In a small Oregon town in the summer of 1959, four young boys embark on a life-changing adventure. Gordie Lachance, a thoughtful boy with a talent for storytelling, is mourning the loss of his older brother. He is joined by his three friends: Chris Chambers, the leader of the group and a boy with a troubled family reputation; Teddy Duchamp, an eccentric and emotionally scarred kid whose father is abusive and mentally unstable; and Vern Tessio, the timid, overweight friend who overhears his brother talk about the location of a missing boy's body. Drawn by the idea of becoming heroes and feeling the need to prove themselves, they set out to find the body, thinking that its discovery will bring them fame and recognition.

The journey is both physical and emotional; the boys trek along the railroad tracks, encountering various obstacles. They confront personal fears, family issues, and the challenges of growing up along the way. As they bond over campfires and shared stories, they also face external threats, such as the vicious junkyard dog and the looming presence of Ace Merrill and his gang who are also intent on finding the body for their own gain. The boys' quest becomes a pivotal experience, a final goodbye to innocence and a step into the complexities of adulthood.