After J.J. Abrams gave us one of the best mystery shows ever in Lost, he set out to make a passion project — one that fused his childhood fascination with Super 8 cameras with his admiration for Steven Spielberg’s early classics. When Abrams pitched the idea, Spielberg not only approved but also joined as co-producer. The result was Super 8, a heartfelt sci-fi thriller that was well-received by critics and audiences alike. The movie has aged into a classic itself, serving as one of the primary inspirations for the Netflix smash-hit series, Stranger Things. Over a decade later, Super 8 has rolled back into the spotlight, becoming a sleeper hit on streaming.
Super 8 is currently one of the most-watched films in the UK and Ireland, where it is streaming on Paramount+. According to FlixPatrol, the movie ranks at #4 on the charts as of this writing, surpassing titles such as Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, Jack Quaid’s buddy action comedy, Novocaine, and horror favorites, Scream and Terrifier 3. Sitting at the top spot of the list is The Substance, the 2024 body horror sensation that’s been dominating multiple streaming platforms. In the U.S, Super 8 is available to stream on Prime Video. The film stars Elle Fanning, who stars in the upcoming Predator: Badlands, in what was one of her best-received earlier roles alongside Joel Courtney and Kyle Chandler. The synopsis reads:
“In 1979 Ohio, several youngsters are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train derailment and are lucky to escape with their lives. They soon discover that the catastrophe was no accident, as a series of unexplained events and disappearances soon follows. Deputy Jackson Lamb, the father of one of the kids, searches for the terrifying truth behind the crash.”
Though not without its flaws, Super 8 was a bona fide success. Produced on a $50 million budget, the film went on to earn $260.1 million worldwide, boosted in no small part by a viral marketing campaign that captivated fans with its signature “mystery box” intrigue. Its reception has aged remarkably well as the movie still holds an 81% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site’s consensus praising it as “laden with thrills, visual dazzle, and emotional depth.”
What Is J. J. Abrams Doing Next?
As one of the most in-demand creatives in Hollywood today, Abrams remains as busy as ever. Last year, he ventured into the crime-thriller genre with Duster, which earned an impressive 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes but was unfortunately canceled by HBO Max after just one season. Abrams is currently hard at work on Ghostwriter, an upcoming fantasy film boasting a star-studded ensemble that includes Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, Emma Mackey, and Samuel L. Jackson. The project does not currently have a confirmed release date, but fans can stay tuned for updates as production continues.
Release Date
June 10, 2011
Runtime
112 minutes
