Cocoon

1985, Fantasy, 1h 57m

32 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

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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. Read critic reviews

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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 (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $75.9M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    20th Century Fox
  • 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
Tahnee Welch
Kitty
Barret Oliver
David
Linda Harrison
Susan
Tyrone Power Jr.
Pillsbury
Clint Howard
John Dexter
Ron Howard
Director
Richard D. Zanuck
Producer
Lili Fini Zanuck
Producer
David Brown
Producer
Tom Benedek
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for Cocoon

All Critics (32) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (24) | Rotten (8)
Full Review… Emanuel Levy Variety Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Janet Maslin New York Times Full Review… David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Full Review… Chase Burns The Stranger (Seattle, WA) Full Review… Jas Keimig The Stranger (Seattle, WA) Full Review… Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Full Review… Sergio Benítez Espinof Full Review… Molly Haskell Vogue Full Review… Richard T. Jameson Parallax View Full Review… Charles Cassady Common Sense Media Full Review… Jeremy C. Fox Pajiba
View All Critic Reviews (32)

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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