🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Joel Schumacher
- Genre: Horror, Comedy
- Release year: 1987
- Runtime (length): 1h 37min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (168K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two brothers move to a new town where one becomes a vampire, and the other teams up with comic book nerds to fight them, all because their mom needs a boyfriend.
🍿 The Lost Boys: Detailed Plot Synopsis
New Town, New Threats
Lucy Emerson and her two sons, Michael and Sam, move to the seemingly idyllic coastal town of Santa Carla, California, to live with her eccentric father after her divorce. Santa Carla, however, has a dark secret: it’s plagued by a motorcycle gang led by the charismatic David, who are actually vampires. The town’s dark underbelly is hinted at by the numerous missing persons posters and the unsettling atmosphere.

Michael’s Descent
Michael, the older brother, becomes infatuated with a mysterious girl named Star, who is associated with David and his gang. He is lured into their world, unknowingly drinking vampire blood disguised as wine. As a result, Michael begins to exhibit vampiric traits: sensitivity to sunlight, a growing thirst for blood, and an increasing detachment from his former life. He’s caught between his humanity and his growing bloodlust.

Sam’s Discovery and the Frog Brothers
Meanwhile, Sam befriends Edgar and Alan Frog, two self-proclaimed vampire hunters who work at a local comic book store. They warn him about the vampire presence in Santa Carla and provide him with knowledge about vampire weaknesses. Sam notices Michael’s changes and, realizing the danger his brother is in, enlists the Frog Brothers to help him save Michael before he becomes a full vampire.

Preparing for Battle
Sam, Michael (who still retains some control), and the Frog Brothers arm themselves with vampire-hunting tools and prepare to confront David and his gang. They set traps within their home, utilizing garlic, holy water, and wooden stakes. This leads to a chaotic and suspenseful showdown, mixing horror with comedic elements as the unlikely heroes battle the vampires.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Michael (Jason Patric): A teenager who becomes a half-vampire after moving to a new town and falling in with the wrong crowd.
- Sam (Corey Haim): Michael’s younger brother, who enlists the help of vampire hunters to save his brother from becoming a full vampire.
- David (Kiefer Sutherland): The charismatic and rebellious leader of a gang of teenage vampires.
- Star (Jami Gertz): A beautiful half-vampire girl who is part of David’s gang and becomes Michael’s love interest.
- Edgar Frog (Corey Feldman): A self-proclaimed vampire hunter who provides Sam with knowledge and tools to fight vampires.
- Max (Edward Herrmann): Lucy’s charming boss and love interest who is secretly the head vampire.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- David: “Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It’s fun to be a vampire.” – David’s iconic line encapsulates the allure and danger of the vampire lifestyle.
- Edgar Frog: “Death by stereo!” – Shouted by Edgar as they use a stereo to attack a vampire, showcasing the film’s comedic horror blend.
- Sam: “My own brother, a goddamn, shit-sucking vampire. You wait ’till mom finds out, buddy!” – Sam’s reaction to discovering Michael’s vampirism highlights the film’s blend of horror and humor.
- Grandpa: “One thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach; all the damn vampires.” – The film’s closing line, delivered with casual exasperation, solidifies its unique tone.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $8.5M
- Domestic Gross: $32.3M
- Worldwide Gross: $32.5M
💥 The Lost Boys Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, ‘The Lost Boys’ is one of my all-time favorites! Growing up, I wanted to be part of that vampire gang (minus the blood-sucking part, of course). The soundtrack is killer – I still blast ‘Cry Little Sister’ every Halloween. The Frog brothers are hilarious, and Kiefer Sutherland is just effortlessly cool. It’s a perfect blend of horror and comedy that makes me feel like a kid again every time I watch it. Seeing it at the drive-in last year was amazing! I also have a major thing for the vampire aesthetic in the movie. The clothes, the hair, the whole vibe is just so cool and angsty. I really miss the 80s! If you haven’t seen this movie, you’re missing out. It is a true cult classic and essential viewing for any self-respecting horror fan. Also, always carry garlic.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 80s horror-comedy movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy vampire stories with a modern twist”
- “Those who appreciate a blend of humor, horror, and action”
- “Anyone interested in coming-of-age stories with supernatural elements”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Gore”
- “Suggestive Sexuality”
- “Language”
- “Teen Drinking/Drug Use (Implied)”
Professional Reviews
- Film Quarterly: “The Lost Boys successfully blends teen angst with classic vampire lore, creating a stylish and entertaining horror-comedy. Schumacher’s direction is visually striking, capturing the energy of the 80s while exploring themes of family and belonging.
- Fangoria: “While it’s not the scariest vampire flick out there, ‘The Lost Boys’ offers a fun and engaging take on the genre. The youthful cast shines, especially Kiefer Sutherland, and the practical effects still hold up today.
- Santa Carla Sentinel: “While the movie accurately portrays Santa Carla (though it’s actually Santa Cruz) it’s over the top on murder
Audience Reactions
The soundtrack is amazing and captures the 80s vibe perfectly!: The blend of horror and comedy makes it a fun and rewatchable movie.
Kiefer Sutherland’s performance is iconic and unforgettable.: The youthful cast brings a fresh and exciting take to the vampire genre.
Overall Consensus: ‘The Lost Boys’ is a beloved cult classic that seamlessly blends horror and comedy, featuring a killer soundtrack and memorable performances, making it a fun and rewatchable experience.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was originally conceived as a much darker and more serious vampire film aimed at a younger audience, but director Joel Schumacher lightened the tone to appeal to a wider audience.”
- “The cave set where the vampires reside was so cold that the actors often wore wetsuits under their costumes to stay warm.”
- “The soundtrack was a huge success, featuring artists like INXS, The Doors, and Echo & the Bunnymen, contributing to the movie’s lasting appeal.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Lost Boys?
The Lost Boys is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for purchase or rental. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may also rotate on services like Hulu or Netflix. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also readily available at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Lost Boys, you might like these similar films:
- Fright Night (1985): Another 80s horror-comedy with a teenage protagonist battling vampires, offering a similar blend of scares and laughs.
- Near Dark (1987): A darker, more mature take on vampires, also released in 1987, focusing on a group of nomadic vampires.
- The Goonies (1985): Features a group of young friends going on an adventure, capturing the same spirit of youthful camaraderie and overcoming challenges together.
- Stranger Things (2016-): A modern series that captures the nostalgic 80s vibe and features a group of young friends battling supernatural forces.
🛒 The Lost Boys Related Products
- The Lost Boys (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital) [4K UHD]: Experience the movie in stunning 4K resolution with enhanced picture and sound quality.
- The Lost Boys: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the iconic 80s sounds of the film with this digital soundtrack, featuring tracks from INXS, Echo & the Bunnymen, and more.
- The Lost Boys – David Vampire T-Shirt: Show off your love for Kiefer Sutherland’s iconic vampire character with this stylish t-shirt.
- The Lost Boys (1987) Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating your home theater or fan cave.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Lost Boys features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Cry Little Sister” – performed by Gerard McMann
- “Lost in the Shadows (The Lost Boys)” – performed by Lou Gramm
- “People Are Strange” – performed by Echo & the Bunnymen
- “Good Times” – performed by INXS & Jimmy Barnes
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Lost Boys was primarily filmed in Santa Cruz, California, capturing the essence of a coastal boardwalk town.
There have been attempts at sequels and reboots, including television pilots that did not get picked up. The original film remains the most iconic.
The head vampire is revealed to be Max, Lucy’s boyfriend and employer, who sought to create a family by turning her sons into vampires.
Santa Carla is called the murder capital due to the high number of unexplained deaths and disappearances, which are eventually revealed to be caused by the vampire gang.
🔥 Bonus Content
Why THE LOST BOYS Has a Special Place in 80s Horror
Dive into Ryan Hollinger’s insightful analysis of ‘The Lost Boys’ and discover why it holds a special place in the hearts of 80s horror enthusiasts. From its unique vampire mythology to its memorable characters, this video offers a fresh perspective on the film’s enduring appeal.
The Vampires From Lost Boys (1987)
Curious about the enigmatic vampires in ‘The Lost Boys’? This video takes a closer look at their captivating characters, exploring their unique traits, powers, and the pivotal role they play in shaping the film’s thrilling storyline.
Lost Boys movie review
Check out Jeremy Jahns’ thought-provoking review of ‘The Lost Boys’! He shares his personal take on the film, discussing what makes it a classic and offering a fresh perspective on its enduring appeal.
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