What is Real Genius about?

When teenage geniuses Mitch Taylor and Chris Knight, working on an advanced laser project, learn that the military wants to use it as a weapon, they decide to thwart the plan.

What is the mood of Real Genius?

It offers a playful-witty experience with a lasting feeling.

Is Real Genius worth watching?

Rated 6.7/10. It is a Comedy film featuring Val Kilmer and Gabriel Jarret.

Why should I watch this?

It explores themes of ethical-use-of-technology, coming-of-age-responsibility.

What are movies like Real Genius?

If you like this, you might enjoy similar titles and similar titles.

Movies like Real Genius

Name: Real Genius
Director: Martha Coolidge
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Science Fiction
Released: 1985-08-07
Duration: 106 min
Cast: Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret, Michelle Meyrink, William Atherton, Robert Prescott

“Real Genius (1985) is a United States 1980s comedy that stages college life against a military attempt to repurpose student research. It frames a student-versus-establishment conflict over weaponized laser technology and balances that argument with bright high-key cinematography and a brisk editing rhythm. Real Genius delivers popcorn-friendly comedy while insisting the ethical use of scientific skill matters to civic life.”

Real Genius

1985·Martha Coolidge·★ 6.7·1h 46m·Movie

—/ 10

No votes yet

Your Rating

Tap to rate

STYLE

Whimsical Filmslighting-grammarediting-rhythm

PLOT

romantic-comedybuddy-comedytech-comedy

MOOD

Feel-Good Moviesplayful-witty

THEMES

Coming-of-Age Ethical Tension

PLACE

suburban-america

TIME

1980s Movies20th-century

Most Similar Movies

Weird Science1985

Genre

Comedy·Fantasy·Science Fiction

Rating

6.5/10

Runtime

United States of America·93 min

Two unpopular teenagers, Gary and Wyatt, fail at all attempts to be accepted by their peers. Their desperation to be liked leads them to "create" a woman via their computer. Their living and breathing creation is a gorgeous woman, Lisa, whose purpose is to boost their confidence level by putting them into situations which require Gary and Wyatt to act like men.

Match63%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

Weird Science

(1985)

6.5

Comedy · Fantasy · Science FictionUnited States of America93 min

Style

Plot

absurdist-comedyteen-comedysci-fi-comedy

Mood

Feel-Good Moviesromantic-soul

Place

American Midwest Films Suburban America Films

Time

1980s Movies20th-century

MATCH63%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

The Sure Thing1985

Genre

Comedy·Drama·Romance

Rating

6.5/10

Runtime

United States of America·95 min

Gib, a beer-guzzling slob, and Alison, an uptight Ivy-Leaguer, are an unlikely duo stuck together on a cross-country trip during Christmas break. At first they get on each other's nerves but, as time passes, they find their divergent natures complement each other. Now they need to realize what they've already found before it's too late.

Match59%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

The Sure Thing

(1985)

6.5

Comedy · Drama · RomanceUnited States of America95 min

Style

Whimsical Filmssunlit-cinematography

Plot

coming-of-ageroad-moviecalifornia-dreaming

Mood

Feel-Good Moviesromantic-soulful

Time

1980s Movies20th-century

MATCH59%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

One Crazy Summer1986

Genre

Comedy·Romance·Family

Rating

6.0/10

Runtime

United States of America·93 min

An aspiring teenage cartoonist and his friends come to the aid of a singer trying to save her family property from developers.

Match58%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

One Crazy Summer

(1986)

6.0

Comedy · Romance · FamilyUnited States of America93 min

An aspiring teenage cartoonist and his friends come to the aid of a singer trying to save her family property from developers.

Style

Whimsical Filmslighting-grammar

Plot

coming-of-ageromantic-comedyfamily-drama

Mood

Feel-Good Movies Cozy Movies

Place

Coastal Town Films

Time

1980s Movies20th-century

MATCH58%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

Private Resort1985

Genre

Comedy

Rating

5.7/10

Runtime

United States of America·82 min

Chasing women for the weekend at a luxurious Miami resort, teen buddies Ben and Jack get more than they bargained for after crossing paths with a crafty criminal.

Match57%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

Private Resort

(1985)

5.7

ComedyUnited States of America82 min

Chasing women for the weekend at a luxurious Miami resort, teen buddies Ben and Jack get more than they bargained for after crossing paths with a crafty criminal.

Style

Whimsical Filmshigh-contrast-cinematography

Plot

teen-comedybuddy-comedycrime-comedy

Mood

Suspenseful Filmsescapist-entertainment

Time

1980s Movies20th-century

MATCH57%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

Relationship Goals2026

Genre

Romance·Comedy

Rating

6.0/10

Runtime

United States of America·96 min

When TV producer Leah Caldwell aims to become the first woman running New York's top morning show, her ex competes for the same role. Leah stays focused on her career, until chemistry with her ex challenges her priorities.

Match55%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

Relationship Goals

(2026)

6.0

Romance · ComedyUnited States of America96 min

Style

Whimsical Filmshigh-contrast-chiaroscuro

Plot

News Comedyromantic-comedycomedy-drama

Mood

Cozy Movies Feel-Good Movies

Time

2020s Movies21st-century

MATCH55%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

The Manhattan Project1986

Genre

Science Fiction·Thriller

Rating

6.2/10

Runtime

United States of America·118 min

A gifted high school student steals plutonium from the secret nuclear weapons facility in his home town in order to construct his own nuclear bomb, win a national science fair, and expose the government's secrets.

Match55%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

The Manhattan Project

(1986)

6.2

Science Fiction · ThrillerUnited States of America118 min

Style

high-contrast-chiaroscurourgent-pace

Plot

Sci-Fi Thrillersheistcoming-of-age

Mood

Suspenseful Films

Place

Suburban America Films

Time

1980s Movies20th-century

MATCH55%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes

Back to School1986

Genre

Comedy

Rating

6.3/10

Runtime

United States of America·96 min

Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason's college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, giving way to hilarious antics.

Match55%

IS IT RELEVANT?

0 votes