Reality Bites

The 1994 movie was directed by Ben Stiller. Starring Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, Ben Stiller, and Steve Zahn.

(Spoiler Alert: Paragraphs that have SA! in the beginning and are italicized contain possible Spoilers of the movie, tread carefully if you do not want to be spoiled)

Brief Summary

The movie, Reality Bites, is from the perspective of Lelaina Pierce, played by Winona Ryder, who is just trying to live her life after graduation in Houston, Texas. This entrancing movie shows how Lelaina struggles with the complexities of friendships and relationships while constantly balancing various monetary and job related problems. This film focuses mainly on Leliana's struggle to balance her work, with keeping her friendships together, with follow her heart in relationships.

This feature seamlessly combines Romance, Comedy, and Drama through the complex themes of friendship, love, communication, responsibility, class, understanding, free will, and following your heart. Reality Bites is a strong movie that allows viewers to connect deeply with characters who have to deal with heavy cultural and monetary issues and holding friendships and relationships together.

Lisa Bushong. Reality Bites. TMDB. (1994). Dir. Ben Stiller. Universal Pictures. (February 18, 1994). Accessed November 18, 2025.

Age Range

Reality Bites is a movie that has some mature content. This film contains some adult language, substance use, and sexual content. Although, there are a few mature situations, in general this movie is very mild. This movie is good for most ages: I would recommend 12 and up.

SA! There are various moderate curse words, moderate amount of drinking depictions, depictions of drug use, some sexual illusions, discussion of sexual topics, kissing, and caressing.

Final Impression

Reality Bites is a fantastic movie that clearly encompasses Romance, Comedy, and Drama concepts. The plot of the film combines interesting and complex relationships with class and monetary differences and problems. The movie had very fitting background settings and fitting camera shots and angles. The actors nailed their roles by giving brilliant on screen performances. Reality Bites is an incredible movie that shows the ups and downs of life and the struggle between keeping your friends and following your heart.

4½ Stars