Following a rag tag group of spunky pre-teens in 1959, Stand by Me is arguably one of the best movies of all time. Stand by Me, directed by Rob Reiner was a hit coming of age movie that premiered August 22, 1986. The movie, based off of Stephen King’s novella The Body, takes place in Oregon and focuses on a small friend group that consists of Gordie Lachance, a book lover and imaginative boy; Vern Tessio, an anxiety ridden and chubby boy; Chris Chambers, the leader who was tough on the outside but scared on the inside; and Teddy Duchamp, who is feisty and funny.  The group of misfits hear from Vern, who overheard a conversation from his older brother Billy,  that there is a body of a missing boy  to be discovered by the train tracks. The movie documents their journey of hiking and camping to try to be the first ones to find the body for prize money. They decide as a whole that they would lie to their parents, pack some things, gather change, and start their trek. Gordie, a hopeful future author, shares with them stories and exchanges jokes to keep spirits high. Chris and Gordie share a few heart to heart conversations that most twelve year olds do not partake in. Teddy is upbeat and spazmatic, with his defining trait being that his father is not a good parent but he would do anything to protect him. Vern is the reason that they were aware about the dead body but he is scared of everything and is a follower.

  They even face a rival gang who consists of Ace, Billy, Eyeball, Charie, Vince, Fuzzy, and Jackie who are determined to also be the ones who gain the prize money. The older gang does not have any exciting attributes other than being mean, cold hearted and doing anything to get their way. The movie is packed full of metaphors and lessons that we learn throughout the film.  

  As a pack, they face many challenges, fears, and obstacles, but one thing stays true, they stay together. As the journey continues, the boys share secrets and tell stories, which are all heart-warming for movie viewers. The story gives an  inside look into all of the characters’ lives and what makes them act the way they do. Something that started as an activity to do upon curiosity turns into an indescribable event that impacts each and everyone of their lives. This changes them from puny, scared kids to brave young adults with morals and humility for the world.

  Stand by Me will always be one of my favorite movies to ever exist. The film is a classic; it lets the audience in on every event that happens and it almost feels as if you are living the movie. The film is highly sentimental and can resonate with feelings, problems, and questions that kids may be having. The indescribable bond that these characters have with each other is what makes them so likable. Overall, the movie is a timeless piece that could never be forgotten or get old.