The Manhattan Project
The Manhattan Project Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Movie Overview: The Manhattan Project
| Movie | The Manhattan Project |
| Release Year | 1986 |
| Director | Marshall Brickman |
| Genre | Science Fiction / Thriller |
| Runtime | 118 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Manhattan Project (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Manhattan Project are led by John Lithgow . The supporting cast, including Christopher Collet and Cynthia Nixon , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Manhattan Project does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Science Fiction films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Manhattan Project has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Science Fiction fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Manhattan Project
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, The Manhattan Project is a Science Fiction, Thriller film directed by Marshall Brickman. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Lithgow.
Ending Explained: The Manhattan Project
The Manhattan Project Ending Explained: Directed by Marshall Brickman, The Manhattan Project wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core science fiction themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving John Lithgow. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Manhattan Project reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Manhattan Project?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of John Lithgow or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Manhattan Project
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Manhattan Project Budget
The estimated production budget for The Manhattan Project is $18.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Manhattan Project
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Manhattan Project Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Manhattan Project Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about The Manhattan Project age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Manhattan Project is 118 minutes (1h 58m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Manhattan Project is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Manhattan Project worth watching?
The Manhattan Project is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Manhattan Project parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Manhattan Project identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Manhattan Project?
The total duration of The Manhattan Project is 118 minutes, which is approximately 1h 58m long.
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movieMx Verified
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.
