🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Seltzer
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 1986
- Runtime (length): 1h 40min
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10 (18K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A super smart kid tries to win the girl by getting a brain injury.
🍿 Lucas: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Summer Friendship
Fourteen-year-old Lucas Bly, a bright and independent boy, spends his summer days collecting insects and exploring the woods. He befriends Maggie, a sixteen-year-old newcomer to town, who appreciates his intelligence and unique perspective. Their bond deepens as they share experiences like attending outdoor symphony performances.

High School Realities
As school begins, Maggie quickly integrates into the popular crowd, attracting the attention of Cappie, the football team captain. Lucas, who is younger and less socially adept, struggles to fit in and faces bullying from some of the jocks. He witnesses Maggie and Cappie’s growing connection, leading to feelings of heartbreak and isolation.

Seeking Acceptance
Determined to prove himself worthy of Maggie’s attention, Lucas decides to try out for the football team, despite his small size and lack of athletic ability. He endures rigorous training and faces ridicule from his peers. Cappie, who acts as a protector, is conflicted by Lucas’s actions and the potential for serious injury.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Lucas (Corey Haim): A socially awkward and intelligent fourteen-year-old boy who experiences first heartbreak and tries to prove himself.
- Maggie (Kerri Green): The new girl in town who becomes friends with Lucas, but is ultimately drawn to Cappie.
- Cappie (Charlie Sheen): The popular football captain who acts as a protector to Lucas and becomes the object of Maggie’s affection.
- Rina (Winona Ryder): A nerdy classmate who harbors unrequited feelings for Lucas throughout the film.
- Alise (Courtney Thorne-Smith): Cappie’s girlfriend who grows jealous of Maggie’s growing connection with him.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Lucas: “You can’t ever make me quit, EVER!” – Lucas defiantly declares this to Cappie when determined to prove himself, showing his unwavering spirit.
- Lucas: “You can’t tell anybody how you feel, ever!” – Reflects Lucas’s cynicism and fear of vulnerability, a key part of his character arc.
- Maggie: “Lucas, you have to be yourself.” – Maggie encourages Lucas to embrace his true identity, despite societal pressures.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $8,200,000
- Worldwide Gross: $8,200,000
💥 Lucas Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching ‘Lucas’ as a kid and feeling so much for the character. Corey Haim really nailed the awkwardness and yearning of being an outsider. The scene where he tries out for the football team is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It made me think about how high school is this crazy microcosm of life where fitting in feels like everything. I’ll admit, I still get a little choked up at the end.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 1980s teen movies”
- “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories”
- “Those who appreciate character-driven dramas”
- “People who enjoy movies about first love and social acceptance”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Bullying”
- “Teenage angst”
- “Mild language”
- “Sports-related injury”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Lucas is a surprisingly touching and insightful teen drama that avoids clichés and delivers a heartfelt story about friendship and growing up. Corey Haim’s performance is a standout.
- IMDB: “A coming-of-age movie. What starts as teen comedy turns into an involving drama as Lucas tries to join the football team to impress Maggie. Good performances, especially from Corey Haim.
- Metacritic: “The movie is not quite as great as I remember from my youth, but this is still a solid film. A movie about an underdog trying to better himself, while falling in love. Lucas is pretty easy to root for
Audience Reactions
Corey Haim’s performance is a standout, bringing heart and authenticity to the character.: The film offers a realistic portrayal of high school life and the challenges of being an outsider.
The movie has a heartwarming story and does not contain excessive violence or profanity.: Viewers appreciate the lack of clichés and the film’s sensitive approach to teenage romance.
Overall Consensus: A well-regarded coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences for its heartfelt performances and relatable themes of friendship, love, and self-acceptance.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Winona Ryder and Courtney Thorne-Smith both made their film debuts in ‘Lucas’.”
- “The film was shot at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, giving it an authentic high school feel.”
- “David Seltzer, known for writing ‘The Omen,’ both wrote and directed ‘Lucas’, showcasing his range in storytelling.”
- “The character Lucas’s intelligence and unusual interests were meant to highlight the struggles of gifted children in a typical high school environment.”
🖥️ How to Watch Lucas?
Lucas is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential streaming options, as availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Lucas, you might like these similar films:
- Sixteen Candles (1984): Both films explore the awkwardness and challenges of adolescence with humor and heart.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): Deals with themes of social alienation and finding your place in high school.
- The Breakfast Club (1985): Explores high school social dynamics and breaking stereotypes.
- Rudy (1993): Deals with themes of never giving up on your dreams, no matter how hard it is.
🛒 Lucas Related Products
- The Lost Boys (4K Ultra HD): Another iconic Corey Haim film. This 4k Ultra HD version allows you to see Corey Haim in another classic movie. Another excellent performance from Corey Haim that fans will surely want to see.
- Corey Haim: Teen Idol, Fallen Star: A biographical documentary exploring the life and struggles of Corey Haim, featuring interviews and insights into his career and personal challenges. This documentary allows one to explore and learn about Haim’s life.
- Winona Ryder Movie Poster: Commemorative poster of Winona Ryder, celebrating her first movie role in Lucas and her rise to fame. Showcase the rising career of Winona Ryder, for dedicated fans.
- 80s Throwback T-Shirt: Vintage-style t-shirt featuring iconic imagery and themes from 80s teen movies. Throwback to the iconic days of 80s teen films.
🎧 Soundtrack
Lucas features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Walk of Life” – performed by Dire Straits
- “No One Is to Blame” – performed by Howard Jones
- “Theme from Lucas” – performed by Dave Grusin
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Lucas was filmed primarily at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, adding to the film’s authentic portrayal of high school life.
The main theme of Lucas revolves around the challenges of adolescence, including first love, social acceptance, and finding one’s place in the world. It explores the importance of self-acceptance and the complexities of teenage relationships.
The main characters include Lucas Bly (Corey Haim), Maggie (Kerri Green), Cappie (Charlie Sheen), and Rina (Winona Ryder). Each character represents different aspects of the high school experience and contributes to the film’s exploration of teenage life.
🔥 Bonus Content
An UNSETTLING Serial Killer Movie
Ever wondered why some movies just stick with you? This video dives deep into ‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer’, a film that’s as unsettling as it is fascinating. I never knew this movie had such a troubled past!
What is a MacGuffin in Film — Are You Team Hitchcock or Team Lucas?
Want to sound like a film buff? Learn about the ‘MacGuffin,’ a plot device used by both Hitchcock and Lucas. This video breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense – it made me rethink some of my favorite movies!
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