The Spirit of '76 Poster

The Spirit of '76 1990

★ 4.613 votes82 min📅 1990-10-12

"A close-up look at the most embarrassing decade in history."

Lucas Reiner's wild sci-fi comedy *The Spirit of '76 (1990)* delivers a hilariously anachronistic time-travel romp where a trio of future Americans mistakenly lands in the disco decade instead of 1776.

Director: Lucas Reiner

Cast

David Cassidy
David Cassidy
Adam-11
Olivia D'Abo
Olivia D'Abo
Chanel-6
Steven Shane McDonald
Steven Shane McDonald
Tommy Sears
Jeffrey McDonald
Jeffrey McDonald
Chris Johnson
Geoff Hoyle
Heinz-57
Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett
Eddie Trojan
Mark Mothersbaugh
Mark Mothersbaugh
Chevron-17
Gerald V. Casale
Gerald V. Casale
Yale-44
Carl Reiner
Carl Reiner
Dr. Von Mobil
Bob Casale
Bob Casale
Ron-29

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Spirit of '76 (1990) about?

A trio of future Americans accidentally time-travels to 1976 instead of 1776, convinced they've arrived in America's golden age. As they navigate the decade's wild culture, they attempt to uncover the secrets of success—only to find disco, cults, and questionable fashion choices instead.

Who directed The Spirit of '76?

The film was directed by Lucas Reiner, known for blending comedy with offbeat storytelling.

Who stars in The Spirit of '76?

The movie features David Cassidy, Olivia D'Abo, and Leif Garrett among its main cast, bringing a mix of '70s nostalgia and comedic energy to the screen.

Is The Spirit of '76 (1990) worth watching?

While not a critical darling, *The Spirit of '76* offers a guilty-pleasure charm for fans of time-travel comedies and '70s nostalgia. Its blend of absurd humor and retro flair makes it a cult pick, though it's more likely to entertain than impress.

How long is The Spirit of '76?

The movie runs for 82 minutes, packing its retro satire and sci-fi antics into a tight runtime.

🎥 Trailer

About The Spirit of '76 (1990) — A time-travel comedy lost in the disco decade

Lucas Reiner's wild sci-fi comedy *The Spirit of '76 (1990)* delivers a hilariously anachronistic time-travel romp where a trio of future Americans mistakenly lands in the disco decade instead of 1776. Convinced they've arrived in the nation's golden era, the trio navigates the neon-lit excesses of 1976—complete with bell-bottoms, cult leaders, and disco balls—all while futilely searching for sage advice from the founding fathers. The film's satirical lens zooms in on the absurdity of the '70s, blending fish-out-of-water humor with retro kitsch and sci-fi flair. With its blend of comedy and sci-fi, it's a love letter to—and brutal parody of—an era often remembered for its cringe-worthy excess.

Directed by Reiner and fronted by David Cassidy and Olivia D'Abo, the movie leans into the decade's iconic soundtrack, fashion, and cultural quirks, creating a time capsule that's equal parts nostalgic and cringe. The offbeat cast and sharp script make *The Spirit of '76* a cult curiosity, a time-travel farce that's as much about the follies of the present as it is a love letter to the past.