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Step Brothers

*Step Brothers* is a 2008 American comedy film directed by Adam McKay and starring Will Ferrell and John C.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Step Brothers is a 2008 American comedy film directed by Adam McKay and starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. It follows two immature middle-aged men whose single parents marry, forcing them to live together as stepbrothers. The film became a box-office success and later developed a cult following.

Plot

The story follows Brennan Huff and Dale Doback, two unemployed, socially immature men who still live with their parents. When their single parents marry, the new household creates rivalry, conflict, and eventually reluctant cooperation.

Production

Step Brothers was directed by Adam McKay and written by McKay and Will Ferrell, from a story involving Ferrell, McKay, and John C. Reilly. Ferrell and Reilly’s pairing continued a collaboration that also included Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby.

Release and reception

The film premiered in theatres on July 25, 2008. It grossed more than US$128 million worldwide and was later described as a cult classic comedy.

Legacy

The film is remembered for its absurd humour and the chemistry between Ferrell and Reilly. It remains one of the best-known comedies from Adam McKay’s early film career.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 2008 in the United States.
  • Will Ferrell plays Brennan Huff and John C. Reilly plays Dale Doback.
  • The plot centres on two adult men who become stepbrothers after their parents marry.
  • Adam McKay directed the film and also co-wrote it with Will Ferrell.
  • The movie earned more than US$100 million at the box office and became a cult comedy title.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada as a mainstream English-language comedy and is widely familiar to Canadian audiences through theatrical release, television, and home-video distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is Step Brothers about?
It is about two immature adult men who become stepbrothers when their single parents marry and force them to live together.
Who stars in Step Brothers?
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star as Brennan Huff and Dale Doback.
Who directed Step Brothers?
Adam McKay directed the film.
When was Step Brothers released?
It was released on July 25, 2008.
How much did Step Brothers earn at the box office?
It earned about US$128.1 million worldwide.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Step_Brothers_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, year, director, writers, cast, and premise.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/step_brothers
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, runtime, release date, director, cast, and box-office figures.
  3. The Numbers — https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Step-Brothers
    Supports: Worldwide box office total.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0838283/
    Supports: Release date, runtime, and plot details.