Maia Brewton

Sara Anderson

Keith Coogan

Brad Anderson

Anthony Rapp

Daryl Coopersmith

Calvin Levels

Joe Gipp

Can't Buy Me Love

50%

74%

Can't Buy Me Love

Watchlist

Noises Off

61%

84%

Noises Off

Watchlist

Renaissance Man

12%

53%

Renaissance Man

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Renaissance Man

My Boyfriend's Back

13%

45%

My Boyfriend's Back

Watchlist

Three Fugitives

14%

50%

Three Fugitives

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

When plans with her boyfriend fall through, high school senior Chris Parker (Elisabeth Shue) ends up babysitting the Anderson kids, Brad (Keith Coogan) and Sara (Maia Brewton). What should be a quiet night in, however, turns into a series of ridiculous exploits, starting when they leave the house to pick up Chris' friend Brenda (Penelope Ann Miller). Soon, Brad's buddy Daryl (Anthony Rapp) is involved, and the group must contend with car thieves, blues musicians and much more.

Director: Chris Columbus
Producer: Debra Hill, Lynda Obst
Screenwriter: David Simkins
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Surround

Most Popular at Home Now