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The Final Countdown

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2:47

The Final Countdown

PG

1980

1h 44m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

52%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

60%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

A time warp takes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its captain (Kirk Douglas) back to Pearl Harbor, Dec. 6, 1941.

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Variety Staff

Variety

As a documentary on the USS Nimitz, The Final Countdown is wonderful. As entertainment, however, it has the feeling of a telepic that strayed onto the big screen.

Mar 26, 2009

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Time Out

An idea worthy of Harlan Ellison, but disappointingly fumbled.

Jan 26, 2006

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

It's filled with technology, special effects and action. But it just doesn't make any sense.

Rated: 2/4

Oct 23, 2004

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Madeleine Harmsworth

Sunday Mirror (UK)

The carrier has the power to divert history. But should it be done? For most of the film, this issue is sustained with surprising intelligence. Only the ending is something of a letdown.

Apr 23, 2025

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Tom Milne

Observer (UK)

A silly film, if ever I saw one.

Apr 23, 2025

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Phil Edwards

Starburst

A disaster.

Jul 26, 2022

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Paul B

I thought it was entertaining, somewhat dry at times but expected in a military environment. Great soundtrack and effects. I enjoyed the twist at the end, made me have to watch the beginning again. Nice blend of military meets syfy!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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Rob D

I watched this on a lark. I found it incredibly entertaining. I didn’t see the twist coming! This was much more entertaining and had more action than TOP GUN IMHO.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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Peter G

for time travel, i thought this was a lot of fun, the "what if" we could stop Pearl Harbor, fun flick

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

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Richard J

The only good parts in the movie are the F-14 Tomcats and the last scene of the movie. Those things are FAR from being enough to salvage this piece of garbage. Don’t waste your time.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/25

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Colin M

If you like watching jets take off and land then this movie is for you. If you like plot and acting skip it.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/25

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Paul M

A silly premise, but quite enjoyable as a movie. Some nice footage if you like carrier and jet operations. The contrast an 80s carrier crew with 1940s era personas is well done.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/21/24

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Don Taylor

Director

Kirk Douglas

Capt. Matthew Yelland

Martin Sheen

Warren Lasky

Katharine Ross

Laurel Scott

James Farentino

Cdr. Richard Owens

Ron O'Neal

Cdr. Dan Thurman

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The Final Countdown: Trailer 1

2:47

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Synopsis

A time warp takes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its captain (Kirk Douglas) back to Pearl Harbor, Dec. 6, 1941.

Director: Don Taylor
Producer: Peter Douglas
Screenwriter: David Ambrose, Gerry Davis, Thomas Hunter, Peter Powell
Production Co: United Artists, The Bryna Company
Rating: PG
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 7, 2017
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Surround

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