The Boy in the Plastic Bubble
Performance & Direction: The Boy in the Plastic Bubble Review
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this TV Movie.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any TV Movie is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Boy in the Plastic Bubble features a noteworthy lineup led by John Travolta . Supported by the likes of Glynnis O'Connor and Robert Reed , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Boy in the Plastic Bubble
Quick Plot Summary: The Boy in the Plastic Bubble is a TV Movie, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Boy in the Plastic Bubble
Ending Breakdown: The Boy in the Plastic Bubble attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to tv movie resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the tv movie themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Boy in the Plastic Bubble reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Boy in the Plastic Bubble?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for TV Movies films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Boy in the Plastic Bubble
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Boy in the Plastic Bubble Online?
Streaming HubThe Boy in the Plastic Bubble Parents Guide & Age Rating
1976 AdvisoryWondering about The Boy in the Plastic Bubble age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Boy in the Plastic Bubble is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1976 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Boy in the Plastic Bubble worth watching?
The Boy in the Plastic Bubble is definitely worth watching if you enjoy TV Movie movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Boy in the Plastic Bubble parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Boy in the Plastic Bubble identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Boy in the Plastic Bubble?
The total duration of The Boy in the Plastic Bubble is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Boy in the Plastic Bubble
Travolta coming of age… in a germ-free zone; plus charming Glynnis O’Connor RELEASED TO TV IN 1976 and directed by Randal Kleiser, "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble" is a youth drama inspired by the true-life stories of David Vetter and Ted DeVita, both of whom lacked effective immune systems. John Travolta plays Tod Lubitch, a teen born with immune deficiencies in Southern Cal while Glynnis O'Connor is the girl next door with whom he slowly develops a relationship and inspires him to crave freedom from his germ-free ‘prison.’ Robert Reed & Diana Hyland are on hand as his parents. The opening act is relatively dull, but it’s necessary because it establishes Tod’s situation. Thankfully, the story perks up with the star power of Travolta and O’Connor. The former was 21 during shooting and is quite good as the protagonist while O’Connor is winsome as ever. She was almost 20 during filming and has a bikini sequence for those interested. At its heart, this is a coming-of-age movie but with a unique twist (the bubble boy). There are several well-done high school sequences, like the football field scene where the kids sneak away to smoke pot. Unrealistic? Not at all. The best part is the ending where we share in Tod’s joy and sense of wonder at the most simplest things that normal people take for granted. I can relate because when I was his age I fell off a cliff and ended up in traction and a body cast for four months. While in the cast, I was laid-up at home on a lake, just like in the movie. When the cast was removed I walked with crutches to the woods & lake with sheer delight. The real-life bubble boys David Vetter and Ted DeVita were still alive when the movie was released. The former died in 1984 at the age of 12 & a half while the latter died in 1980 at the age of 18. THE FILM RUNS 1 hour, 36 minutes and was shot in Malibu Lake and Century City, California. WRITERS: Douglas Day Stewart and Joe Morgenstern. GRADE: B
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
