Short Circuit (1986)
A lovable robot escapes the lab, learns about life, and warms hearts with wholesome, whimsical fun.
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.
How intense is Short Circuit?
Short Circuit has no gore and some violence. Emotionally it carries some weight. The pace is measured, and it is a family watch and a comfort watch. The humor runs wholesome. Rated PG.
What Short Circuit feels like
- Tone
- whimsicalfeel goodheartwarming
- Pace
- Measured
- Humor
- wholesome
- Best for
- Family nightComfort watch
Where to stream Short Circuit
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 9, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Short Circuit for you?
Is Short Circuit scary?
No. Short Circuit is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Short Circuit gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Short Circuit sad or heavy?
A little. There is some emotional weight (1 of 3), but it is not a heavy watch.
Is Short Circuit OK for kids?
It is rated PG and nothing here runs hot: scare 0, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3. A safe family pick by the numbers.
How long is Short Circuit?
Short Circuit runs 1h 38m.
Where can I stream Short Circuit?
Short Circuit is streaming on Hulu, Hoopla and Tubi.
Does Short Circuit have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Yes. It lands on a happy note.
Cast and crew
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