Movie

The China Syndrome

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

★ 7.1(523)19792h 2m

The China Syndrome is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home in United States. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there yet. Availability checked 22 July 2026.

Where to watch The China Syndrome

🇺🇸 United States

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Good to know

Director: James Bridges
Release date: 1979-03-16
Runtime: 2h 2m
Language: English
Box office: $51,718,367
Budget: $5,900,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Columbia Pictures

The China Syndrome — trailer

About The China Syndrome

The China Syndrome is a 1979 movie in the Drama and Thriller genres, directed by James Bridges, starring Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas and Jack Lemmon. It has a runtime of 2 hours 2 minutes. It holds an average rating of 7.1/10 from 523 viewers. Below you can see where to watch The China Syndrome in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

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.

Cast

Jane Fonda

Kimberly Wells

Michael Douglas

Richard Adams

Jack Lemmon

Jack Godell

Scott Brady

Herman De Young

James Hampton

Bill Gibson

Peter Donat

Don Jacovich

Wilford Brimley

Ted Spindler

Richard Herd

Evan McCormack

Daniel Valdez

Hector Salas

Stan Bohrman

Pete Martin

James Karen

Mac Churchill

Michael Alaimo

Greg Minor

Themes & keywords

californiatelecasterradiationenergy policyearthquakenuclear power plantcinematographertragedyconspiracytv reporteratomic reactortelevision broadcastsouthern californianuclear powerwhistleblower

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The China Syndrome in United States?+

In United States, The China Syndrome is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there right now.

Is The China Syndrome on Netflix?+

The China Syndrome is not on Netflix in United States right now.

How long is The China Syndrome?+

The China Syndrome has a runtime of 2 hours 2 minutes (122 minutes).

Who stars in The China Syndrome?+

The China Syndrome stars Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas, Jack Lemmon, Scott Brady and James Hampton.

When did The China Syndrome come out?+

The China Syndrome is a 1979 movie directed by James Bridges.

What genre is The China Syndrome?+

The China Syndrome is Drama and Thriller film.

Who directed The China Syndrome?+

The China Syndrome was directed by James Bridges.