Logo What's After the Movie

The Boys Next Door 1985

Social worker Jack Palmer dedicates his life to caring for four men with developmental disabilities: Norman, Arnold, Lucien, and Barry. As he navigates the challenges of his work, he struggles with feelings of guilt and a sense of neglect in his own marriage. When Jack decides to leave his position, the men react in a surprising way, disrupting their routines and forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities and the meaning of connection and responsibility.

Social worker Jack Palmer dedicates his life to caring for four men with developmental disabilities: Norman, Arnold, Lucien, and Barry. As he navigates the challenges of his work, he struggles with feelings of guilt and a sense of neglect in his own marriage. When Jack decides to leave his position, the men react in a surprising way, disrupting their routines and forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities and the meaning of connection and responsibility.

Does The Boys Next Door have end credit scenes?

No!

The Boys Next Door does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Boys Next Door

Explore the complete cast of The Boys Next Door, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Boys Next Door

See how The Boys Next Door is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Boys Next Door stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

66

Metascore

tbd

User Score

IMDb

6.4 /10

IMDb Rating

Take the Ultimate The Boys Next Door Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Boys Next Door with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Boys Next Door Quiz: Test your knowledge on the psychological thriller 'The Boys Next Door' and its complex character dynamics.

What relationship does Claire Peterson have with Garrett?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Boys Next Door

See more

Read the complete plot summary of The Boys Next Door, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Claire Peterson finds herself entangled in a complex web of emotions after separating from her unfaithful husband, Garrett, who has been caught cheating with his secretary yet remains married to her. As she navigates this heart-wrenching chapter of her life, a new neighbor arrives: 19-year-old Noah Sandborn](/actor/noah-sandborn), an orphan whose tragic past includes losing both parents a year prior. He moves in next door to assist his uncle, who is confined to a wheelchair, and quickly forms a bond with Claire’s teenage son, Kevin, while attending the school where Claire teaches.

During a particularly dismal double date with her best friend Vicky Lansing, her boyfriend Ethan, and his ill-mannered friend Benny, Claire attempts to distract herself from her marital woes. In an unexpected turn of events, she unexpectedly goes out for dinner with Noah, during which his flirtatious demeanor leads them to a passionate encounter. However, the following morning, Claire is filled with regret about their night together, inciting a dangerous rage in Noah.

As the school year commences, Noah uses his tech skills to hack into Claire’s emails, making it appear as though she has requested him to be in her class. Alongside his burgeoning friendship with Kevin, Noah begins to poison his mind against Garrett, intensifying the conflict within the family. The danger heightens when Kevin suffers a crisis during gym class, and Noah heroically saves him by administering his EpiPen. However, this act only fuels Noah’s infatuation with Claire, leading to a series of increasingly alarming events.

After a brutal altercation with school bully Jason Zimmer, where Noah injures him severely, Vice Principal Vicky discovers Noah’s troubling past and expels him from school. As chaos ensues at the Fall Fling dance, where rumors about Claire circulate, Noah’s obsession reaches alarming levels. He attempts to assault Claire, but she manages to fend him off before asserting her need for him to stay away from both her and Kevin. Despite having witnessed Noah with another girl, Allie, the line between obsession and reality becomes dangerously blurred for Noah.

Subsequent incidents escalate quickly when Noah makes an unsettling move by leaving graphic photos of his and Claire’s encounter strewn around her classroom as a means of intimidation. In a frantic bid to regain control, Claire tries to break into Noah’s home to destroy evidence of their encounter. However, she is horrified to discover not just the photos, but also sinister evidence of his potential violence, including plans related to her family’s safety.

As tensions boil over, Noah’s mental instability leads to horrifying acts, including binding Vicky and leading Claire to horrific discoveries. After learning the shocking truth about Noah’s past and murderous tendencies, Claire confronts him. His delusion that they can build a life together spirals into madness when he takes Claire and her loved ones captive in a barn, dousing everything in gasoline and creating a deadly scenario.

In a climactic struggle for survival, Claire is pushed to her limits as she fights back against Noah’s threats. Utilizing Kevin’s EpiPen in a moment of desperation, she finally shatters his illusions of affection. As the barn becomes an inferno, Claire seizes a moment to ensure Noah’s end, ultimately freeing herself and her family from his terrifying grasp. As the police and paramedics arrive to the chaotic scene, Claire, wounded but resolute, emerges with Kevin and Garrett, determined to start anew, free from the shackles of Noah’s haunting obsession.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Boys Next Door

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Boys Next Door. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


The Boys Next Door (1985) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

Cars Featured in The Boys Next Door

See 44 more

Explore all cars featured in The Boys Next Door, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


AMC

1971

Ambassador

Buick

1979

LeSabre

Buick

1978

Regal

Buick

1981

Regal

Buick

1966

Special

Capri

1973

MkI

Chevrolet

1974

Camaro

Chevrolet

1982

Camaro

Chevrolet

1973

Chevelle Laguna Estate

Chevrolet

1971

Chevy Van

The Boys Next Door Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


rageviolencegay subtexthomoeroticismhomophobiagay bargay slurhollywood boulevardshot to deathgunshotshopping mallfleeing from policesociopathlos angeles californiahollywood californiacaliforniapsychopathwoman on top sexpassionate kissstreet performersgay man murderedspree killerbeachpunkbuskershandgunla brea tar pitsarcadeplymouth roadrunnercomputersports cargraduation partydetectiveglass coffee tablewhite convertiblecouple murderedkissing in a carwatching a couple kissmurdered in a carweekend tripbarasking for identificationlying about age555 phone numbernote on carastrologycalling the policeparking violationbeaded curtainmaking love

The Boys Next Door Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Boys Next Door across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Big Shots No Apparent Motive Ódio Cego Generación sangrienta Sokea raivo Dolofonoi horis aitia Oi atithasoi tou Los Angeles Ta paidia tis diplanis portas Blinder Haß Death Takes a Holiday Ondskans terror Momci iz komšiluka Fim-de-Semana Criminoso Chlopcy z drzwi obok Jovens Assassinos Og morderen var bare 18 år Blinder Hass I ragazzi della porta accanto Băieții de alături Los chicos de al lado De sang froid Τα Παιδιά της Διπλανής Πόρτας Сусідські хлопчаки Szomszéd fiúk Соседские мальчишки Os Desajustados 邻家男孩 Chłopcy z sąsiedztwa 반항 Komşu Çocukları

Similar Movies To The Boys Next Door You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.