Empire Records

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Empire Records

PG-13

1995

1h 40m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

35%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Joe (Anthony LaPaglia) runs Empire Records, an independent Delaware store that employs a tight-knit group of music-savvy youths. Hearing that the shop may be sold to a big chain, slacker employee Lucas (Rory Cochrane) bets a chunk of the store's money, hoping to get a big return. When this plan fails, Empire Records falls into serious trouble, and the various other clerks, including lovely Corey (Liv Tyler) and gloomy Deb (Robin Tunney), must deal with the problem, among many other issues.

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Critics Consensus

Despite a terrific soundtrack and a strong early performance from Renee Zellweger, Empire Records is mostly a silly and predictable teen dramedy.

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David Kronke

Los Angeles Times

Mar 29, 2019

The biggest audience laugh at a recent showing came when a guy deadpanned, "This movie speaks for our generation." The sun can't set too soon on this Empire.

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Mark Caro

Chicago Tribune

Mar 29, 2019

1.5/4

If Clerks were written by TV hacks, it might feel something like this.

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Ryan Gilbey

Independent (UK)

Mar 29, 2019

It was never on the cards that Allan Moyle, the director of Pump Up the Volume, would deliver an authentic study of modern youth with his new film Empire Records. But the picture is barely even set on this planet, let alone in this era.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Dec 4, 2024

2.5/4

...a mostly watchable comedy that never quite becomes as engaging (or memorable) as one might’ve hoped...

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

Sep 17, 2024

6/10

The film is a story of independent spirits battling a soulless corporation, produced without any apparent self-awareness by Regency Enterprises for Warner Bros; a soulless corporation.

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Sep 1, 2022

B+

An anecdotal comedy like this lives or dies on the charisma of its ensemble, and this is a decidedly fun group to spend 90 minutes with.

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Meg Y

@megs2411 6 days ago

Fn loved this movie so much I believe I was 16 when I first saw it and aaahhhh AJ HEARTTHROB FOR SURE AND COREY SO SEXY

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 10, 2026

Empire Records = a 3.5 star movie

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Reel_ T

@Reel_Talk Jun 15, 2026

Breakfast Club for the 90's that features every fashion subculture and stereotype through one dimensional characters and cliche lines.

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Brody W

@RT77467322 May 3, 2026

very funny, fits the 90's grunge "damn the man" energy. rather slow intro but other than that this is an absolute must-see.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom May 1, 2026

Empire Records tries to capture a snapshot of youthful rebellion and music-store camaraderie, but for me it mostly comes off as unfocused and more style than substance. The characters are meant to feel quirky and memorable, yet many end up feeling underdeveloped or inconsistent in their motivations. The tone shifts awkwardly between comedy and drama without fully landing either, which makes it hard to stay invested in what’s happening. While there are moments that hint at a stronger coming-of-age story underneath, they never quite come together in a satisfying way. The pacing also feels uneven, with scenes that drag and others that feel rushed. Overall, it has some nostalgic appeal and a solid soundtrack vibe, but as a film it doesn’t fully deliver. I’d rate it a 4/10.

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Anna S

@SheDoesntEvenGoHere Apr 8, 2026

Damn the man, save the empire.

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Allan Moyle

Director

Anthony LaPaglia

Joe Reaves

Rory Cochrane

Lucas

Johnny Whitworth

A.J.

Liv Tyler

Corey Mason

Renée Zellweger

Gina

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79%

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Synopsis

Joe (Anthony LaPaglia) runs Empire Records, an independent Delaware store that employs a tight-knit group of music-savvy youths. Hearing that the shop may be sold to a big chain, slacker employee Lucas (Rory Cochrane) bets a chunk of the store's money, hoping to get a big return. When this plan fails, Empire Records falls into serious trouble, and the various other clerks, including lovely Corey (Liv Tyler) and gloomy Deb (Robin Tunney), must deal with the problem, among many other issues.

Director: Allan Moyle
Producer: Arnon Milchan, Michael G. Nathanson, Alan Riche, Tony Ludwig
Screenwriter: Carol Heikkinen
Production Co: Regency Enterprises
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 22, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Surround

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