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

21 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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Phil Edwards

Starburst

A disaster.

Jul 26, 2022

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John Brosnan

Starburst

On a purely technical level... the film is well made and looks very good.

Jul 25, 2022

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James Kendrick

Q Network Film Desk

a unique merging of military drama and science fiction, and even if it doesn't always work, it presents such a fascinating scenario that you can't help but get sucked into its swirling vortex of unending and paradoxical "what if's?."

Rated: 3/4

Jun 22, 2021

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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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