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Pixels

Play trailer 1:31 Poster for Pixels PG-13 Released Jul 24, 2015 1h 46m Comedy Action Adventure Fantasy Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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18% Tomatometer 205 Reviews 46% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
When aliens intercept video feeds of classic arcade games and misinterpret them as a declaration of war, they attack Earth, using the games as models. Knowing that he must employ a similar strategy, President Will Cooper (Kevin James) recruits his childhood pal, former video-game champ and home-theater installer Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler), to lead a team of old-school arcade players and a military specialist (Michelle Monaghan) in an all-out battle to save the planet.
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Pixels

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Critics Consensus

Much like the worst arcade games from the era that inspired it, Pixels has little replay value and is hardly worth a quarter.

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Critics Reviews

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Udita Jhunjhunwala Livemint The film catalogues the worst set of performances seen in a while, particularly Dinklage's accent and Gad's pubescent antics. Aug 15, 2019 Full Review Tara Brady Irish Times It's a neat idea for a parody disaster film but it's wholly lost in this melange of underwritten characters and awful dialogue. Rated: 2/4 Mar 7, 2016 Full Review Alison Willmore BuzzFeed News There are scenes in the surreally lazy, occasionally funny Pixels in which Sandler's face slips into the exact same weary, disgruntled expression he wears in Funny People. Nov 10, 2015 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a fun, innovative premise that is, for the most part, employed to underwhelming and frequently tedious effect... Rated: 2/4 Aug 13, 2022 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review The humor is juvenile and inane, the characters are unbelievable and over-the-top, and the overall temperament is childish. Rated: 1.5/4 Jun 9, 2022 Full Review Nikki Baughan AWFJ.org Monahan is at least given the chance to get her teeth into the role of the army specialist drafted in to help kick some otherworldy ass. Oct 4, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Matt O A fun nostalgia trip for gamers” – 3.5/5 Pixels might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but if you love video games and ‘80s nostalgia, it’s a pretty enjoyable watch. The idea of classic arcade games coming to life is a blast, and the movie leans into that fun vibe with some solid effects and goofy humor. It’s definitely silly and doesn’t always hit the mark with the jokes or story, but the gamer in me appreciated the nods and references. If you’re looking for something lighthearted with a nostalgic twist, In my opinion, Pixels is worth a watch. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/22/25 Full Review Marsh X I'm questionable about the critics reviews on this movie, I understand that the humour in this movie is cheesy and childish but I'm pretty sure that was the movie's intention, and I think it does well for the demographic it was targeted towards. It might not be everyone's cup of tea sure, but that's almost equivalent to pointing out that a slasher movie is too gory. Rant aside, I think the visual effects in this movie are cool, the humour is definitely meant more for kids and I'd say it's an overall fun watch with the family. I'd recommend this if you like stupid humour and retro games like myself. 6/10 Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/14/25 Full Review DragonSpirit 5 I love this movie, it always has been and always will be one of my favourites. The movie is set in 2015, but features flashbacks of the main characters in the 80s playing iconic arcade games like Pacman, Donkey Kong, and many more. The movie is centered around Sam Brenner and his childhood friends, Ludlow Lamonsoff and Will Cooper. Sam works for a electronics company as an adult and Will becomes the president of the US. With the help of some other people along the way like Violet Van Patten, her son Matty and Eddie Plant, AKA the 'fire blaster', Sam Brenner goes on a quest to save the world from an invasion of old video games. The movie is really enjoyable, with lots of fun and comedic scenes, I highly recommend it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/08/25 Full Review Emma F The Futurama segment “What if life were more like a video game” was a hilarious take on the concept, while this movie fell flat. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 05/07/25 Full Review Sebastian C Wonderful movie! I loved everything! This is my 2nd favorite movie Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/29/25 Full Review Nathan G If you're a retro game fan, this is a must watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/26/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Pixels

My Rating

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Movie Info

Synopsis When aliens intercept video feeds of classic arcade games and misinterpret them as a declaration of war, they attack Earth, using the games as models. Knowing that he must employ a similar strategy, President Will Cooper (Kevin James) recruits his childhood pal, former video-game champ and home-theater installer Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler), to lead a team of old-school arcade players and a military specialist (Michelle Monaghan) in an all-out battle to save the planet.
Director
Chris Columbus
Producer
Allen Covert, Mark Radcliffe, Chris Columbus, Adam Sandler
Screenwriter
Tim Herlihy, Timothy Dowling
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
Columbia Pictures, LStar Capital
Rating
PG-13 (Suggestive Comments|Some Language)
Genre
Comedy, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 24, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$78.7M
Runtime
1h 46m
Sound Mix
Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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