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The China Syndrome

1979·Movie
2h 2min·PG
IMDb7.4Metacritic817.9Rotten Tomatoes88%81%

Where to watch

PrimeThe Roku

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

What's your score?

Your score

The China Syndrome fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Adrenaline6
  • Fast Pace6

Heart

Cathartic

  • Catharsis7
  • Pathos5
  • Nostalgia5

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Satire & Parody4
  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Dark Humor3

World

Everyday modern life, politics, and society

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and storytelling

  • Intrigue9
  • Direction8
  • Acting8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

Find more like it

Suspense moviesGritty moviesEducational movies

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

About

People who know the meaning of "The China Syndrome" are scared... Soon you will know.

While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicize the incident, but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret.
Conspiracy ThrillerNuclear DisasterCorporate Cover-UpInvestigative JournalismPolitical IntrigueLate 70s SettingSlow-Burn SuspenseCharacter-DrivenRealistic Drama

Crew

Directed by:
Barrie M. Osborne, James Bridges, Marshall Schlom
Written by:
James Bridges, T.S. Cook, Mike Gray
Produced by:
Michael Douglas, Marty P. Ewing, James Nelson
Composed by:
Michael Minkler, Willie D. Burton, Les Fresholtz

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The China Syndrome

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The China Syndrome legally?

PrimeThe Roku

The China Syndrome is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The China Syndrome worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The China Syndrome rated?

PG

It's rated PG in the United States.

How long is The China Syndrome?

2 h 2 min

The China Syndrome runs 2 h 2 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The China Syndrome?

Critics85
Audiences78

Yes. Critics average 85 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see The China Syndrome much the same way.

Was The China Syndrome a box office hit?

Budget$6 million
Box office$52 million

Yes, a big one. It cost about $6 million to make and earned $52 million worldwide, 8.8 times its budget.

What language is The China Syndrome in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The China Syndrome?

60ATAUBEBGBOBRBYBZCACHCVCYCZDE+46

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The China Syndrome in 60 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The China Syndrome use?

Reasonable Authority FigureShout-OutTake That!Poor Communication KillsHelpless Window DeathThe '70sEvery Car Is a PintoForeshadowingCutting CornersHeroic SacrificeBig "NO!"Rule of Pooland 32 more

TV Tropes lists 44 storytelling tropes for The China Syndrome, including Reasonable Authority Figure, Shout-Out, Take That!.