The Wanderers

Directed by Philip Kaufman

R

1979 1h 57mDrama, Crime,

7.389%87%7.0

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The streets of the Bronx are owned by '60s youth gangs where the joy and pain of adolescence is lived. Philip Kaufman tells his take on the novel by Richard Price about the history of the Italian-American gang ‘The Wanderers.’

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Cast of The Wanderers

Ken WahlRichie
John FriedrichJoey
Karen AllenNina
Toni KalemDespie Galasso
Alan RosenbergTurkey
Jim YoungsBuddy
Tony GaniosPerry
Linda ManzPeewee
William AndrewsEmilio
Erland van LidthTerror
Val AveryMr. Sharp
Dolph SweetChubby Galasso
Michael WrightClinton
Burtt HarrisMarine Recruiter
Samm-Art WilliamsRoger
Dion AlbaneseTeddy Wong
George MerollePeppy Dio
Terri PerriTerri Perri
Tara KingPretty Girl
Michael PasternakGeorgie
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The Wanderers Ratings & Reviews

Mike MartinsJune 19, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A Timeless Coming-of-Age Classic That Still Hits Home" The Wanderers (1979) isn’t just a movie—it’s a mood, a memory, and a time capsule of youth, brotherhood, and growing up in a chaotic world. Watching this every summer as a kid left a deep mark on me. It’s one of those rare films that wraps itself around your heart and never lets go. Set in the Bronx in 1963, the film follows a gang of Italian-American teens trying to navigate life, loyalty, and manhood in a world changing faster than they can understand. What makes The Wanderers so special isn’t just the slick greaser jackets, the unforgettable soundtrack, or the turf wars with rival gangs—it’s the heart. The characters feel like your own friends from the block. You laugh with them, fight with them, and ultimately grow with them. Ken Wahl’s performance as Richie is charismatic and real, but it's the ensemble—each with their quirks, flaws, and loyalty—that makes this film immortal. The movie is equal parts gritty and tender, packed with hilarious, brutal, and even surreal moments (like that unforgettable scene with the Ducky Boys—chills every time). --- 🎬 Inside Info: Based on Richard Price’s novel: The film was adapted from a semi-autobiographical book, capturing the raw, authentic energy of Price’s own youth in the Bronx. Directed by Philip Kaufman: He would go on to direct The Right Stuff, but The Wanderers remains a cult favorite thanks to his fearless blending of realism and surrealism. Soundtrack gold: The use of ’60s rock and soul hits, from Dion to The Four Seasons, adds a deeply nostalgic layer, grounding the film in emotion and cultural transition. Underrated gem: Though often overshadowed by The Warriors (released the same year), The Wanderers has aged better in many ways, focusing more on identity, friendship, and growing pains than just stylized violence. --- Watching The Wanderers is like visiting an old neighborhood. It’s funny, brutal, sad, and beautiful in the most unexpected ways. If you grew up with it, it never really leaves you—and every rewatch feels like coming home. 🕶️ Wanderers forever.

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The Wanderers Trivia

The Wanderers was released on July 4, 1979.

The Wanderers was directed by Philip Kaufman.

The Wanderers has a runtime of 1 hr 57 min.

The Wanderers was produced by Martin Ransohoff.

The key characters in The Wanderers are Richie (Ken Wahl), Joey (John Friedrich), Nina (Karen Allen).

The Wanderers is rated R.

The Wanderers is a Drama, Crime, Romance film.

The Wanderers has an audience rating of 8.7 out of 10.

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