Skip to content
What's After the Movie?

Jump to
What's After the Movie?
Sci-fi comedy

Strange Brew (1983): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Strange Brew (1983) movie poster

Strange Brew is a 1983 sci-fi comedy starring Max von Sydow, Lynne Griffin and Rick Moranis. It is partly based on Hamlet by William Shakespeare and T. J. B. Spencer. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $8.6 million worldwide. Critics gave it 50 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$8.6M
Metascore
50
Loading streaming availability…
Watch the trailer Read the plot summary
Strange Brew (1983) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Genres
Sci-Fi , Comedy , Crime
Original language
English
Studio
MGM/UA Entertainment Company
Based on
Hamlet by William Shakespeare and T. J. B. Spencer
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Strange Brew About?

The premise of Strange Brew without spoilers, adapted from Hamlet by William Shakespeare and T. J. B. Spencer. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Bob and Doug McKenzie, two good-natured but not particularly bright brothers, find themselves caught in a bizarre conspiracy at the Elsinore Brewery. They unwittingly uncover a sinister plot to control people's minds through beer. As they try to navigate the strange world of corporate espionage, the brothers must stop the villainous Brewmeister Smith from carrying out his plans. Their mission involves a steadfast love for free beer and a determination to avoid becoming pawns in his wicked scheme.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Strange Brew Cast

Max von Sydow leads the cast, with Lynne Griffin and Rick Moranis.

Also Starring in Strange Brew

· 6 more
Ratings

Strange Brew Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Strange Brew 50 on Metacritic.

Plot

Strange Brew Plot Summary

What happens in Strange Brew from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In this crucial segment, the hapless brothers, Bob and Doug McKenzie, find themselves in a hilarious predicament as they attempt to pass off their own lackluster film production as a legitimate cinematic experience. The situation quickly spirals into chaos when disgruntled audience members turn on them, compelling the resourceful duo to unleash a swarm of moths into the theater. This crafty diversion allows them to escape without issuing refunds—except for a sympathetic couple whose beer money had unfortunately been squandered on their tears. The following day, Bob and Doug hatch a daring scheme to extort free Elsinore beer from the local brewery by strategically placing a live mouse in an empty bottle, only to find themselves redirected to the management team.

Full summary

The whole story of Strange Brew, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Strange Brew Box Office

Strange Brew grossed $8.6 million worldwide.

1983 box office

Worldwide gross

$8.6M

US & Canada
$8.6M
Videos

Strange Brew Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Strange Brew.

Strange Brew (1983) Original Trailer [FHD]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Strange Brew?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who are the main characters in 'Strange Brew'?
Cars

Cars in Strange Brew

22 cars on screen, including the 1976 AMC Matador and the 1974 Checker Taxicab.

All 22 cars
  • 1976 AMC Matador in Strange Brew 1976 AMC Matador Important role
  • 1974 Checker Taxicab in Strange Brew 1974 Checker Taxicab Important role
  • 1958 Dodge Royal in Strange Brew 1958 Dodge Royal Important role
  • 1975 Ford Custom 500 Ranch Wagon in Strange Brew 1975 Ford Custom 500 Ranch Wagon Important role
Details

Strange Brew Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie: Strange Brew” and “The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie”.

Also known as
  • The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie: Strange Brew
  • The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie
  • Приключения Боба и Дага Маккензи: Странное варево
  • ストレンジ・ブルー
  • Cerveja Maluca
  • Zwei Superflaschen räumen auf
  • Extraño brebaje
  • La strana voglia
  • Странное варево
  • 神奇酒酿
  • 스트레인지 브루
  • Пригоди Боба і Дага МакКензі: дивне вариво

Seen Strange Brew?
FAQ

Strange Brew FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Strange Brew, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Strange Brew?

Strange Brew runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Strange Brew released?

Strange Brew was released on August 26, 1983.

Who is in the cast of Strange Brew?

Strange Brew stars Max von Sydow, Lynne Griffin and Rick Moranis, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Strange Brew make at the box office?

Strange Brew grossed $8.6 million worldwide.

How is Strange Brew rated?

Strange Brew has 50 on Metacritic.

Is Strange Brew based on a book?

Yes. Strange Brew is partly adapted from Hamlet by William Shakespeare and T. J. B. Spencer.

Does Strange Brew have a post-credit scene?

No. Strange Brew has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app