*batteries not included (1987)

64% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
61% of users liked it
(69,576 ratings)

Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy are among the impoverished residents of a slum tenement threatened with demolition by evil land developers. Only a miracle can save Cronyn, Tandy, and their friends -- and that miracle manifests itself in the form of a "family" of extraterrestrial flying saucers, who… More Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy are among the impoverished residents of a slum tenement threatened with demolition by evil land developers. Only a miracle can save Cronyn, Tandy, and their friends -- and that miracle manifests itself in the form of a "family" of extraterrestrial flying saucers, who need the electricity provided by the tenement to survive. The grateful humanized spaceships repay their earthbound hosts by doing battle with the villains' henchmen. When the building is engulfed in flames, all seems lost, but the aliens have a few more tricks up their metallic sleeves. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Matthew Robbins
Genres: Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 18, 1987 Wide
On DVD: Mar 16, 1999
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The extraterrestrial elves, who thrive on electricity and replicate themselves out of scrap metal, are no less charming, and the special effects show them off gracefully.
Alex Orner, Common Sense Media
A good film the whole family can enjoy.
Stefan Birgir Stefansson, sbs.is
those pesky aliens
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An entertaining and heartwarming drama.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Aliens help the poor!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Alexis N

A heartwarming story of aliens saving a lost group of souls. I grew up watching this movie and it will always be one of my favorites.
Anthony L

A childhood favourite that had me screaming at my Mum, 'I want one'!
Jason O

For many years, I've been wanting to see "Batteries Not Included," but none of the local video stores carried it, so I had to wait until it came on television. I finally got my chance tonight to watch what my mom calls 'one of her favorites.' In… More
For many years, I've been wanting to see "Batteries Not Included," but none of the local video stores carried it, so I had to wait until it came on television. I finally got my chance tonight to watch what my mom calls 'one of her favorites.' In "Batteries Not Included," a couple of miniature UFO's enter a housing complex that has troubled people living inside its quarters. These people are troubled because the building in which they are living, is on schedule to be torn down to shreds, and they don't want to move to a different place. As strange as it may sound, these two tiny UFO's just might be able to help these humans. That is, if they're friendly unidentified flying objects. I agree that "Batteries Not Included" is a good movie, but unlike my mom, I wouldn't call it one of my favorites. It has decent acting, it's entertaining, and the special effects are good enough. It's a mix between a drama and a family movie. One part even stood out as being hilarious, and you'll know it when you see it. If you like good movies, I recommend at least renting "Batteries Not Included." NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001.
A B

Poor SFX. Passable family movie.
Justin Y

A sci-fi film with such an original story for its time. Heck, it still is an original story.The movie takes a while to get going. You don't get to see the mechanical aliens for a good half hour or so, but before that time you get some good character development and a… More
A sci-fi film with such an original story for its time. Heck, it still is an original story.The movie takes a while to get going. You don't get to see the mechanical aliens for a good half hour or so, but before that time you get some good character development and a good understanding of the story. You actually start to feel for the characters as everything in their lives has hit rock bottom. Low and behold, their lives are enhanced by these little mechanical lifeforms. I know it sounds a little corny, but the story actually plays out pretty well. The lifeforms are adorable and many people will fall in love with them. What this film also does well is focus on the sounds. Not only do the robots look cute, with some good CG for its time, but the sound effects used for the robots are also done well, making for a great all around experience. The only real disappointment about them is that there is no real background as to what they are or where they came from.The acting is also pretty good. It is nice to see some earlier roles from the likes of Elizabeth Pena and Dennis Boutsikaris. Michael Carmine does a nice job as Carlos and Jessica Tandy does a good senile Faye.This film may be a little slow for some people, but those that are looking for a nice sci-fi drama, look no further. This is a great film for all ages, but be warned since there is a little bit of swearing. Nothing really to worry about though.
Curtis L

Been a while.
Dean !

A great family film, with cool effects. Has some very funny moments.
Ross C

Fun family sci-fi story about little UFOs who come to the aid of a New York family facing eviction.
Megan S

This was one of my most favorite movies when I was little!
danny d

when i was a kid this was a fun movie
Jason S

A classic. Every kid should see this.
Dean M

A group of tiny little aliens are boring and poor.
Nay Nay B

One of the cutest movies on the planet. Also one of the most unnecessary and cliche ones.
Wu C

Enjoyed this when it played in theatres as a kid. Not sure how it holds up today.
shane h

Steven Spielberg not only produces but also stars in the family cult classic Batteries Not Included. A dilapidated building is threatened with demolition by new urban developers. They have employed local degenerates to assist with clearing out the residents. The building is old and… More
Steven Spielberg not only produces but also stars in the family cult classic Batteries Not Included. A dilapidated building is threatened with demolition by new urban developers. They have employed local degenerates to assist with clearing out the residents. The building is old and some of the people living there have made their living there and refuse to leave. The residents are visited one night by tiny mechanical aliens that not only seek shelter but also possess a skill that turns out to be a major help to all that live in the building. I loved this movie as a teen and it was just as powerful last night as it was then. Steven Spielberg is a legend in his own time, as much then as he is now.
Sunil J

Omg. Jessica Tandy throwing plates around the house like they're flying saucers! This movie is so funny and cute.