Short Circuit

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Short Circuit

PG

Released May 9, 1986

1h 38m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

62%

Tomatometer

39 Reviews

67%

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100,000+ Ratings

After a lightning bolt gives it human emotions and intelligence, a military robot escapes and finds refuge at the home of an animal-loving pacifist (Ally Sheedy).

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Critics Consensus

Amiable and good-natured but also shallow and predictable, Short Circuit is hardly as deep or emotionally resonant as E.T. -- though Johnny Five makes for a charming robot protagonist.

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Catherine Rambeau

Detroit Free Press

Folks who like tweaking the Army or those with a special fondness for adorable robots may enjoy this harmless, reasonably funny film.

Rated: 5/10

Oct 27, 2021

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The film has nowhere to go except to give us a predictable initial confrontation between Guttenberg and Sheedy over military weapons.

Rated: 1/4

Apr 2, 2014

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Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

One of the stranger ironies to be found in Hollywood these days is that some of its most resourceful directors use high-tech wizardry and state-of- the-art movie technology to make films that rail against the tyranny of science.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 2, 2014

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Dan Webster

Spokesman-Review (Washington)

You've seem it before, and it's got a sweetness that makes even Steven Spielberg look a little like Scrooge, but you'll be hard pressed to find a better film to both entertain your kids and teach them an important lesson about the meaning of life.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 27, 2024

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

It's the charming machine and his damsel-in-distress who keep the picture afloat, putting a twist on conventional movie romances.

Rated: 7/10

Sep 7, 2020

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

In the spectrum of "Mac and Me," and "E.T.," its right there smack dab in the middle with "Batteries Not Included."

Oct 15, 2018

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Erica B

Definitely a movie ahead of its time!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/13/25

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Mister M

Great movie!!! I'll be honest, it's not some groundbreaking unpredictable movie or a masterpiece of emotions & inspiration like Shawshank Redemption or Forest Gump (pretty incredible that those 2 films - easily 2 of the best ever made and your an idiot if you disagree - pretty much came out at the same time) but as far as a great kids and family movie it truly is a classic! It's a great film for the family. No, it's not some profound, life-changing film that revolutionized the industry, it's just a good, simple movie. Yes, there are plenty of other movies where the the good guy (or the robot hahaha) has all the cards stacked against him/her (or it 😂) and he pushes through (standard underdog wins), but what's wrong with that... especially to watch with your kids. This movie has plenty of humor that still holds up today, and it's just a great family movie that you kids will enjoy and will finish watching with smiles on their faces. It's simple, but it's very good and should be talked about more. It's a family classic and nothing less than that. It's not a maybe you and your kids should watch it, it's a DEFINITELY!!! Yes, I obviously loved this movie when I was a kid, and it still puts a smile on my face every time I think about it or hear it's name. Watch this movie with your kids, nieces, nephews, etc. Don't let this movie be forgotten about. You will not be disappointed watching this movie again, or for this first, and neither win your kids.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

Full Review

Jay F

Decent enough for kids. Love a little 80’s cheese, but some of the dialogue is a little much, even for me. Ally Sheedy’s voice can also be a bit grating at times. That being said, Johnny Five is an endearing enough character to see you through to the end.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/26/25

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 38 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $39,000,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

Full Review

Michael D L

Awesome Movie mixed with comedy and action

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/20/25

Full Review

Audience Member

This was an absolute masterpiece, how dare anyone give it less than 4 stars. What a classic, wonderful story. Have you witnessed the BS Hollywood spews out these days?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/25

Full Review

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John Badham

Director

Ally Sheedy

Stephanie Speck

Steve Guttenberg

Newton Crosby

Fisher Stevens

Ben Jabituya

Austin Pendleton

Howard Marner

G.W. Bailey

Skroeder

Short Circuit: Official Clip - Your Mama Was a Snowblower

2:00

Short Circuit: Official Clip - It Just Runs Programs

2:01

Short Circuit: Official Clip - Disassembling Frank's Car

2:08

Short Circuit: Official Clip - Spontaneous Emotional Response

2:01

Short Circuit: Official Clip - Number 5 Is Still Alive

1:54

Short Circuit: Official Clip - Struck By Lightning

1:59

Short Circuit: Official Clip - It's Gone Berserk

1:50

Short Circuit: Official Clip - NOVA Demonstration

1:50

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Synopsis

After a lightning bolt gives it human emotions and intelligence, a military robot escapes and finds refuge at the home of an animal-loving pacifist (Ally Sheedy).

Director: John Badham
Producer: Lawrence Turman, David Foster
Screenwriter: S.S. Wilson, Brent Maddock
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, Image Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: TriStar Pictures, Producers Sales Organization, Turman-Foster Company
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 9, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $39.0M
Runtime: 1h 38m
Sound Mix: Surround

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