Stripes

Two aimless men, a cab driver fired and his buddy, sign up for the Army in search of direction and a laugh. They arrive with no plan beyond staying alive and keeping things light, and their offbeat charm makes them instant leaders of a misfit platoon. Basic training melts into a series of practical jokes and stubborn camaraderie as they bend rules with a wink while teams adapt to chaos and sudden danger. What starts as reckless fun soon pulls them into a higher stakes setting where a series of misadventures tests loyalties, discipline, and the line between courage and trouble. The film keeps the tone buoyant as the crew stumbles toward consequences that could upset balance of power abroad.

Released in 1981, Stripes was directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Harold Ramis with Len Blum and Daniel Goldberg. It is an original, classic screen comedy built from fresh ideas rather than a pre existing novel or stage play.

Stripes earned about 85.3 million worldwide, a strong return on its modest 10 million budget. The comedy became a hit in theatres, reflecting its broad audience appeal and Reitman's knack for pairing humor with raucous ensemble chaos that resonated widely.

The film helped cement the buddy comedy formula of mismatched friends turning chaos into camaraderie. It contributed to the 80s army comedy wave and solidified Bill Murray's star persona, featuring memorable exchanges and a carefree rebellious mood that influenced later comedies. Its brisk pace keeps gags tight as chaos escalates.

Critics gave Stripes a largely favorable response for its brisk pacing, comic timing, and energy. The film travels between satire and goofiness while examining friendship, conformity, and identity within a military setting, balancing satire with genuine warmth and character chemistry. While some critics note dated attitudes, the humor still lands.