Stand by Me is a 1986 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King's 1982 novella The Body. Set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Oregon, in 1959, the film follows four boys Gordie Lachance, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp, and Vern Tessio on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. Told through the perspective of the adult Gordie, the story reflects on childhood friendship, grief, and the emotional complexities of growing up. The film stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell. The title refers to the 1961 Ben E. King song, which plays during the end credits. Released to critical acclaim and commercial success, Stand by Me was nominated for an Academy Award and two Golden Globes. It has since gained recognition as a classic of the coming-of-age genre and a culturally significant film in American cinema.