IMDb 5.9 1988 HD

Cocktail

Cocktail

1988
Comedy Drama Romance
104 min R USA
6.112 / 10
5.9 IMDB

After being discharged from the Army, Brian Flanagan moves back to Queens and takes a job in a bar run by Doug Coughlin, who teaches Brian the fine…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Roger Donaldson / Rob Cowan / Kim H. Winther / Janet Spiegel / Elaine Yarish / Renee Bodner
Starring
Tom Cruise / Bryan Brown / Elisabeth Shue / Lisa Banes / Kelly Lynch / Gina Gershon / Ron Dean / Ellen Foley

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

flashy ambitious cynical entertaining dated charismatic superficial aspirational nostalgic energetic predictable slick

Reviews

P
Penelope Davies
May 20, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

As a snapshot of 1980s ambition, 'Cocktail' largely succeeds, thanks in large part to a spirited turn from Tom Cruise. His portrayal of Brian Flanagan, a young man finding his footing through the art of mixology and a…

A
Arthur Finch
May 20, 2026
2.0 / 5
2.0

'Cocktail' is a product of its time, a glossy, aspirational drama that feels somewhat dated now. Tom Cruise delivers a characteristically energetic performance as Brian, but the film's exploration of his journey into the world of bartending and…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 20, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

There's an undeniable charm to 'Cocktail,' largely propelled by Tom Cruise's star power. He embodies Brian Flanagan with a youthful swagger that’s infectious. The dynamic between Cruise and Bryan Brown, as his jaded mentor, forms the film's core.…

M
Marcus Thorne
May 20, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

Director Unknown crafts a visually slick, if narratively thin, tale of ambition in 'Cocktail.' Tom Cruise is undeniably charismatic as Brian, the aspiring bartender who learns to serve drinks and cynicism in equal measure. Elisabeth Shue offers a…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 20, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Tom Cruise shines as Brian Flanagan, a young man navigating the cutthroat world of New York bartending in the late 80s. The film's visual flair, particularly in its depiction of elaborate drink preparation, is undeniable. Bryan Brown provides…

FAQs

The film appears to adopt a tone that balances the excitement of a burgeoning career with a somewhat cynical perspective on success. Brian's embrace of his mentor's philosophy suggests a narrative that isn't afraid to explore the materialistic aspects of ambition, likely presented with a degree of youthful energy.