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Short Circuit

Short Circuit is a 1986 American science fiction comedy film directed by John Badham and written by S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Short Circuit is a 1986 American science fiction comedy film directed by John Badham and written by S. S. Wilson and Brent Maddock. It follows an experimental military robot that gains human-like intelligence after a lightning strike and escapes to learn about the world. The film was released in the United States and Canada on May 9, 1986, and later spawned a sequel, Short Circuit 2.

Plot

The story follows an experimental military robot that becomes self-aware after being struck by lightning. It then escapes its facility and seeks to understand the world around it.

Production and release

Short Circuit was directed by John Badham and written by S. S. Wilson and Brent Maddock. It opened in U.S. and Canadian theatres on May 9, 1986, through Tri-Star Pictures.

Reception

The film received mixed critical reviews but performed well at the box office. Reported earnings of $40.7 million made it a commercial success relative to its budget.

Legacy

The film’s popularity led to a sequel, Short Circuit 2, released in 1988 and directed by Kenneth Johnson.

Key facts

  • Short Circuit is a 1986 science fiction comedy about a military robot that becomes self-aware after a lightning strike.
  • The film was directed by John Badham and written by S. S. Wilson and Brent Maddock.
  • It stars Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens, Austin Pendleton, and G. W. Bailey.
  • Short Circuit grossed $40.7 million at the box office and received mixed reviews.
  • The film earned three Saturn Award nominations, including Best Science Fiction Film.
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Canadian context

Short Circuit was released theatrically in Canada on May 9, 1986, alongside its U.S. release.[1]

Frequently asked questions

What is Short Circuit about?
It is about a military robot that becomes self-aware after a lightning strike and escapes to explore the world.
Who directed Short Circuit?
John Badham directed the film.
When was Short Circuit released?
It was released in the United States and Canada on May 9, 1986.
Who wrote Short Circuit?
The screenplay was written by S. S. Wilson and Brent Maddock.
Did Short Circuit have a sequel?
Yes. Short Circuit 2 was released in 1988 and was directed by Kenneth Johnson.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Circuit_(1986_film)
    Supports: Core film facts: title, year, director, writers, cast, plot, release date, box office, Saturn Award nominations, and sequel.