Road House (1989 film)

Road House is a 1989 American action film directed by Rowdy Herrington and produced by Joel Silver. The film stars Patrick Swayze as the bouncer, "James Dalton", at a newly refurbished roadside bar, who protects a small town in Missouri from a corrupt businessman. The cast also features Ben Gazzara, Kelly Lynch, and Sam Elliott.

Upon its release in U.S. theaters on May 19, 1989 by United Artists, Road House earned $61 million worldwide on a $15 million production budget. It received mostly negative reviews from critics, who lamented its excessive violence and sleaziness, and expressed incredulity at Swayze's character. In the years since, it went on to achieve cult status. Its popularity resulted in the creation of the Road House franchise, which includes a stage adaptation, a sequel in 2006, and a remake in 2024.