Problem Child.

Name: Problem Child
Genre: Comedy, Family
Released: 1990-07-27
Duration: 81 min
Cast: John Ritter, Michael Oliver, Jack Warden, Gilbert Gottfried, Amy Yasbeck

One new family. Several broken rules.

A well-meaning man adopts Junior, a boy whose elaborate pranks soon overwhelm his new home. Their chaotic attempts to connect collide with a criminal who takes an interest in Junior.

3%Tomatometer31 critics · Rotten Tomatoes

Checked Oct 21, 2026. About these scores

Why it’s a little special

John Ritter anchors a broad, unruly comedy about a father learning to look beyond a child's reputation.

BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY

Know the story.
Know your little people.

Parental guidance suggested

US film rating

Mean-spirited jokes about adoption and children, criminal threats, destructive violence, sexual references and language make this a stronger PG choice.

Our notes are a starting point, not an age recommendation. G and PG films can still include intense moments. You know your family best.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The little details.

Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Starring: John Ritter, Michael Oliver, Jack Warden, Gilbert Gottfried, Amy Yasbeck, Michael Richards, Peter Jurasik, John William Galt
Written by: Larry Karaszewski, Scott Alexander
Produced by: Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Robert Simonds
Release date: July 27, 1990
Runtime: 81 minutes
Genre: Comedy, Family
Studio: Universal Pictures
Language: English

YOUR SOFA. YOUR CINEMA.

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