Dazed and Confused (1993)

Kernel Score: 83% · 2,214 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Released: 1993-09-24

Runtime: 102 minutes

Is Dazed and Confused worth watching?

Must-watch. A loose, funny hangout movie about the last day of school in 1970s Texas. Nothing much happens on purpose, and the ensemble and period details make that the whole charm.

Watch it if you

  • like plotless, vibe-first teen comedies
  • enjoy 70s music and nostalgia
  • want a movie to rewatch with friends

Skip it if you

  • need a tight story with high stakes
  • dislike lots of drinking and drug jokes

Best for: Hangout movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Dazed and Confused

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

The adventures of a group of Texas teens on their last day of school in 1976, centering on student Randall Floyd, who moves easily among stoners, jocks and geeks. Floyd is a star athlete, but he also likes smoking weed, which presents a conundrum when his football coach demands he sign a "no drugs" pledge.

Dazed and Confused parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Dazed and Confused is an R-rated teen comedy centered on 1970s Texas kids drinking, smoking marijuana, and hazing on the last day of school.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Hazing includes paddling of freshmen and some rough physical horseplay among teens.
  • Language: Moderate — Frequent period-appropriate profanity throughout, consistent with its R rating.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: Intense — Pervasive teen drinking and marijuana use are central to the plot, including a coach's anti-drug pledge conflict.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Dazed and Confused

If you liked Dazed and Confused, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Breakfast Club (1985) — 87%: Classic teen ensemble stuck together for one defining day.
  • Before Sunrise (1995) — 89%: Same director, same easy talky charm of a single night.
  • Boyhood (2014) — 84%: Same director's tender, lived-in look at growing up.
  • 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) — 85%: Sharp, funny high school comedy with a great cast.
  • The Kings of Summer (2013) — 76%: Teens chasing one last stretch of freedom before adulthood.
  • Heathers (1989) — 83%: Darker, sharper take on high school social hierarchies.

Director

Richard Linklater

Cast

  • Jason London as Pink
  • Matthew McConaughey as Wooderson
  • Joey Lauren Adams as Simone
  • Rory Cochrane as Slater
  • Wiley Wiggins as Mitch
  • Adam Goldberg as Mike
  • Anthony Rapp as Tony
  • Sasha Jenson as Don
  • Shawn Andrews as Pickford
  • Milla Jovovich as Michelle

Dazed and Confused FAQ

Is Dazed and Confused worth watching?

Must-watch. A loose, funny hangout movie about the last day of school in 1970s Texas. Nothing much happens on purpose, and the ensemble and period details make that the whole charm.

Where can I watch Dazed and Confused?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Dazed and Confused OK for kids?

Dazed and Confused is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Dazed and Confused is an R-rated teen comedy centered on 1970s Texas kids drinking, smoking marijuana, and hazing on the last day of school.

What movies are like Dazed and Confused?

If you liked Dazed and Confused, try The Breakfast Club, Before Sunrise, Boyhood and 10 Things I Hate About You.