Pixels
Former arcade champions must use their retro gaming skills to defend Earth from aliens who mistake classic video games for a declaration of war.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- goofy
- energetic
- nostalgic
- nostalgia night
- casual group viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the nostalgic concept overwhelmed by forced humor, weak writing, awkward structure, and underwhelming effects.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The alien attack is based on recorded arcade games, requiring former champions to confront game-derived enemies and challenges.
The film combines alien invasion spectacle with exaggerated jokes and direct play on classic video game imagery.
Sam and the other champions are defined by their expertise in old-school arcade games, while the film foregrounds 1980s gaming culture.
Former arcade champions are recruited because their gaming skills are uniquely suited to defeating the invading alien formations.
Films like Pixels, and why
Wreck-It Ralph
shared video game nostalgia, science fiction premise, broad comedy, and colorful digital spectacle
The Last Starfighter
shared arcade-game culture, playful alien technology, and retro pop-culture humor
Independence Day
shared alien invasion action, comic ensemble dynamics, and accessible blockbuster spectacle
Ready Player One
shared nostalgic genre parody, video game references, and fast-paced visual comedy
Movie Details
- Director
- Chris Columbus
- Release Date
- 2015-07-16
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (8211)
Cast
- Adam Sandler
- Kevin James
- Michelle Monaghan
- Peter Dinklage
- Josh Gad
- Matt Lintz
- Brian Cox
- Denis Akiyama
- Sean Bean
- Jane Krakowski
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Pixels about?
- Former arcade champions must use their retro gaming skills to defend Earth from aliens who mistake classic video games for a declaration of war.
- What is Pixels like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Pixels as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Pixels violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Pixels as mild.
- What did critics think of Pixels?
- Critics broadly found the nostalgic concept overwhelmed by forced humor, weak writing, awkward structure, and underwhelming effects.
- Which films are like Pixels?
- Films with a similar feel include Wreck-It Ralph, The Last Starfighter, Independence Day, and Ready Player One.
- How long is Pixels?
- Pixels runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch Pixels?
- In United States, Pixels streams on Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel.
