Better Off Dead...

Insanity doesn't run in the family, it gallops.

1985 • 97 min • Comedy · Romance

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Synopsis

High school student Lane Meyer sinks into suicidal depression when his girlfriend dumps him for jock Roy Stalin, the high school ski racing champion. Meanwhile, he has to deal with his eccentric family, a tenacious paperboy and an obnoxious neighbor whose mother is hosting a beautiful French exchange student named Monique.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

561 reviews

66 Audience · 561 · 100%

Lane Meyer faces comedic chaos after his girlfriend dumps him. He navigates a quirky family, persistent paperboy, and a rival while falling for a French exchange student. This teen comedy blends romance, skiing, and hilariously offbeat situations.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Implied suicidal ideation played for dark comedy
Some crude humor and mild sexual innuendo
Risky skiing stunts without proper safety

What it models well

Perseverance through challenges
Finding new connections
Self-discovery

Talk about it after

Coping with disappointment and breakups
The importance of communication
Dealing with eccentric family members

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Better Off Dead.... Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.