Short Circuit

1986

"A spark of life, a journey begins."

Also known as: 🇬🇧 EN: Short Circuit 1^? 🇪🇸 ES: Cortocircuito^? 🇵🇹 PT: Um Robô em Curto Circuito^? 🇯🇵 JA: ショート・サーキット^? 🇨🇳 ZH: 霹雳五号^? All international titles (7) →

Science Fiction Comedy Family 98 min 6.6/10

Synopsis

Short Circuit is a movie released in 1986.

Short Circuit is a 1986 film that blends science fiction with comedy and family-friendly themes. The story centers on a military robot named Number 5, who gains sentience after being struck by lightning. This unexpected awakening sets off a series of humorous and adventurous events as Number 5 begins to explore the world with curiosity and a desire for understanding. The film's light-hearted atmosphere is complemented by engaging character interactions and a focus on the themes of individuality and the quest for meaning. The ensemble cast features performances from Ally Sheedy and Steve Guttenberg, who portray characters that help guide Number 5 through its journey of self-discovery. With moments that appeal to both children and adults, Short Circuit presents a thoughtful exploration of technology and humanity, inviting audiences to consider the implications of artificial intelligence. The film balances comedic elements with tender moments, making it a memorable addition to the family science fiction genre.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	2/5
Sexual Content	1/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	0/5
Frightening Elements	2/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

There are some mild action sequences and instances of robots causing property damage, but no serious harm comes to characters.

Sexual Content

There are very mild romantic elements suggested, but nothing explicit or graphic.

Language

There is minimal mild language that may be considered inappropriate for very young children.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are no depictions of drug or alcohol use.

Frightening Elements

Some scenes may be slightly intense or suspenseful for younger viewers, particularly involving the robot's interactions.

Summary for parents:

Short Circuit is a light-hearted science fiction comedy featuring a sentient robot. While there are some mild action and thematic elements, the content is generally appropriate for family viewing, making it suitable for children aged 13 and older.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

The Breakfast...

1985

Same Actor Ally Sheedy

Police Academy

1984

Same Actor Ally Sheedy

Scream 7

2026

Similar Theme

GOAT

2026

Similar Genre

Where to Watch Short Circuit Online

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Box Office

Budget: $10,000,000

Revenue: $40,697,761

Profit $30,697,761

ROI +307% (4.1x)

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Cast of Short Circuit

Ally Sheedy

Stephanie Speck

Steve Guttenberg

Newton Crosby

Fisher Stevens

Ben Jabituya

Austin Pendleton

Howard Marner

View Full Cast Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Keywords

#robot 34 #artificial intelligence (a.i.) 33 #military 28 #oregon, usa 9 #lightning 5 #childlike 2

Production Companies

TriStar Pictures

PSO

The Turman-Foster Company

Trivia & Fun Facts about Short Circuit

7

• The robot Number 5 was operated using a combination of animatronics and remote-controlled puppetry, allowing for a wide range of expressive movements and interactions with the cast.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• In one scene, the character Newton accidentally refers to Number 5 as 'Number 4', which was a small mistake that went unnoticed during filming.

  Movie Mistake ai

• Ally Sheedy's character, Stephanie, was originally intended to be a much more serious role, but Sheedy brought a sense of humor and lightness that changed the character's direction.

  Fun Fact ai

• The film's memorable theme song, 'Who's Johnny', performed by El DeBarge, became a hit and contributed to the movie's popularity, further embedding it in 1980s pop culture.

  Other ai

• During production, the team faced challenges in making Number 5 appear relatable and human-like while still maintaining a robotic appearance, leading to a unique design process.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• There is a visual reference to the classic film 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' when Number 5 is seen hiding under a blanket, echoing a similar scene with E.T. himself.

  Easter Egg ai

• Fisher Stevens, who played Ben Jabituya, adopted an Indian accent for his role, which led to discussions about representation and authenticity in casting within the film industry.

  Fun Fact ai

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