The Outsiders, a classic coming-of-age drama film, was released in 1983 and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The movie is based on the 1967 novel of the same name by S.E. Hinton. The story revolves around a group of teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the 1960s, exploring themes of class conflict, loyalty, and the struggles of adolescence. The film features a talented ensemble cast, many of whom were relatively new to the industry at the time and went on to have successful careers.
Key Points
- The Outsiders movie cast includes C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, and Diane Lane.
- The film is based on the novel by S.E. Hinton and explores themes of class conflict, loyalty, and adolescence.
- The movie was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1983.
- The cast's performances were widely praised, with many considering it a launching point for their careers.
- The film's success can be attributed to its authentic portrayal of teenage life and the chemistry among the cast members.
Main Cast and Characters

The main cast of The Outsiders includes:
- C. Thomas Howell as Ponyboy Curtis
- Ralph Macchio as Johnny Cade
- Emilio Estevez as Two-Bit Mathews
- Rob Lowe as Sodapop Curtis
- Matt Dillon as Dallas Winston
- Tom Cruise as Steve Randle
- Patrick Swayze as Darrel Curtis
- Diane Lane as Cherry Valance
Notable Cast Members and Their Careers
Several cast members from The Outsiders have gone on to achieve significant success in the film industry. Tom Cruise, for example, has become one of the most recognizable and successful actors in Hollywood, starring in blockbuster films like Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire. Emilio Estevez has also had a notable career, both in front of and behind the camera, with films like The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire, and Young Guns. Patrick Swayze, before his passing in 2009, had a successful career in film and television, with roles in Dirty Dancing, Road House, and Ghost.
| Cast Member | Notable Roles |
|---|---|
| Tom Cruise | Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, Jerry Maguire |
| Emilio Estevez | The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire, Young Guns |
| Patrick Swayze | Dirty Dancing, Road House, Ghost |
| Matt Dillon | There's Something About Mary, Crash, Wayward Pines |
| Ralph Macchio | The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai, My Cousin Vinny |

Impact and Legacy

The Outsiders has had a lasting impact on popular culture and the film industry. It is often credited with helping to launch the careers of its young cast members, many of whom went on to become household names. The film’s exploration of themes such as class conflict, loyalty, and the struggles of adolescence continues to resonate with audiences, making it a staple of 1980s cinema and a classic of the coming-of-age genre.
Reception and Awards
The Outsiders received generally positive reviews from critics at the time of its release, with many praising the performances of the cast and the film’s authentic portrayal of teenage life. While it did not receive any major awards, the film has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the best films of the 1980s.
What is the plot of The Outsiders?
+The Outsiders is a coming-of-age drama that tells the story of a group of teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the 1960s, exploring themes of class conflict, loyalty, and the struggles of adolescence.
Who directed The Outsiders?
+The Outsiders was directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
What are some notable works of the cast members after The Outsiders?
+Tom Cruise starred in Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire. Emilio Estevez appeared in The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire, and Young Guns. Patrick Swayze was known for his roles in Dirty Dancing, Road House, and Ghost.