Sixteen Candles

1984 · 1h33 · Film

Directed by John Hughes

Starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, Haviland Morris, Gedde Watanabe, Anthony Michael Hall, Justin Henry, Paul Dooley, Carlin Glynn, Blanche Baker, Edward Andrews

Ideal when you feel… Romantic Happy Angry

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.

Original language

English

Screenplay

John Hughes

Music

Ira Newborn

Cinematography

Bobby Byrne

Cast

Gedde Watanabe, Anthony Michael Hall, Justin Henry, Paul Dooley, Carlin Glynn, Blanche Baker, Edward Andrews, Billie Bird, Carole Cook

Updated July 22, 2026

Trailer

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