Back to School

Right now you can watch Back to School in Australia on MGM Amazon Channel, and in the US on Philo and AMC+ Amazon Channel — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 501 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Rodney Dangerfield is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Start it on MGM Amazon Channel whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Back to School arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Back to School from the crowd. Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason's college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, giving way to hilarious antics. Rodney Dangerfield and Sally Kellerman lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1986. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Back to School holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Back to School is a strong candidate. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Rodney Dangerfield is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.