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MTDb › Best of › 1987 › *batteries not included

*batteries not included poster

*batteries not included (1987)

“Five ordinary people needed a miracle. Then one night, Faye Riley left the window open.”

6.7/10 · 806 votes 1h 47m pg ComedyFantasyScience-fictionFamily

#37 of 59 films from 1987 #1286 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Matthew Robbins · Written by Matthew Robbins, Brad Bird, Brent Maddock, S.S. Wilson

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

In a soon to be demolished block of apartments, the residents resist the criminal methods used to force them to leave so a greedy tycoon can build his new skyscraper. When tiny mechanical aliens land for a recharge, they decide to stay and help out.

Cast

Hume Cronynas Frank Riley
Jessica Tandyas Faye Riley
Frank McRaeas Harry Noble
Elizabeth Peñaas Marisa Esteval
Michael Carmineas Carlos
Dennis Boutsikarisas Mason Baylor
Tom Aldredgeas Sid Hogenson
Jane Hoffmanas Muriel Hogenson
John DiSantias Gus
John Pankowas Kovacs
MacIntyre Dixonas DeWitt
Michael Greeneas Lacey, Real Estate Developer
Doris Belackas Mrs. Thompson
Wendy Schaalas Pamela

Facts

Release dateDecember 18, 1987
Runtime107 min (1h 47m) — about the same as the 1987 average of 106 min
GenresComedy, Fantasy, Science-fiction, Family
LanguageEN
Budget$25,000,000
Box office$65,088,797 (2.6× budget)
IMDbtt0092494

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Questions

How long is *batteries not included?
*batteries not included runs 107 minutes (1h 47m).
Is *batteries not included worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.7/10 across 806 votes, which places it #37 of 59 films released in 1987 in this index (top 39%) and #1286 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed *batteries not included?
*batteries not included was directed by Matthew Robbins.
Who stars in *batteries not included?
Hume Cronyn as Frank Riley; Jessica Tandy as Faye Riley; Frank McRae as Harry Noble; Elizabeth Peña as Marisa Esteval; Michael Carmine as Carlos; Dennis Boutsikaris as Mason Baylor.
What is *batteries not included rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for *batteries not included?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/32309.

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Best of 1987Best comedyComedy of the 1980sBest fantasyFantasy of the 1980sBest science-fictionScience-fiction of the 1980sBest familyFamily of the 1980sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.