The Lost Boys (1987)
Kernel Score: 80% · 2,246 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Romance
Released: 1987-07-31
Runtime: 97 minutes
Is The Lost Boys worth watching?
Worth watching. The Lost Boys is a stylish 1980s vampire movie about two brothers in a seaside town, mixing teen cool, jokes and real horror. The look and soundtrack are fun, and it's a cult classic that has aged better than most.
Watch it if you
- like 1980s horror comedies
- enjoy stylish vampire stories
- want fun, not deep scares
Skip it if you
- want serious, scary horror
- dislike 1980s cheese
Best for: Halloween movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Lost Boys
- Stream: Philo, AMC
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When an unsuspecting town newcomer is drawn to local blood fiends, the Frog brothers and other unlikely heroes gear up to rescue him.
The Lost Boys parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Lost Boys is an R-rated horror comedy involving vampires, gang violence, and blood-sucking murders.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Vampire horror involving blood-sucking, murder, and gang-related violence throughout.
- Language: Moderate — R rating and gang/street setting suggest coarse language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Lost Boys
If you liked The Lost Boys, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Fright Night (1985) — 78%: 1980s vampire story with humour and monster-hunting teens
- Sinners (2025) — 97%: Stylish, music-soaked vampire story with real ambition
- The Black Phone (2022) — 87%: Modern horror with strong atmosphere and a young lead
- The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967) — 76%: Vampire comedy that spoofs the genre
Director
Cast
- Jason Patric as Michael Emerson
- Corey Haim as Sam Emerson
- Dianne Wiest as Lucy Emerson
- Barnard Hughes as Grandpa
- Edward Herrmann as Max
- Kiefer Sutherland as David
- Jami Gertz as Star
- Corey Feldman as Edgar Frog
- Jamison Newlander as Alan Frog
- Brooke McCarter as Paul
The Lost Boys FAQ
Is The Lost Boys worth watching?
Worth watching. The Lost Boys is a stylish 1980s vampire movie about two brothers in a seaside town, mixing teen cool, jokes and real horror. The look and soundtrack are fun, and it's a cult classic that has aged better than most.
Where can I watch The Lost Boys?
In the US you can stream The Lost Boys on Philo and AMC and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Lost Boys OK for kids?
The Lost Boys is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Lost Boys is an R-rated horror comedy involving vampires, gang violence, and blood-sucking murders.
What movies are like The Lost Boys?
If you liked The Lost Boys, try Fright Night, Sinners, The Black Phone and The Fearless Vampire Killers.