-->
Year: 2016
Runtime: 102 min
Language: English
Director: Dan Mazer
As Jason Kelly prepares to tie the knot with his controlling fiancée, a last-minute road trip with his irreverent grandfather, Dick, sends his life into chaos. A battle of wits ensues as the straight-laced grandson confronts the wild child within, leading to a series of outrageous misadventures that ultimately forge an unlikely bond between generations.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Dirty Grandpa yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Jason Kelly, portrayed by Zac Efron, finds himself navigating unexpected family dynamics during his grandmother’s funeral. It’s here that he reconnects with his grandfather, Army veteran Dick (played by Robert De Niro), a widower who has recently lost his wife after a long marriage of 40 years. Although Jason and Dick once shared a strong bond, time and Jason’s corporate job have created a rift between them. After the funeral, Dick asks Jason to drive him from their home in Georgia to Boca Raton, Florida — a request Jason is hesitant to accept, especially with his uptight fiancée, Meredith (portrayed by Julianne Hough), watching closely.
Their journey begins with an embarrassing encounter when Jason stumbles upon Dick indulging in some adult activities. This awkward moment sparks a series of amusing misunderstandings and heartfelt conversations. Dick is keen to berate Jason for abandoning his passion for photography in favor of his corporate job, insisting that Jason should pursue a more fulfilling life. During their road trip, they stop at a diner where they unexpectedly encounter Shadia (depicted by Zoey Deutch), a former classmate from Jason’s photography days, and her quirky friend Lenore (played by Aubrey Plaza). Seeking a thrill for spring break, Lenore invites them to join her and Shadia on their journey to Daytona Beach, but Jason remains determined to stick to their original destination.
At the golf course, comical situations ensue as Dick begins to flirt unapologetically with other women, igniting Jason’s disbelief that his grandfather would behave this way shortly after losing his wife. Dick’s assertion that he was loyal to his late spouse only adds to the tension between them. Eventually, Jason gives in to Dick’s plea and changes their course to Daytona.
Upon their arrival, they reconnect with Shadia and Lenore, leading to unforgettable beach moments filled with fun and a bit of trouble. At a party, Dick playfully consumes some pills and inadvertently leads Jason into chaos when he finds himself intoxicated and in a compromising position. After a series of misadventures, including a motorcycle escapade and a misinterpreted encounter with a child, Jason lands in jail. Thankfully, Dick comes to his rescue yet again, leading to more hilarity and heartfelt revelations.
Their adventures take a serious turn when they confront a gang at a nightclub, resulting in Dick proving himself far more than the comedic figure Jason perceives him to be. As the plot twists unfurl, Jason is forced to confront both his relationship with Meredith and unexpected feelings for Shadia. Misunderstandings culminate in heartbreak for Jason as revelations about his engagement unravel, pushing him to critically assess where his true happiness lies.
In a spectacular climax filled with chase sequences and reconciliations, Jason manages to reach Shadia and declare his intentions to join her in her dreams of travelling the world. With heartfelt farewells, Dick embarks on his new chapter at a retirement community, finding a surprising reunion of his own. In a whimsical closing scene, Jason and Shadia step into new roles as life takes another unexpected turn.
Ultimately, an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and familial bonds unfolds, leaving laughing, loving, and lessons learned along the way.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 17:44
Dirty Grandpa (2016) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Dirty Grandpa (2016) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Dirty Grandpa – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Greasy Strangler (2016) Detailed Story Recap
That Awkward Moment (2014) Movie Recap & Themes
A Dirty Shame (2004) Movie Recap & Themes
Dirty Girl (2011) Full Movie Breakdown
Grandma (2015) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Road Trip (2000) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Bachelor Party (1984) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Dirty Love (2005) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (2011) Story Summary & Characters
Grandma's Boy (2006) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Dirty Deeds (2005) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Gerontophilia (2015) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Dirty Work (1998) Movie Recap & Themes
Dirty Weekend (2015) Detailed Story Recap
Drunk Wedding (2015) Plot Summary & Ending Explained