The Manhattan Project

  • 1986
  • PG-13
  • 118m
movieMx RATING
6.1/10113
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Manhattan Project Review

Last updated: January 23, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 23, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 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 6.1/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Manhattan Project features a noteworthy lineup led by John Lithgow . Supported by the likes of Christopher Collet and Cynthia Nixon , 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Manhattan Project (1986) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Manhattan Project stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Manhattan Project

Quick Plot Summary: The Manhattan Project is a Science Fiction, Thriller film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: The Manhattan Project

Ending Breakdown: The Manhattan Project concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Manhattan Project reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Manhattan Project?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want solid genre entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Manhattan Project

Metric / RegionCollection (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.

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Top Cast: The Manhattan Project

All Cast & Crew →
John Lithgow
John LithgowJohn Mathewson
Christopher Collet
Christopher ColletPaul Stephens
Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia NixonJenny Anderman
Jill Eikenberry
Jill EikenberryElizabeth Stephens
John Mahoney
John MahoneyLt. Col. Conroy
Richard Jenkins
Richard JenkinsRadiation Controls Officer
Sully Boyar
Sully BoyarNight Guard
Timothy Carhart
Timothy CarhartRelief Guard
Gregg Edelman
Gregg EdelmanScience Teacher
JD Cullum
JD CullumEccles (as John David Cullum)
Abraham Unger
Abraham UngerRoland (as Abe Unger)
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Where to Watch The Manhattan Project Online?

Streaming Hub

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The Manhattan Project Parents Guide & Age Rating

1986 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Manhattan Project age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Manhattan Project is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ 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 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Manhattan Project is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Manhattan Project. Rating: 6.1/10

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 6.1/10 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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How The Manhattan Project Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Manhattan Project

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.1
The Manhattan Project
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