Can't Buy Me Love_
"Ronald is making an investment in his senior year. He's hiring the prettiest cheerleader in school to be his girlfriend."
Nerdy high schooler Ronald Miller rescues cheerleader Cindy Mancini from parental punishment after she accidentally destroys her mother's designer clothes. Ronald agrees to pay for the $1,000 outfit on one condition: that she will act as though they're a couple for an entire month. As the days pass, however, Cindy grows fond of Ronald, making him popular. But when Ronald's former best friend gets left behind, he realizes that social success isn't everything.
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Box office
Can't Buy Me Love earned $31.6M worldwide on a $1.8M budget — a 1,657% return on investment.
Steve Rash →
Year context
Can't Buy Me Love was released 39 years ago in 1987.
CAST (20)
Patrick Dempsey
Ronald Miller
Amanda Peterson
Cindy Mancini
Courtney Gains
Kenneth Wurman
Tina Caspary
Barbara
Seth Green
Chuckie Miller
Sharon Farrell
Mrs. Mancini
Dennis Dugan
David Miller
Darcy DeMoss
Patty
Devin DeVasquez
Iris
Eric Bruskotter
Big John
Gerardo Mejía
Ricky
Cort McCown
Quint
Cloyce Morrow
Judy Miller
Steve Franken
Moda Clerk
Ami Dolenz
Fran
Max Perlich
Lester
DS
David Schermerhorn
Albert
PS
Phillip Simms
Rock
TS
Tudor Sherrard
Brent
GG
George Gray
Bobby Hilton
CREW
Director
Writer
BOX OFFICE
$1.8M
Budget
$31.6M
Revenue
+1657%
ROI
MASSIVE HIT
Verdict
STUDIOS (3)
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
94 min (1h 34m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
6.9/10 (696 votes)
Popularity
4
Budget
$1,800,000
Box Office
$31,623,833
Profit
+$29,823,833
IMDB
Trailer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Can't Buy Me Love about?
Nerdy high schooler Ronald Miller rescues cheerleader Cindy Mancini from parental punishment after she accidentally destroys her mother's designer clothes. Ronald agrees to pay for the $1,000 outfit on one condition: that she will act as though they're a couple for an entire month. As the days pass, however, Cindy grows fond of Ronald, making him popular. But when Ronald's former best friend gets left behind, he realizes that social success isn't everything.
How long is Can't Buy Me Love?
Can't Buy Me Love has a runtime of 94 minutes (1h 34m).
Who directed Can't Buy Me Love?
Can't Buy Me Love was directed by Steve Rash.
Who stars in Can't Buy Me Love?
The cast of Can't Buy Me Love includes Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson, Courtney Gains, Tina Caspary, Seth Green.
How much did Can't Buy Me Love make at the box office?
Can't Buy Me Love earned $31,623,833 worldwide at the box office. The production budget was $1,800,000.
What is the rating of Can't Buy Me Love?
Can't Buy Me Love has a rating of 6.9 out of 10 based on 696 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (2)
Comedy
Romance
KEYWORDS (10)
new year's eve
high school
cheerleader
nerd
coming of age
dress
break-up
teen comedy
teen drama
evening gown
