Short Circuit
Short Circuit Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Movie Overview: Short Circuit
| Movie | Short Circuit |
| Release Year | 1986 |
| Director | John Badham |
| Genre | Science Fiction / Comedy / Family |
| Runtime | 98 minutes (1h 38m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Short Circuit (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Short Circuit are led by Ally Sheedy . The supporting cast, including Steve Guttenberg and Fisher Stevens , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Short Circuit stands out as a strong entry in the Science Fiction genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Science Fiction narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Short Circuit has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Science Fiction fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Short Circuit
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, Short Circuit is a Science Fiction, Comedy, Family film directed by John Badham, written by Brent Maddock. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. As part of the Short Circuit Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ally Sheedy as Stephanie Speck.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. After a lightning bolt zaps a robot named Number 5, the lovable machine starts to think he's human and escapes the lab. Hot on his trail is his designer, Newton, who hopes to get to Number 5 before the military does. In the meantime, a spunky animal lover mistakes the robot for an alien and takes him in, teaching her new guest about life on Earth. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Short Circuit establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with John Badham introducing Ally Sheedy as Stephanie Speck in the opening act, and over its 98-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ally Sheedy's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Ally Sheedy's arc reaching resolution. John Badham's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Ending Explained: Short Circuit
Short Circuit Ending Explained: Directed by John Badham, Short Circuit wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core science fiction themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Ally Sheedy. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Short Circuit reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Short Circuit?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ally Sheedy or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Short Circuit
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $40.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Short Circuit Budget
The estimated production budget for Short Circuit is $10.0M. 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.
Where to Watch Short Circuit Online?
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Fandango At HomeShort Circuit Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about Short Circuit age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Short Circuit (1986) is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Directed by John Badham, the film runs for 98 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Short Circuit is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Short Circuit worth watching?
Short Circuit is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Short Circuit parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Short Circuit identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Short Circuit (1986)?
The runtime of Short Circuit (1986) is 98 minutes (approximately 1h 38m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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Part of the Short Circuit Collection
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