Phenomenon

PG

Released Jul 3, 1996

2 hr. 4 min.

Drama

List

49%

37 Reviews

Tomatometer

59%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

On his birthday, mechanic George Malley (John Travolta) sees a flash of light and proceeds to exhibit extraordinary mental abilities. He becomes a genius, even showing an ability to move objects with his mind. George wishes to help people, but the government wants to take him in for observation. Soon, George finds out from Dr. Brunder (Robert Duvall) that he has a massive brain tumor. With this new knowledge, George decides to spend his time with girlfriend Lace (Kyra Sedgwick).

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Phil B

Love this movie! I would give it a solid 73% . A feel good movie you can watch over and over (and I have). No exception effects or acting , but solid with great actors. I haven't seen it in awhile and think it's time to watch again. Definitely worth your time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/16/24

Full Review

Donna F

I could watch this movie over and over. In fact I have!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/24

Full Review

Ashley R

Great movie that makes you think of what could be.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/11/24

Full Review

Randy S

You may want limit your reading of reviews. If you are a male under 30 it sucks because things don't blow up every 5 minutes and everyone isn't sleeping with each other. With that said, one of the best movies ever! A movie about the power of the mind. No violence, no destruction, no anger, malice, hate, psychotic rage fuled revenge, I think I remember a gun in a scene but it was never fired. Truely a beautiful movie. Bravo!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/06/23

Full Review

Mike P

Bittersweet movie exploring the limits of human intelligence and friendship. John Travolta & Robert Duvall turn in wonderful performances, and Forest Whitaker & Kyra Sedgwick do a decent job as well. Really makes you wonder about how far the human mind will evolve . . .

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/01/23

Full Review

Emilliano Jr S

The ending shocks me. A phenomenal tumor.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

10/06/23

Full Review

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Jon Turteltaub

Director

John Travolta

George Malley

Kyra Sedgwick

Lace Pennamin

Forest Whitaker

Nate Pope

Jeffrey DeMunn

Prof. John Ringold, Seismologist

Robert Duvall

Doc Brunder

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Moribund, dopey stuff.

Jun 14, 2022

Full Review

Carol Buckland

CNN.com

Travolta is terrific! And in a movie season dominated by brainless action flicks and big explosions, Phenomenon is something magically different.

Jan 5, 2018

Full Review

Anne Billson

Daily Telegraph (UK)

This so-so Capra-esque fable with undertones of L. Ron Hubbard takes a turn for the worse after the first hour.

Nov 22, 2017

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Creative Loafing

For a movie that's ostensibly about intelligence, Phenomenon proves to be rather simple-minded.

Rated: 2/4

Jul 13, 2012

Full Review

Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

Gentle tearjerker about sudden mental superpowers.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 15, 2010

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 2/5

Oct 21, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

On his birthday, mechanic George Malley (John Travolta) sees a flash of light and proceeds to exhibit extraordinary mental abilities. He becomes a genius, even showing an ability to move objects with his mind. George wishes to help people, but the government wants to take him in for observation. Soon, George finds out from Dr. Brunder (Robert Duvall) that he has a massive brain tumor. With this new knowledge, George decides to spend his time with girlfriend Lace (Kyra Sedgwick).

Director: Jon Turteltaub
Executive Producer: Jonathan D. Krane, Charles Newirth
Screenwriter: Gerald Di Pego
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 3, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $104.6M
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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