Is Sharky's Machine Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Sharky's Machine is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 122 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

Verdict:Sharky's Machine is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.1/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Crime, Drama, Action, Thriller genre.
Answer: Yes, Sharky's Machine is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 122 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1981, Sharky's Machine enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on Police officer Tom Sharky gets busted back to working vice, where he happens upon a scandalous conspiracy involving a local politician. Under the direction of Burt Reynolds, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Burt Reynolds. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, Sharky's Machine offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 122-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Beyond the narrative, Sharky's Machine resonates with current cultural themes in the Crime space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, Sharky's Machine is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of Sharky's Machine centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape. Police officer Tom Sharky gets busted back to working vice, where he happens upon a scandalous conspiracy involving a local politician. Sharky's new 'machine' gathers evidence while Sharky falls in love with a woman he has never met. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1981 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of Sharky's Machine has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Sharky's Machine sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Sharky's Machine (1981): with an audience rating of 6.1/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Crime, Drama, Action, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $17,500,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $35,610,100 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The estimated production budget for Sharky's Machine is $17,500,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Fandango At HomeAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Sharky's Machine stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Sharky's Machine has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Sharky's Machine is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Sharky's Machine may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Sharky's Machine has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Sharky's Machine is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Sharky's Machine may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Sharky's Machine is a Crime, Drama, Action movie that follows: Police officer Tom Sharky gets busted back to working vice, where he happens upon a scandalous conspiracy involving a local politician. Sharky's new 'machine' gathers evidence while Sharky falls in lo...
Sharky's Machine falls under Crime, Drama, Action, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
Sharky's Machine is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Police officer Tom Sharky gets busted back to working vice, where he happens upon a scandalous conspiracy involving a local politician. Sharky's new 'machine' gathers evidence while Sharky falls in love with a woman he has never met.
It was made in '81 and is actually a pretty solid police film. It's not great, it's not Chinatown, but it also is pretty far from horrible. The dialogue is absolutely fantastic, and even in the throw away moments, there is a humor that seems very human. It's Hollywood sharp and witty to the point where it's almost too good to be realistic, it's just, human. There are a lot of little throw away conversations that seem like the kind of thing you'd hear in your everyday life. And that adds a nice touch of realism to what is otherwise a cop film, and those are always pretty unrealistic. The sound track is a little dated, a little 70s Adult film in places, but that was just a trope of the era and even great films like Three Days of the Condor had that 70s had that "I expect John Holmes to walk in any minute now" kind of music... but then it also had the cliche 80s sex scene instrumentals. So it feels like the merging of two eras and, audioly, it can't really decide if it wants to be 70s or 80s. And then it has crooning that seems like it fits better in a Sean Connery era 007 film. I guess what I'm saying is that, if there is a flaw, it's the sound track. Essentially what it is though is a solid cop film that is bucking for 1970s gritty and realistic, but is still, ultimately, as over the top and unrealistic as most police thrillers. It's a very enjoyable film to watch.... despite the music.