Ruthless People
1986, English. Directed by Jim Abrahams & David Zucker & Jerry Zucker.
Sam Stone's wife has just been kidnapped... And he doesn't want her back!
Sam Stone hates his wife Barbara so much that he wants her dead. He's ecstatic when she's taken by a duo of kidnappers who want $500,000 ransom in exchange for her life. Fully intending to ignore every one of the kidnappers' demands in the hopes that they do him a favor and murder her for him, the two confused kidnappers have to figure out how they're going get their money, and what they're going to do with the overbearing Barbara.
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.6/10 from 470 TMDB viewer ratings.
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YouTubeCast & crew
- Jim AbrahamsDirector
- David ZuckerDirector
- Jerry ZuckerDirector
- Danny DeVitoSam Stone
- Bette MidlerBarbara Stone
- Judge ReinholdKen Kessler
- Helen SlaterSandy Kessler
- Anita MorrisCarol Dodsworth
- Bill PullmanEarl James Mott
- William G. SchillingChief Henry Benton
- Art EvansLt. Bender
- Clarence FelderLt. Walters
- J.E. FreemanBedroom Killer
- Gary RileyHeavy Metal Kid
- Frank SiveroThe Mugger
Details
- Released
- 26 June 1986
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Dale Launer
- Budget
- $11M
- Box office
- $72M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Ruthless People: quick answers
Is Ruthless People worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.6/10 from 470 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Ruthless People?
Ruthless People runs 94 minutes (1h 34m).
Does Ruthless People have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Ruthless People. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Ruthless People parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Ruthless People is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Ruthless People on?
Ruthless People isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Ruthless People?
If you liked Ruthless People, try Swimming with Sharks, Seven Psychopaths, Gringo.
Who directed Ruthless People?
Ruthless People (1986) was directed by Jim Abrahams and David Zucker and Jerry Zucker and stars Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold.