Movie

Short Circuit

“Something wonderful has happened... No. 5 is alive.”

★ 6.7(1,626)19861h 38m

Short Circuit is streaming on Netflix, Hollywood Suite, Hollywood Suite Amazon Channel and Netflix Standard with Ads in Canada, and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. Availability checked 29 June 2026.

Where to watch Short Circuit

🇨🇦 Canada

NetflixStream

Hollywood SuiteStream

Hollywood Suite Amazon ChannelStream

Netflix Standard with AdsStream

Apple TV StoreBuy

Google Play MoviesBuy

YouTubeBuy

Good to know

Director: John Badham
Release date: 1986-05-09
Runtime: 1h 38m
Language: English
Box office: $40,697,761
Budget: $10,000,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: TriStar Pictures
Part of: Short Circuit Collection

Short Circuit — trailer

About Short Circuit

Short Circuit is a 1986 movie in the Science Fiction, Comedy and Family genres, directed by John Badham, starring Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg and Fisher Stevens. It has a runtime of 1 hour 38 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.7/10 from 1,626 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Short Circuit in Canada — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

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.

Cast

Ally Sheedy

Stephanie Speck

Steve Guttenberg

Newton Crosby

Fisher Stevens

Ben Jabituya

Austin Pendleton

Howard Marner

G.W. Bailey

Skroeder

Brian McNamara

Frank

Tim Blaney

Number 5 (voice)

Marvin J. McIntyre

Duke

John Garber

Otis

Penny Santon

Mrs. Cepeda

Vernon Weddle

General Washburne

Barbara Tarbuck

Senator Mills

Themes & keywords

artificial intelligence (a.i.)lightningoregon, usarobotmilitarychildlike

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Short Circuit in Canada?+

In Canada, you can stream Short Circuit on Netflix, Hollywood Suite, Hollywood Suite Amazon Channel and Netflix Standard with Ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube.

Is Short Circuit on Netflix?+

Yes — Short Circuit is available to stream on Netflix in Canada.

How long is Short Circuit?+

Short Circuit has a runtime of 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

Who stars in Short Circuit?+

Short Circuit stars Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens, Austin Pendleton and G.W. Bailey.

When did Short Circuit come out?+

Short Circuit is a 1986 movie directed by John Badham.

What genre is Short Circuit?+

Short Circuit is Science Fiction, Comedy and Family film.

Who directed Short Circuit?+

Short Circuit was directed by John Badham.