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Entertainment • Film

The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys is a 1987 American comedy horror film directed by Joel Schumacher.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Lost Boys is a 1987 American comedy horror film directed by Joel Schumacher. It follows two teenage brothers who move with their mother to the fictional California town of Santa Carla and discover that it is home to vampires. The film became a cult classic and later launched sequels, comics, and a 2026 Broadway musical adaptation.

Plot

The film follows two brothers, Michael and Sam, who move to Santa Carla, California, with their mother after a divorce. There, they encounter a group of teenage vampires led by David (Kiefer Sutherland). As Michael becomes entangled with the vampires, Sam works with the Frog brothers to stop them and save his family.

Production and release

The Lost Boys was directed by Joel Schumacher and released by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 31, 1987. It was primarily shot in Santa Cruz, California, and became both a critical and commercial success.

Reception and legacy

The film developed a strong cult following and is widely regarded as an influential 1980s vampire film. Its style, soundtrack, and blend of teen and horror elements helped shape later vampire stories in film and television.

Franchise

The Lost Boys expanded into a franchise with two sequel films and comic book series. A Broadway musical adaptation opened in April 2026.

Key facts

  • The Lost Boys is a 1987 American comedy horror film directed by Joel Schumacher.
  • The story follows two brothers who move to Santa Carla and encounter a gang of teenage vampires.
  • The film's title references the Lost Boys from Peter Pan, reflecting themes of youth and never growing up.
  • It was a critical and commercial success and later became a cult classic.
  • The franchise includes sequels, comics, and a 2026 Broadway musical adaptation.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Lost Boys?
It is a 1987 American comedy horror film about two brothers who encounter vampires after moving to Santa Carla, California.
Who directed The Lost Boys?
The film was directed by Joel Schumacher.
Who stars in The Lost Boys?
Major cast members include Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, Corey Feldman, and Dianne Wiest.
When was The Lost Boys released?
It was released in the United States on July 31, 1987.
Why is The Lost Boys notable?
It became a cult classic and is often credited as an influential modern vampire film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Boys
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, plot, release date, production location, franchise, Broadway adaptation, and cult-classic status.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lost_boys
    Supports: Genre and basic synopsis.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093437/
    Supports: Plot, release date, and cast.
  4. Facts.net — https://facts.net/movie/40-facts-about-the-movie-the-lost-boys/
    Supports: Film description, cast, and influence.
  5. Mental Floss — https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/73728/9-found-facts-about-lost-boys
    Supports: Cult status and enduring popularity.