Short Circuit
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.
Ratings
Based on audience scoresWhere to stream Short Circuit
Streaming now in the United States on Hulu, Hoopla, and Tubi TV.
Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Trailer
Official 40th Anniversary Trailer
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Frequently asked questions about Short Circuit
Where can I watch Short Circuit in the United States?
Short Circuit is available to stream on Hulu, Hoopla, and Tubi TV in the United States, and to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability is provided by JustWatch and can change over time.
Is Short Circuit on Hulu?
Yes. Short Circuit is streaming on Hulu in the United States, alongside Hoopla and Tubi TV.
Can I watch Short Circuit for free?
Short Circuit streams free with ads in the United States on Hoopla and Tubi TV. A subscription is not required, though the service may ask you to register.
What are the ratings for Short Circuit?
Short Circuit scores 6.7 on The Movie Database.
Who stars in Short Circuit?
Short Circuit stars Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens, Austin Pendleton, and G.W. Bailey. John Badham is the director.
How long is Short Circuit?
Short Circuit runs 1h 38m (98 minutes).
When did Short Circuit come out?
Short Circuit was released on May 9, 1986.
Which studio made Short Circuit?
Short Circuit was produced by TriStar Pictures, PSO, and The Turman-Foster Company in the United States.
What was the budget for Short Circuit?
Short Circuit was made on a budget of $10,000,000.
How much did Short Circuit make at the box office?
Short Circuit grossed $40,697,761 worldwide, against a budget of $10,000,000.
Ratings and streaming availability are aggregated from third-party sources; metadata from The Movie Database (TMDB), streaming data from JustWatch. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming availability checked September 2026.