Short Circuit 1986
"Something wonderful has happened... No. 5 is alive."
In John Badham's playful 1986 sci-fi comedy Short Circuit, a bolt of lightning awakens Number 5, a military robot designed for destruction, imbuing it with unexpected curiosity and a thirst for self-discovery.
Director: John Badham
Cast
Ally Sheedy
Stephanie Speck
Steve Guttenberg
Newton Crosby
Fisher Stevens
Ben Jabituya
Austin Pendleton
Howard Marner
G.W. Bailey
Skroeder
Brian McNamara
Frank
Tim Blaney
Number 5 (voice)
Marvin J. McIntyre
Duke
John Garber
Otis
Penny Santon
Mrs. Cepeda
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Short Circuit (1986) about?
A military robot named Number 5 is struck by lightning and develops a mind of its own, breaking free from its lab to explore the world. Stumbling upon a compassionate animal lover, Number 5 learns about life, friendship, and what it means to be alive.
Who directed Short Circuit?
John Badham directed Short Circuit, bringing a mix of sci-fi wonder and family-friendly humor to the screen.
Who stars in Short Circuit?
Ally Sheedy stars as Stephanie Speck, with Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens, Austin Pendleton, and G.W. Bailey rounding out the cast.
Is Short Circuit (1986) worth watching?
Short Circuit is a charming, family-friendly sci-fi adventure with humor and heart, perfect for viewers who enjoy quirky robots and lighthearted thrills. Its nostalgic appeal and positive themes make it a fun watch, though it leans more toward family entertainment than high-concept sci-fi.
How long is Short Circuit?
Short Circuit has a runtime of 98 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Short Circuit (1986) — A Robot's Heartwarming Escape from the Lab
In John Badham's playful 1986 sci-fi comedy Short Circuit, a bolt of lightning awakens Number 5, a military robot designed for destruction, imbuing it with unexpected curiosity and a thirst for self-discovery. As the curious machine slips away from its classified lab, it stumbles into the life of Stephanie Speck, a kind-hearted animal enthusiast played by Ally Sheedy. Mistaking the robot for an extraterrestrial visitor, she shelters it while helping Number 5 navigate the quirks of human existence.
The film blends lighthearted humor with gentle themes of humanity and acceptance, all wrapped in the vibrant aesthetic of mid-80s family-friendly cinema. With Steve Guttenberg as the determined but good-natured scientist Newton Crosby and a supporting cast that includes Fisher Stevens and G.W. Bailey, Short Circuit delivers a charming escapade that's as heartwarming as it is entertaining.
