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Rollerball

Play trailer Poster for Rollerball R Released Jan 1, 1975 2h 8m Sci-Fi Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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68% Tomatometer 37 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
The year is 2018 in a futuristic society where corporations have replaced countries. A violent futuristic game known as Rollerball is the recreational sport of the world, with teams representing various areas. One player, Jonathan E., fights for his personal freedom and threatens the corporate control.
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Rollerball

Rollerball

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Critics Consensus

In Rollerball, social commentary collides with high-speed action -- and the audience is the winner.

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Critics Reviews

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Eric Hynes Rolling Stone Jewison's extreme-sports future shock bundles together a paranoid political thriller, a McLuhan-drunk media satire, ultraviolent exploitation, reverent respect for faddish athletic pursuits and enough zoom shots to make Robert Altman blush. May 30, 2018 Full Review Jay Cocks TIME Magazine James Caan, on roller skates, is trying to save the world. This needs a bit of explaining, which is only the beginning of the trouble with Rollerball. Aug 4, 2008 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Norman Jewison's sensational futuristic drama about a world of Corporate States stars James Caan in an excellent performance as a famed athlete who fights for his identity and free will. Aug 4, 2008 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Rollerball released as a thrilling future shock yet to this day it maintains a sharp contemporary bite. It’s highlighted with slick production values and brimming with astute social commentary. And its all accented by a touch of violent 70s exploitation. Rated: 4.5/5 Feb 19, 2025 Full Review Steve Warren The Barb (Atlanta) Rollerball is an okay movie with nothing new to say. May 9, 2023 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Like many paranoid thrillers and dystopian science-fiction stories of the 1970s, Rollerball is a metaphor for the decade's widespread mistrust of political and cultural systems. Rated: 3.5/4 Mar 3, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ray A This movie introduced me to toccata and fugue in d minor. Whenever I hear it, its haunting opening, it reminds me of the haunting ending of this movie. For those who liked the The Circle or The Every, you will find some familarity. Shout out to Roller Derby skaters who were more than extras in this movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/24/24 Full Review Randolph G An absolute masterpiece of prophetic Sci Fi. Set in a future where Corporations give the masses everything they could possibly want and exercise total control. Sound familiar? Houseman is chilling and Caan is outstanding and the Jock the corporate men totally underestimate. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/07/24 Full Review Sharon R I know it is set in the 1970’s but the storyline is timeless. It predicts things we see and have today. Hopefully it does not predict what is to come. The movie uses a very violent game as a means of entertainment for the masses much like the lions were used in the Roman colosseums. The loss of individuality is the main character’s battle both internally and socially. He’s not willing to go quietly and he, like most people, just wants the truth. He becomes iconic and an inspiration but not by intentional design. My gut wrenching moment is when they go after his teammate which was hard to watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/12/24 Full Review Will C This has definitely become more poignant with time. As we move further and further into collective ideas rather than the individual , a movie that celebrates the individual and their ability to achieve and overcome obstacles will leave you with a sense of empowerment sorely lacking in any conversation today. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/14/24 Full Review Deke P 1975! futuristic plot set far into future... 2018 !! That's already 6 years AGO! BUT as I recall, I thot it was xlnt when I say it way back in the 70s. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/24 Full Review Kevin S Favorite movie ever. Truly visionary as it peels apart what we've seen come our way in its future. Masterpiece. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/10/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Rollerball

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Movie Info

Synopsis The year is 2018 in a futuristic society where corporations have replaced countries. A violent futuristic game known as Rollerball is the recreational sport of the world, with teams representing various areas. One player, Jonathan E., fights for his personal freedom and threatens the corporate control.
Director
Norman Jewison
Producer
Norman Jewison
Screenwriter
William Harrison, William Harrison
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
Algonquin, United Artists
Rating
R
Genre
Sci-Fi, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 1, 1975, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 16, 2008
Runtime
2h 8m
Sound Mix
Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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