Ruthless People (1986) Watch Online Free

Ruthless People (1986) Watch Online

Ruthless People (1986) Watch Online Free

Year: 1986 Rating: 68
Genres: Comedy

A couple, cheated by a vile businessman, kidnap his wife in retaliation—without knowing that their enemy is delighted they did.


Ruthless People (1986) is a dark comedy directed by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, famous for their slapstick humor. The film revolves around Sam Stone (Danny DeVito), a ruthless millionaire who, fed up with his vulgar wife Barbara (Bette Midler), plans to murder her for her substantial inheritance. However, his plan takes an unexpected turn when Barbara is kidnapped by a couple seeking revenge on Sam for past wrongs. The kidnappers, Ken and Sandy Kessler, are in dire financial straits and hope to extort money from Sam by holding his wife for ransom.

To their surprise, Sam is indifferent to his wife’s fate and even encourages the kidnappers to kill her. This leads to a series of chaotic events, as Sam’s mistress, Carol, and her dim-witted boyfriend Earl, have their own scheme to steal Sam’s fortune. Meanwhile, the incompetent police and a series of misunderstandings add further complexity to the plot. Eventually, Sam finds himself caught in a web of his own making, as his wife begins to bond with her captors, and various characters’ plans backfire.

Themes and Impact of the Movie

“Ruthless People” explores several themes, including greed, revenge, and the absurdity of human behavior. The film satirizes the lengths to which people will go for money and power, highlighting the moral decay of its characters. Sam’s greed and lack of empathy are central to the plot, and his cold-hearted attitude towards his wife’s kidnapping provides much of the film’s dark humor. The movie also critiques the consequences of selfishness, as characters who act out of self-interest often find themselves in increasingly ridiculous situations.

The film’s impact lies in its unique blend of dark humor and slapstick comedy, a trademark of the Zucker brothers and Jim Abrahams. The use of absurd situations and witty dialogue creates a fast-paced, entertaining experience that keeps the audience engaged. The film’s ability to juggle multiple storylines and characters without losing momentum is a testament to its clever writing and direction.

10 Reasons to Watch “Ruthless People”

  1. Unique Blend of Comedy: The film combines dark humor with slapstick, making it a fun and unpredictable watch.
  2. Outstanding Performances: Danny DeVito’s performance as the scheming Sam Stone is a highlight, showcasing his comedic timing and ability to dominate the screen despite his small stature.
  3. Intriguing Plot: The plot twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing about what will happen next.
  4. Memorable Characters: From the greedy Sam Stone to the inept kidnappers, the film features a range of colorful characters that add to the chaos.
  5. Sharp Satire: The film offers a satirical look at greed, class, and the lengths people will go to for money.
  6. Dark Comedy: If you enjoy dark humor, this film delivers with its absurd and morally questionable characters.
  7. Classic 80s Comedy: It captures the essence of 80s comedy with its fast-paced, zany humor.
  8. Strong Female Leads: Bette Midler’s portrayal of Barbara Stone adds depth to the film, with her character’s transformation throughout the story.
  9. Unexpected Bonding: The unlikely friendship that forms between Barbara and her captors adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
  10. Engaging Script: The witty and clever dialogue keeps the film fresh and entertaining throughout.

What Will You Feel After Watching “Ruthless People”?

After watching “Ruthless People,” you will likely feel entertained by its absurdity and sharp humor. The film’s fast pace and constant plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat, while the dark comedy leaves you laughing at the ridiculousness of the situations. At the same time, you may reflect on the film’s commentary on greed and human nature, as it humorously exposes the flaws and selfishness of its characters. The movie’s chaotic, yet satisfying resolution will leave you feeling amused and perhaps even a little surprised by the unexpected outcomes. Overall, it’s a fun ride that combines laughter with a sharp critique of human ambition and vice.