Cocoon 1985

Cocoon

Critics Consensus

Though it may be too sentimental for some, Ron Howard's supernatural tale of eternal youth is gentle and heartwarming, touching on poignant issues of age in the process.

79%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 29

60%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 63,951
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Cocoon Photos

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Movie Info

Oscar-winning fantasy in which the residents of a Florida rest home get a new lease of life when they stumble across an alien "fountain of youth" in a disused holiday home. Unbeknown to them, aliens have been using the swimming pool in the house to store their cocooned brethren, giving the waters a powerful, rejuvenating quality.
  • Rating:
    PG-13
  • Genre:
    fantasy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Ron Howard
  • Producer:
    Richard D. Zanuck, Lili Fini Zanuck, David Brown
  • Writer:
    Tom Benedek
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $75.9M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Twentieth Century Fox, Zanuck/Brown Productions
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Don Ameche
Art Selwyn
Wilford Brimley
Ben Luckett
Brian Dennehy
Walter
Hume Cronyn
Joe Finley
Jack Gilford
Bernie Lefkowitz
Steve Guttenberg
Jack Bonner
Maureen Stapleton
Mary Luckett
Jessica Tandy
Alma Finley
Gwen Verdon
Bess McCarthy
Herta Ware
Rosie Lefkowitz
Ron Howard
Director
Richard D. Zanuck
Producer
Lili Fini Zanuck
Producer
David Brown
Producer
Tom Benedek
Screenwriter
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News & Interviews for Cocoon

Brandon Routh’s Five Favorite Films
Definitive Ron Howard Movies
"Scary Movie 4": Interview with Regina Hall
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Critic Reviews for Cocoon

All Critics (29) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (23) | Rotten (6)

  • An amiable, life-affirming fantasy-comedy about the rejuvenation of crotchery oldsters whose main distinction is offering roles to senior actors like Don Ameche (who won an Oscar), Hume Cronyn, and Jessica Tandy

    August 6, 2010 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

    Emanuel Levy

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • Cocoon weaves a mesmerizing tale.

    June 4, 2007 | Full Review…
    Variety
    Top Critic

  • Director Ron Howard brings a quality of gentleness and whimsy to the performances, but basically this is a highly calculated project brought in by those two old pros, producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown.

    June 4, 2007 | Full Review…

    Dave Kehr

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • Essentially, this is sci-fi with a heart, albeit one made entirely of cheese.

    February 9, 2006 | Full Review…
    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • It has no real competition as this season's reigning fairy tale.

    May 20, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/5

    Janet Maslin

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • It may not be the most striking of sci-fi dramas (it definitely carries on for too long), but it's a pleasant, life-affirming, touching bit of entertainment.

    August 31, 2020 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review…

    Mike Massie

    Gone With The Twins
View All Critic Reviews (29)

Audience Reviews for Cocoon

  • Sep 05, 2020
    Ron Howard directs this semi-sci-fi Hollywood-style fantasy that targets the omnipresent fear of aging. Seniors in a Florida retirement home discover aliens have taken residence in an abandoned property next door, with the pool mysteriously functioning as a fountain of youth. Predictable shenanigans ensue, all leading to a emotional E.T.-like ending. A decent effort, made worthwhile by the inestimable depth of the senior acting bench as well as lots of dolphins gamboling playfully in attendance - maybe they know something we don't, eh?
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Nov 02, 2012
    I'm really surprised this isn't as well known as other, similar films like Close Encounters, as this is a cutesy and heart warming story of not only growing up, but growing old. A great cast that carries the piece very well and makes you want to run up and hug them. To top it off, it has an amazing and satisfying end.
    Sophie B Super Reviewer
  • Jun 14, 2011
    A film from my childhood that I can still enjoy today. Surprising that I enjoyed this so much as a child as it mostly deals with the older generation but I think the fact that it had nice aliens helped. Also anyone who's had loving grandparents will be able to relate to the story of mortality and I dare you not to get a lump in your throat when Rose dies or the couples have to make choice about staying or going. It's also beautifully acted by Ameche, Cronyn, Brimley, Tandy et al. A lovely film. The sequel didn't quite recreate the magic and pretty much told the same story but the cast were still great.
    David S Super Reviewer
  • Sep 06, 2010
    Wait, a second...old people want to go to outer space why? I didn't get this movie at all.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
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