Super 8

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2:11

Super 8

PG-13

Released Jun 10, 2011

1h 52m

Sci-Fi

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

294 Reviews

75%

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100,000+ Ratings

In 1979 Ohio, several youngsters (Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso) are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train derailment and are lucky to escape with their lives. They soon discover that the catastrophe was no accident, as a series of unexplained events and disappearances soon follows. Deputy Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler), the father of one of the kids, searches for the terrifying truth behind the crash.

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Critics Consensus

It may evoke memories of classic summer blockbusters a little too eagerly for some, but Super 8 has thrills, visual dazzle, and emotional depth to spare.

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Sara Reihani

Bitch Media

It's a by-the-numbers blockbuster, but one with a key element that's missing from most of the big-budget bloatfests crowding each other for space on the marquee every summer: heart.

Jan 7, 2021

Full Review

Violet Lucca

Film Comment Magazine

While it may not achieve the level of pop culture canonization as the Spielberg films it invokes, Super 8 should inspire many to use their camera-phones for something more creative than a profile pic.

Jun 28, 2013

Full Review

Leah Rozen

TheWrap

Super 8 is accomplished commercial filmmaking.

Oct 7, 2011

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David Griffiths

Subculture Entertainment

The first 90% of Super 8 are brilliant and Abrams really needs to be congratulated for his skill and vision, but the last 15 minutes of this film really do leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Rated: 4.5/5

Oct 29, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Imbued with that effervescent movie magic quality so often linked to Spielberg, who serves as executive producer here, Abrams' film delivers an exciting and heartwarming adventure.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 7, 2023

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

[JJ] Abrams gets fine performances from his young cast, especially Elle Fanning in her breakout performance as the well-possessed young woman they cast in their film...

Dec 3, 2022

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Ryan A

The Goonies meets E.T. and it's fun for the family with a whole lot of lense flare.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

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Jey D

A wonderfully nostalgic throwback to classic blockbuster film-making. I was lucky to experience a film like this in my teens.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/05/25

Full Review

Audience Member

This really is one of the best movies ever made. I’ve seen it so many times and, every time, I smile, I laugh, I cry. It’s so incredibly nostalgic and just beautifully shot and acted. The score can be a gut punch—so beautiful. Just an amazing film from top to bottom.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/02/25

Full Review

Audience Member

me gusta esta pelicula lo interesante de la ciencia ficción.🍿📽️

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/30/25

Full Review

Samantha S

one of my all time favorite movies !

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/25

Full Review

S. M

i don’t even know where to start cuz Super 8 is literally my fav movie ever. like ever. i’ve seen it prob 20 times and it still hits every single time. the vibes, the music, the cast, the way it’s shot—PERFECT. the kids feel like real kids not like fake movie kids and the whole thing feels like something that could’ve actually happened if aliens were real lol. it’s funny and sad and scary and exciting and just everything all in one. and the train crash scene?? bruh. LEGENDARY. also i love how it’s like a love letter to old school Spielberg movies but still totally its own thing. it’s got that nostalgic feeling but doesn’t try too hard. and the ending always makes me cry no matter what 😭 anyway if u haven’t seen Super 8 yet idk what you’re doing w your life. go watch it. masterpiece. forever a comfort movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/23/25

Full Review

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J.J. Abrams

Director

Kyle Chandler

Deputy Jackson Lamb

Elle Fanning

Alice Dainard

Joel Courtney

Joe Lamb

Gabriel Basso

Martin

Ron Eldard

Louis Dainard

Super 8: Official Clip - The Creature's Lair

2:13

Super 8: Official Clip - Final Goodbye

2:15

Super 8: Official Clip - Tanks Invade the Neighborhood

2:12

Super 8: Official Clip - Train Crash

2:14

Super 8: Official Clip - He's Alive

2:12

Super 8: Official Clip - Allie is Abducted

2:12

Super 8: Official Clip - My Father's Fault

2:14

Super 8: Official Clip - Gas Station Terror

2:13

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Super 8: Trailer 1

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Super 8: Teaser Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 1979 Ohio, several youngsters (Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso) are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train derailment and are lucky to escape with their lives. They soon discover that the catastrophe was no accident, as a series of unexplained events and disappearances soon follows. Deputy Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler), the father of one of the kids, searches for the terrifying truth behind the crash.

Director: J.J. Abrams
Producer: Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk
Screenwriter: J.J. Abrams
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Bad Robot, Amblin Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Intense Seq. of Sci-Fi Violenc|Intense Seq. of Sci-Fi Action|Language|Some Drug Use)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 10, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 18, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $127.0M
Runtime: 1h 52m

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