The Manhattan Project

1986·Movie
1h 58min·PG-13
64
DecentGoodWatch score

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Manhattan Project fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Nerve-racking and fast-paced

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension9
  • Fast Pace8
  • Adrenaline7

Heart

Nostalgic

Much of it is about growing up.

  • Coming of Age8
  • Nostalgia7
  • Hopefulness6

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay6
  • Satire & Parody4
  • Situational Comedy3

World

Technology, growing up, and society

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Novelty7

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Intrigue9
  • Direction7
  • Acting7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Editing7
  • Cinematography6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Paul Stevens' high school science project has gotten a little out of hand. He just built an atomic bomb. Now he's got 11 hours to make sure it doesn't work.

A gifted high school student steals plutonium from the secret nuclear weapons facility in his home town in order to construct his own nuclear bomb, win a national science fair, and expose the government's secrets.
80s Sci-Fi ThrillerTeen ProdigyNuclear ParanoiaGovernment ConspiracyScience Fair DramaEthical DilemmasCold War EraHigh StakesIntellectual AdventureSocial Commentary

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about The Manhattan Project

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Manhattan Project legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Microsoft Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Manhattan Project worth watching?

64
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 6.1 and Metacritic 61). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Manhattan Project rated?

PG-13

It's rated PG-13 in the United States.

How long is The Manhattan Project?

1 h 58 min

The Manhattan Project runs 1 h 58 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Manhattan Project?

Critics61
Audiences70

Not quite. Audiences rate The Manhattan Project higher (70) than critics (61). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was The Manhattan Project a box office hit?

Budget$18 million
Box office$4 million

No. It cost about $18 million to make and earned $4 million worldwide, 22% of its budget.

What language is The Manhattan Project in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Manhattan Project?

11AUCAESGBIEINITNZSMUSVA

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Manhattan Project in 11 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Manhattan Project use?

The Guards Must Be CrazyTailor-Made PrisonChekhov'sBait-and-Switch CommentHigh-School HustlerSickly Green GlowScience FairVillain ProtagonistInsufferable GeniusProduct PlacementTruth SerumJust Eat Gilliganand 36 more

TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for The Manhattan Project, including The Guards Must Be Crazy, Tailor-Made Prison, Chekhov's.

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