Independence Day

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2:26

Independence Day

PG-13

Released Jul 3, 1996

2h 25m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

81 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In the epic adventure film "Independence Day," strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived; its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.

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Critics Consensus

The plot is thin and so is character development, but as a thrilling, spectacle-filled summer movie, Independence Day delivers.

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

A sci-fi story constellation of the brightest star elements. With German director Emmerich at the helm, Independence Day soars as filmic uber-craft.

Jul 3, 2018

Full Review

Dave Kehr

New York Daily News

Sonnenfeld has directed with gusto and precision from a vaguely plotted but often hilarious screenplay, and his view of Manhattan as a holding pen for intergalactic refugees has the touch of authentic experience fundamental to all great comedy.

Jan 18, 2018

Full Review

Jami Bernard

New York Daily News

"ID4" presses all the current hot buttons with great efficiency which will make it hard to keep in mind that just because a movie kicks major butt doesn't mean it's good.

Jan 18, 2018

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

A defining experience for the '90s and set the formula for summer blockbusters, blending together bombastical action, heart, and humor.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 24, 2023

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Alison Gillmor

Winnipeg Free Press

Disaster master Roland Emmerich prefers his aliens hostile, hideous and prone to blowing up recognizable national landmarks.

Feb 27, 2023

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Sheila Reid

Women in the Life

If you see no other movie this summer, go see this one.

May 31, 2022

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Kenzie S

It wasn't bad but it didn't connect with me. Might have liked it more if I watched it when it released rather than years later.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/25

Full Review

Daniel K

The good: Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. Both show their star quality. Will Smith in particular. The effects though now dated, were very good at the time. The first half builds the suspense nicely. I really like the first hour. The bad: US jingoism. Independence Day is now for everyone because we all want to be American right? The depictions of other cultures is laughable. Oh and how a bunch of untrained pilots can suddenly fly military aircraft. Bottom line, it's enjoyable nonsense.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/09/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Independence Day is without a doubt the most enjoyable disaster film ever made. It has likable characters portrayed by fabulous actors plus the space fights against the aliens makes it even more enjoyable. A cherry on the cake is the patriotic feel this film gives.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/31/25

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Brady R

Will Smith and Goldblum together is an A+ in my book. Highly recommended!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

Full Review

Wendel L

Direção: Bom Atuação: Bom Roteiro: Bom Caracterização: Bom Soundtrack: Ok

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/07/24

Full Review

diogo o

Melhor filme de sci fy já lançando marcou uma geração!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/24

Full Review

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Roland Emmerich

Director

Will Smith

Captain Steven 'Eagle' Hiller

Bill Pullman

President Thomas J. Whitmore

Jeff Goldblum

David Levinson

Mary McDonnell

First Lady Marilyn Whitmore

Judd Hirsch

Julius Levinson

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Synopsis

In the epic adventure film "Independence Day," strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived; its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.

Director: Roland Emmerich
Producer: Dean Devlin
Screenwriter: Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox, Centropolis Film Productions, Centropolis Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Violence|Sci-Fi Destruction)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 3, 1996, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $306.2M
Runtime: 2h 25m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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