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%

Popcornmeter

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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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

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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

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Monica S

I loved this as a child. So my child self is giving it a very high rating.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/26/25

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Dave C

Love, love, love this! AI and robotics in an intelligent, funny, warm, and nerdy sci-fi hosted by some of the top acting talent of its era. It plays just as well now as it did when I first watched it decades ago.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/07/24

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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