Sign in

The China Syndrome

1979·Movie
2h 2min·PG
80
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.4Metacritic817.9Rotten Tomatoes88%81%

Watch

PrimeThe Roku

Set your services

The China Syndrome fingerprint

A , thriller: , but gripping, .

Good for friends night · teens · background watch

Feel

Story

Look

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:
James Bridges
Written by:
James Bridges, T.S. Cook, Mike Gray
Produced by:
Michael Douglas
Composed by:
Les Fresholtz, Willie D. Burton, Michael Minkler

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?

PrimeThe Roku

In the United States, The China Syndrome streams on Prime, and it is free with ads on The Roku. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Microsoft Store. It also streams in 11 other countries.

Is The China Syndrome worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 81).

Is The China Syndrome okay for kids?

PG

Not for young kids: it's rated PG in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

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 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 tropes for it, including Reasonable Authority Figure, Shout-Out, and Take That!.