1941

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1941

PG

1979

1h 58m

Comedy

Action

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

48%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, residents of California descend into a wild panic, afraid that they might be the next target. Among them are Wild Bill Kelso (John Belushi), a crazed National Guard pilot; Sgt. Frank Tree (Dan Aykroyd), a patriotic, straight-laced tank crew commander; Ward Douglas (Ned Beatty), a civilian willing to help with the American war effort at any cost; and Maj. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell (Robert Stack), who tries his hardest to maintain sanity amid the chaos.

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Critics Consensus

Steven Spielberg's attempt at screwball comedy collapses under a glut of ideas, confusing an unwieldy scope for a commensurate amount of guffaws.

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Tom Milne

Sight & Sound

1941 is perhaps one of those films that should be seen twice, so that disappointed expectations over the wayward behaviour of the slapstick no longer get in the way of pleasure over what goes on alongside it.

Jan 16, 2020

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Vincent Canby

New York Times

It may possibly be that Mr. Spielberg has chosen gigantic size and unlimited quantity as his comedy method in the awareness that he has no gift whatsoever for small-scale comic conceits.

Rated: 1.5/5

May 9, 2005

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Ian Freer

Empire Magazine

Unworkable farce, it maybe, but it is also blessed with the buzz of brilliance.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 1, 2000

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Jana Monji

Age of the Geek

This film erases both the worries and the activism of Asian Americans at an important time in Los Angeles history and totally ignores the existence of anti-Asian sentiments that was clearly reflected in legislation.

Rated: 1/5

May 1, 2024

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John Ferguson

Radio Times

Widely regarded as the one Steven Spielberg disaster, this sprawling comedy never deserved all the flak that was thrown at it.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 4, 2024

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

1941 is a cold cadaver that Spielberg insults with malign complacency. [Full review in Soanish]

Jan 16, 2024

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Tom B

Spielberg farce. Goofy but has some memorable scenes.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/05/24

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Michael R.

This is a HIGHLY underrated comedy of epic proportions. I saw this first when I was around 8 y/o, just after its release and I have loved it ever since. Owned it on laserdisc. Not only is it a superb film, it is totally FRESH and one of a kind.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/19/25

Full Review

Mark C

I can’t believe the low ratings this movie gets—what are people watching?! “1941” is an absolute riot. Spielberg unleashes a full chaotic comedy! The setups for gags are masterful, from the 'Jaws' opening to Hollis Wood. John Belushi is a force of nature, Dan Aykroyd delivers perfectly, and Treat Williams and Ned Beatty round out a cast that’s firing on all cylinders. The dance hall brawl? Iconic. The submarine scenes? Unforgettable. This movie is a classic comedy that deserves way more love. “1941” is a must-watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/03/25

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Julian B

A Very underrated Steven Spielberg comedy classic full of laughs with a amazing cast.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/27/25

Full Review

Lanfranco C

A lot of noise for a little ouput

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

10/18/25

Full Review

Audience Member

I saw this in the theatre. I didn't like it very much- but loved Belushi in it as I'm a huge fan. Some good actors in it but it uses a lot of tropes that had been done in other movies and it's attempt to be a comedy absolutely fails now, in 2025, as it did in 1979. All you need is 1 word that encapsulates the entire movie= Hokey. Just... Hokey. Not going to keep it for my collection and you may read online that this has become a 'cult classic'= it HASN'T. No one ever talks about this movie or does it get mentioned, nor does it deserve to. A misstep by a great director.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/12/25

Full Review

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Steven Spielberg

Director

John Belushi

Captain Wild Bill Kelso

Dan Aykroyd

Sgt. Frank Tree

Lorraine Gary

Joan Douglas

Ned Beatty

Ward Douglas

Treat Williams

Corporal Chuck "Stretch" Sitarski

Movieclips: John Williams: 11 Incredible Themes

27:14

1941: Official Clip - Wood, Hollis P.

4:02

1941: Official Clip - Patriotic Duty

1:55

1941: Official Clip - Lost

1:32

1941: Official Clip - Japanese Christmas Trees

2:32

1941: Official Clip - Don't You Dare Fire That Gun

1:36

1941: Official Clip - The Ferris Wheel Rolls

2:38

1941: Official Clip - Something in the Water

1:30

1941: Official Clip - Mass Hysteria

1:29

1941: Official Clip - Dance Hall Brawl

1:29

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Synopsis

After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, residents of California descend into a wild panic, afraid that they might be the next target. Among them are Wild Bill Kelso (John Belushi), a crazed National Guard pilot; Sgt. Frank Tree (Dan Aykroyd), a patriotic, straight-laced tank crew commander; Ward Douglas (Ned Beatty), a civilian willing to help with the American war effort at any cost; and Maj. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell (Robert Stack), who tries his hardest to maintain sanity amid the chaos.

Director: Steven Spielberg
Producer: Buzz Feitshans
Screenwriter: Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, John Milius, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale
Distributor: Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures
Production Co: A-Team, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Universal Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 1979, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2010
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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