The Garbage Pail Kids Movie

Friday, October 20 - Saturday, October 21, 2023

Topps chewing gum characters come to life in a comic adventure about an orphaned boy who learns the meaning of true friendship.

“Before Barbie there was…THE GARBAGE PAIL KIDS MOVIE, the original trashterpiece based on the trading cards that were as adored by preteens as much they were reviled by their parents. It’s a touching tale of chosen family, featuring a grotesque gang of misfits from outer space with hearts of gold, who prove that anything is possible ‘by working with each other’ in a standout, upbeat musical number. Then there’s the Razzie-nominated empowering soft rock anthem of self-acceptance by Jimmy Scarlett & The Dimensions (who?!) that invitingly declares ‘You Can Be a Garbage Pail Kid.’ Although the movie’s visual effects also gained Razzie recognition, I personally think the animatronics have aged pretty well and are part of this movie’s unlikely enduring charm. Suitably rated ‘One of the most rotten movies of all time’ with 0% on Rotten Tomatoes, I can’t wait to revisit this 80s oddity in all its tender, revolting glory on the big screen.”

 – Staff Pick by James Kleinmann, Founder and Editor of The Queer Review and IFC Usher

Screening as part of our series Staff Picks Summer 2023-Winter 2024.

• Country USA
• Year 1987
• Running Time 97 minutes
• Format DCP
• Distributor Park Circus
• Director Rod Amateau
• Cast Phil Fondacaro, Anthony Newley, Mackenzie Astin

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.