Short Circuit

Released May 9, 1986

1h 38m

Comedy

List

62%

Tomatometer

39 Reviews

67%

Audience Score

100,000+ Ratings

After a lightning bolt gives it human emotions and intelligence, a military robot escapes and finds refuge at the home of an animal-loving pacifist (Ally Sheedy).

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Critics Consensus

Amiable and good-natured but also shallow and predictable, Short Circuit is hardly as deep or emotionally resonant as E.T. -- though Johnny Five makes for a charming robot protagonist.

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Catherine Rambeau

Detroit Free Press

Folks who like tweaking the Army or those with a special fondness for adorable robots may enjoy this harmless, reasonably funny film.

Rated: 5/10

Oct 27, 2021

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The film has nowhere to go except to give us a predictable initial confrontation between Guttenberg and Sheedy over military weapons.

Rated: 1/4

Apr 2, 2014

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Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

One of the stranger ironies to be found in Hollywood these days is that some of its most resourceful directors use high-tech wizardry and state-of- the-art movie technology to make films that rail against the tyranny of science.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 2, 2014

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Dan Webster

Spokesman-Review (Washington)

You've seem it before, and it's got a sweetness that makes even Steven Spielberg look a little like Scrooge, but you'll be hard pressed to find a better film to both entertain your kids and teach them an important lesson about the meaning of life.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 27, 2024

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

It's the charming machine and his damsel-in-distress who keep the picture afloat, putting a twist on conventional movie romances.

Rated: 7/10

Sep 7, 2020

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

In the spectrum of "Mac and Me," and "E.T.," its right there smack dab in the middle with "Batteries Not Included."

Oct 15, 2018

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Gary M

This movie is awesome. Just the work they did with the robots alone is worth more than the 5 stars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/10/24

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Prabudhjeet A

For me, this character is above wall e. A good family friendly holiday movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/05/24

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Jeremiah N

Johnny number 5 is the best character in a movie about a sentient robot! Who is only sentient after a lightning strike hits him! They don't make films like this anymore! Hollywood seems to be out of new ideas! Bring back the 70's,80's and 90's film makers! We miss those people!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/13/23

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Duncan P

Absolute classic. From start to finish

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/23

Full Review

David W

A movie which was very much of its era. The cast do well, Johnny Five is very likeable and manages to both generate empathy and raise some laughs. The movie on the whole is good natured and endearing if a little predictable (it was primarily a family movie afterall). There's some racial stereotyping that might furrow the woke brigade eyebrows but this not withstanding it's still well worth a watch for those in a nostalgic or whimsical mood. A product of a simpler time but that's no bad thing in my book.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/27/23

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Siarra

These reviews are bogus both movies were great. So many movies after this one wish they could create this magic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/23

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John Badham

Director

Ally Sheedy

Stephanie Speck

Steve Guttenberg

Newton Crosby

Fisher Stevens

Ben Jabituya

Austin Pendleton

Howard Marner

G.W. Bailey

Skroeder

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Short Circuit: Official Clip - Your Mama Was a Snowblower