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American Pie (film)

American Pie is a 1999 American teen sex comedy film directed by Paul Weitz and written by Adam Herz.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

American Pie is a 1999 American teen sex comedy film directed by Paul Weitz and written by Adam Herz. It follows four high school friends in East Great Falls, Michigan, who make a pact to lose their virginity before graduation. The film became a major box-office hit and launched a long-running franchise.

Plot

The story follows Jim, Kevin, Oz, and Finch as they enter a pact to have sex before graduation. Their efforts lead to a series of awkward, humiliating, and comedic situations.

Production

American Pie was written by Adam Herz and directed by Paul Weitz. The film was produced on a relatively modest budget and became notable for its ensemble cast, much of which consisted of then-emerging actors.

Reception and impact

The film was a commercial success and became a cultural touchstone for late-1990s teen comedies. It is often cited for its crude humour, coming-of-age themes, and influence on later films in the genre.

Franchise

American Pie led to a franchise that included theatrical sequels and direct-to-video spin-offs. The series expanded the original characters’ stories and became one of the best-known comedy franchises of its era.

Key facts

  • The film centers on four teenage friends who try to lose their virginity before high school graduation.
  • It was released in 1999 and is widely associated with the teen comedy boom of that era.
  • The film was directed by Paul Weitz and based on a screenplay by Adam Herz.
  • It helped launch the careers of several cast members, including Jason Biggs and Seann William Scott.
  • The movie spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, forming the American Pie franchise.
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Canadian context

American Pie was widely released in Canada as part of its North American theatrical rollout and became familiar to Canadian audiences through its broad international popularity and home-video and television distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is American Pie about?
It follows four high school friends who make a pact to lose their virginity before graduation.
Who directed American Pie?
The film was directed by Paul Weitz.
When was American Pie released?
It was released in the United States on July 9, 1999.
Who wrote American Pie?
The screenplay was written by Adam Herz.
Did American Pie become a franchise?
Yes. It spawned several sequels and spin-offs, becoming a long-running film franchise.

References

  1. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/american_pie
    Supports: Release date, director, runtime, genre, and synopsis
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163651/
    Supports: Plot summary, release date, runtime, rating, and cast
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163651/faq/
    Supports: Screenplay attribution, premise, and runtime
  4. Mental Flosshttps://www.mentalfloss.com/article/65909/16-delicious-facts-about-american-pie
    Supports: Budget, worldwide gross, and sequel/franchise information
  5. Wikipediahttps://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pie_(film_series)
    Supports: Franchise context and sequel chronology