PG-13

Can't Buy Me Love

Ronald is making an investment in his senior year. He's hiring the prettiest cheerleader in school to be his girlfriend.

1987 • 94 min • Comedy · Romance

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Synopsis

Nerdy high schooler Ronald Miller rescues cheerleader Cindy Mancini from parental punishment after she accidentally destroys her mother's designer clothes. Ronald agrees to pay for the $1,000 outfit on one condition: that she will act as though they're a couple for an entire month. As the days pass, however, Cindy grows fond of Ronald, making him popular. But when Ronald's former best friend gets left behind, he realizes that social success isn't everything.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

730 reviews

69 Audience · 730 · 100%

A high school nerd pays a popular cheerleader to pretend to be his girlfriend, hoping it will boost his social standing. Their agreement leads to unexpected feelings and a change in his popularity, but he soon learns that true friendship and character are more important than superficial acceptance. It's a classic 80s teen comedy about finding yourself.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 4/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Some dated portrayals of social roles
Brief underage drinking at parties
Characters use mild to moderate language
Themes of social exclusion and bullying

What it models well

Self-acceptance and personal growth
The value of true friendship
Challenging social hierarchies
Integrity over popularity

Talk about it after

The difference between popularity and genuine connection
The challenges of high school social dynamics
How choices affect others, even unintentionally
What it means to 'sell out' your friends

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Can't Buy Me Love. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.