Short Circuit
1986, English. Directed by John Badham.
Something wonderful has happened... No. 5 is alive.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.7/10 from 1,713 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
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Where to watch Short Circuit
Short Circuit isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or buy it online.
Free
Hoopla
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
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YouTube
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Part of a series
Short Circuit: watch order
Cast & crew
- John BadhamDirector
- Ally SheedyStephanie Speck
- Steve GuttenbergNewton Crosby
- Fisher StevensBen Jabituya
- Austin PendletonHoward Marner
- G.W. BaileySkroeder
- Brian McNamaraFrank
- Tim BlaneyNumber 5 (voice)
- Marvin J. McIntyreDuke
- John GarberOtis
- Penny SantonMrs. Cepeda
- Vernon WeddleGeneral Washburne
- Barbara TarbuckSenator Mills
Details
- Released
- 9 May 1986
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Brent Maddock
- Budget
- $10M
- Box office
- $41M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
After Short Circuit
What comes next in the series.
If you liked Short Circuit
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Short Circuit: quick answers
What comes after Short Circuit?
Next in the series: Short Circuit 2 (1988).
Is Short Circuit worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.7/10 from 1,713 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Short Circuit?
Short Circuit runs 98 minutes (1h 38m).
Does Short Circuit have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Short Circuit. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Short Circuit parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Short Circuit is rated PG in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is Short Circuit on?
Short Circuit isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or buy it online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Short Circuit?
If you liked Short Circuit, try A.R.C.H.I.E., The Cat from Outer Space, Hoppers.
Who directed Short Circuit?
Short Circuit (1986) was directed by John Badham and stars Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens.