The Breakfast Club – 40 Years Later, the Iconic Teen Classic Returns
What happens when you lock five very different teenagers in a high school library on a Saturday morning? Magic. That’s what. The Breakfast Club is back in cinemas to celebrate its 40th anniversary, and Ster-Kinekor is giving fans old and new the chance to experience this legendary teen drama the way it was always meant to be seen—on the big screen. For a limited time only, catch this unforgettable coming-of-age classic at special throwback prices. Just R50 a ticket. One film. One detention. One more chance to relive the story that defined a generation.
Why This Film Still Matters (Then and Now)
Released in 1985, The Breakfast Club didn’t just speak to teens—it understood them. With its mix of angst, humour, and emotional honesty, it captured the messy, complicated reality of growing up in a way that felt revolutionary. Decades later, those themes still hit home.
Beneath the hair, the eyeliner, and the shoulder pads lies a timeless story about identity, isolation, and the desire to be seen for who you really are. Whether you’re the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess, or the criminal—or some messy combo of all five—there’s something deeply relatable in every character.
This isn’t just a film; it’s a cultural touchstone. The Breakfast Club changed teen movies forever. It proved that youth stories could be smart, heartfelt, and unflinchingly real.
Here’s a quick synopsis:
On Saturday, March 24, 1984, five students at Shermer High School in Shermer, Illinois, report for an all-day detention: socially awkward Brian Johnson, jock Andrew Clark, shy loner Allison Reynolds, popular girl Claire Standish, and rebellious delinquent John Bender. They gather in the school library and meet with their Vice Principal Richard Vernon… comedy history then ensues.
Cast Spotlight
Let’s talk about that cast. Judd Nelson’s rebellious Bender brought swagger and soul to the screen, while Molly Ringwald gave Claire a vulnerability that made the “princess” more than just a stereotype. Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, and Ally Sheedy rounded out the group with unforgettable performances that perfectly captured the awkward tension and emotional depth of teenage life.
This film launched careers and solidified the “Brat Pack” as the voice of a generation. And honestly? They still crush it. Every glare, every smirk, every monologue still resonates with audiences 40 years later.
Here’s a glance at the whole cast:
- Emilio Estevez as Andrew Clark, an "athlete" who is in Saturday detention for taping another student's butt cheeks together
- Paul Gleason as Richard Vernon, the domineering vice principal of Shermer High School who oversees the Saturday detention
- Anthony Michael Hall as Brian Johnson, a "brain" who is in Saturday detention for taking a flare gun to school
- John Kapelos as Carl Reed, a janitor at Shermer High School who is on friendly terms with Brian
- Judd Nelson as John Bender, a "criminal" who is in Saturday detention for setting off the fire alarm
- Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish, a "princess" who is in Saturday detention for skipping school
- Ally Sheedy as Allison Reynolds, a "basket case" who was not in Saturday detention but goes anyway
- Ron Dean as Mr. Clark, Andrew's father
- Mercedes Hall as Mrs. Johnson, Brian's mother
- Mary Christian as Brian's sister
- Tim Gamble as Mr. Standish, Claire's father
- Perry Crawford & Fran Gargano as (respectively) Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, Allison's parents
- John Hughes as Mr. Johnson (uncredited cameo), Brian's father
Why You Should See It on the Big Screen
Sure, you’ve probably seen The Breakfast Club on TV or streaming—but trust us, this is a whole different vibe. The opening strains of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” pumping through surround sound. Those long, moody shots of the school. The slow build to that final fist pump. In a cinema, it all hits harder.
Watching it with an audience? Even better. Laughing together, gasping together, maybe even tearing up a little—it’s a reminder of just how powerful movies can be when they’re shared.
Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, The Breakfast Club on the big screen is something special.
Plan Your Movie Night
Ready to go back to detention? Find a Ster-Kinekor cinema near you and check showtimes for The Breakfast Club’s 40th anniversary screenings. But don’t wait too long - like we said, this is a limited run, and seats are sure to fill up fast.
While you’re booking, check out what else is coming up in the Throwback Cinema series. From beloved family favourites to cult classics, there’s something for every kind of movie lover.
Get Your Tickets
Don’t miss this iconic 1985 teen drama back where it belongs - on the big screen. Relive the magic of The Breakfast Club at Ster-Kinekor. It’s not just a movie. It’s a moment in time - and it’s waiting for you.
