Super 8

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2:11

Poster for

Super 8

PG-13

Released Jun 10, 2011

1h 52m

Sci-Fi

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

81%

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294 Reviews

75%

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100,000+ Ratings

In 1979 Ohio, several youngsters (Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso) are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train derailment and are lucky to escape with their lives. They soon discover that the catastrophe was no accident, as a series of unexplained events and disappearances soon follows. Deputy Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler), the father of one of the kids, searches for the terrifying truth behind the crash.

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Critics Consensus

It may evoke memories of classic summer blockbusters a little too eagerly for some, but Super 8 has thrills, visual dazzle, and emotional depth to spare.

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Sara Reihani

Bitch Media

It's a by-the-numbers blockbuster, but one with a key element that's missing from most of the big-budget bloatfests crowding each other for space on the marquee every summer: heart.

Jan 7, 2021

Full Review

Violet Lucca

Film Comment Magazine

While it may not achieve the level of pop culture canonization as the Spielberg films it invokes, Super 8 should inspire many to use their camera-phones for something more creative than a profile pic.

Jun 28, 2013

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Leah Rozen

TheWrap

Super 8 is accomplished commercial filmmaking.

Oct 7, 2011

Full Review

David Griffiths

Subculture Entertainment

The first 90% of Super 8 are brilliant and Abrams really needs to be congratulated for his skill and vision, but the last 15 minutes of this film really do leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Rated: 4.5/5

Oct 29, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Imbued with that effervescent movie magic quality so often linked to Spielberg, who serves as executive producer here, Abrams' film delivers an exciting and heartwarming adventure.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 7, 2023

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

[JJ] Abrams gets fine performances from his young cast, especially Elle Fanning in her breakout performance as the well-possessed young woman they cast in their film...

Dec 3, 2022

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Yasmin S

Não sei se o fato de eu ter assistido na escola sem me focar muito foi um fator determinante ou se só eu odiei esse filme por não entender alguma coisa. Eu só achei um filme... Chato. Não me cativou nem nada e a atuação do muleque em uma cena ai me pegou um pouco... Não

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/13/24

Full Review

Richard D

When I first saw it I didn't really care for it. You don't see the monster much and it doesn't develop a relationship with the lead characters at all. But given the current landscape of films this film sticks out of what is possible in films. It has its flaws but the characters are great, the acting is very well done, only a few pop culture references and it's not that egregious. The large set pieces are great and have weight to them. Check it out.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/27/24

Full Review

Audience Member

One if the greatest, most suspensfull movies ever created

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

Full Review

Kyle C

One of my Abrams favorites. Wish they had a sequel.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/10/24

Full Review

Julian Rex M

Certainly directed by a Spielberg worshipper, Super 8 primarily benefits from its darker retelling of classic stories like E.T. and Goonies, while the rest often leaves something to be desired.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/04/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Stand by Me, Close Encounters, ET and Alien all rolled into one. A great sci-fi mystery thriller with a cool storyline and uplifting message. Easy to watch and follow and just be entertained. A cool look back at the late 70's. I just wish there were more references for those who grew up then. I didn't mind this movie being a little longer.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/02/24

Full Review

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J.J. Abrams

Director

Kyle Chandler

Deputy Jackson Lamb

Elle Fanning

Alice Dainard

Joel Courtney

Joe Lamb

Gabriel Basso

Martin

Ron Eldard

Louis Dainard

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Super 8: Official Clip - The Creature's Lair

2:13

Super 8: Official Clip - Final Goodbye

2:15

Super 8: Official Clip - Tanks Invade the Neighborhood

2:12

Super 8: Official Clip - Train Crash

2:14

Super 8: Official Clip - He's Alive

2:12

Super 8: Official Clip - Allie is Abducted

2:12

Super 8: Official Clip - My Father's Fault

2:14

Super 8: Official Clip - Gas Station Terror

2:13

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Super 8: Trailer 1

2:11

Super 8: Teaser Trailer 1

1:26

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Synopsis

In 1979 Ohio, several youngsters (Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso) are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train derailment and are lucky to escape with their lives. They soon discover that the catastrophe was no accident, as a series of unexplained events and disappearances soon follows. Deputy Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler), the father of one of the kids, searches for the terrifying truth behind the crash.

Director: J.J. Abrams
Producer: Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk
Screenwriter: J.J. Abrams
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Amblin Entertainment, Bad Robot
Rating: PG-13 (Intense Seq. of Sci-Fi Violenc|Intense Seq. of Sci-Fi Action|Language|Some Drug Use)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 10, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 18, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $127.0M
Runtime: 1h 52m

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