Blue Thunder
Seen it?1983 | 110 min | Drama, Action, Thriller
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (78% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, though it had a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and action fans. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Los Angeles, California. Officer Murphy, a veteran Metropolitan Police helicopter pilot suffering from severe trauma due to his harsh experiences during the Vietnam War, and Lymangood, his resourceful new partner, are tasked with testing an advanced and heavily armed experimental chopper known as Blue Thunder.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
78% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$42 million worldwide on a $22 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 158K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Brothers Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Universal Soldier
Weeknight WatchAnother thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Mechanic Weeknight WatchAnother action film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Weekend in Taipei Weeknight WatchAnother action film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Archive Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by John Badham
- Roy ScheiderMurphy
- Warren OatesBraddock
- Candy ClarkKate
- Daniel SternLymangood
- Paul RoeblingIcelan
- David SheinerFletcher
- Joe SantosMontoya
- Malcolm McDowellCochrane
- Ed BernardSgt. Short
- Jason BernardMayor