Sixteen Candles
“Turning sixteen isn't easy, when you've fallen in love... for the first time.”
Synopsis
With the occasion all but overshadowed by her sister's upcoming wedding, angst-ridden Samantha faces her 16th birthday with typical adolescent dread. Samantha pines for studly older boy Jake, but worries that her chastity will be a turnoff for the popular senior. Meanwhile, she must constantly rebuff the affections of nerdy Ted, who is unfortunately the only boy in school who seems to take an interest in her.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Original TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2019-04-26
Top Cast
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Molly Ringwald
Samantha Baker
Michael Schoeffling
Jake Ryan
Haviland Morris
Caroline Mulford
Gedde Watanabe
Long Duk Dong
Anthony Michael Hall
Geek (Ted)
Justin Henry
Mike Baker
Paul Dooley
Jim Baker
Carlin Glynn
Brenda Baker
Blanche Baker
Ginny Baker
Edward Andrews
Howard Baker
Billie Bird
Dorothy Baker
Carole Cook
Grandma Helen
Max Showalter
Grandpa Fred
Liane Curtis
Randy
John Cusack
Bryce
Darren Harris
Cliff
Debbie Pollack
Lumberjack
Ross Berkson
Ray Gun Geek #1
Release History & Theatrical Window
May 4, 1984
Wide Cinema Exhibition
July 5, 2012
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$6.5M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$23.7M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
3.64x
+$17.2M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Hughes
- Screenplay & Story
- John Hughes
- Original Score
- Ira Newborn
- Original Title
- Sixteen Candles
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Budget
- $6.5M
- Worldwide Gross
- $23.7M
- Production Studios
- Universal Pictures, Channel Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Hughes
John Hughes
Ira Newborn
Bobby Byrne
Edward Warschilka
Hilton A. Green, Ned Tanen
Department Leadership Roster
John Hughes
Director
Hilton A. Green
Producer
John W. Corso
Production Design
Mark Peterson
Costume Design
Edward Warschilka
Editor
John Hughes
Writer
Ira Newborn
Original Music Composer
Bobby Byrne
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Sixteen Candles.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Sixteen Candles.
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Watched
I watch way too much but not everything till the end.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sixteen Candles
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Sixteen Candles about?
With the occasion all but overshadowed by her sister's upcoming wedding, angst-ridden Samantha faces her 16th birthday with typical adolescent dread. Samantha pines for studly older boy Jake, but worries that her chastity will be a turnoff for the popular senior. Meanwhile, she must constantly rebuff the affections of nerdy Ted, who is unfortunately the only boy in school who seems to take an interest in her.
Who directed Sixteen Candles?
Sixteen Candles was directed by John Hughes.
Who stars in Sixteen Candles?
The principal cast of Sixteen Candles includes Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, Haviland Morris, Gedde Watanabe, Anthony Michael Hall.
When was Sixteen Candles released and how long is it?
Sixteen Candles was released in 1984 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.
What was the box office and production budget of Sixteen Candles?
Sixteen Candles had a reported production budget of $6.5M and grossed $23.7M at the worldwide box office (3.64 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Sixteen Candles?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Sixteen Candles was composed by Ira Newborn.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Sixteen Candles?
Sixteen Candles holds official age classifications: AU: PG (Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).