WarGames
“Is it a game, or is it real?”
Synopsis
High school student David Lightman has a talent for hacking. But while trying to hack into a computer system to play unreleased video games, he unwittingly taps into the Department of Defense's war computer and initiates a confrontation of global proportions. Together with his friend and a wizardly computer genius, David must race against time to outwit his opponent and prevent a nuclear Armageddon.
Part of the WarGames Collection
Stream the entire interconnected saga and experience every installment in chronological storyline order.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Original TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-09-20
Top Cast
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Matthew Broderick
David Lightman
Dabney Coleman
McKittrick
John Wood
Stephen Falken
Ally Sheedy
Jennifer
Barry Corbin
General Beringer
Juanin Clay
Pat Healy
Kent Williams
Cabot
Dennis Lipscomb
Watson
Joe Dorsey
Conley
Irving Metzman
Richter
Michael Ensign
Beringer's Aide
William Bogert
Mr. Lightman
Susan Davis
Mrs. Lightman
James Tolkan
Wigan
David Clover
Stockman
Drew Snyder
Ayers
John Garber
Corporal in the Infirmary
Duncan Wilmore
Major Lem
Release History & Theatrical Window
Cannes Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
June 3, 1983
Wide Cinema Exhibition
July 23, 1996
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$12M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$124.6M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
10.38x
+$112.6M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Badham
- Screenplay & Story
- Lawrence Lasker, Walter F. Parkes
- Original Score
- Arthur B. Rubinstein
- Original Title
- WarGames
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 54m
- Production Budget
- $12M
- Worldwide Gross
- $124.6M
- Production Studios
- Sherwood Productions, United Artists
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Badham
Lawrence Lasker, Walter F. Parkes
Arthur B. Rubinstein
William A. Fraker
Tom Rolf
Harold Schneider, Leonard Goldberg, Richard Hashimoto
Department Leadership Roster
Harold Schneider
Producer
Barry Delaney
Costume Design
William A. Fraker
Director of Photography
Richard Hashimoto
Producer
Arthur B. Rubinstein
Original Music Composer
John Badham
Director
Tom Rolf
Editor
Angelo P. Graham
Production Design
Michael L. Fink
Visual Effects Supervisor
Michael Adams
Stunt Coordinator
Lawrence Lasker
Writer
Walter F. Parkes
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for WarGames.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring WarGames.
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Frequently Asked Questions About WarGames
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is WarGames about?
High school student David Lightman has a talent for hacking. But while trying to hack into a computer system to play unreleased video games, he unwittingly taps into the Department of Defense's war computer and initiates a confrontation of global proportions. Together with his friend and a wizardly computer genius, David must race against time to outwit his opponent and prevent a nuclear Armageddon.
Who directed WarGames?
WarGames was directed by John Badham.
Who stars in WarGames?
The principal cast of WarGames includes Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman, John Wood, Ally Sheedy, Barry Corbin.
When was WarGames released and how long is it?
WarGames was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 54m.
What was the box office and production budget of WarGames?
WarGames had a reported production budget of $12M and grossed $124.6M at the worldwide box office (10.38 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for WarGames?
The original motion picture soundtrack for WarGames was composed by Arthur B. Rubinstein.
What is the age rating and content advisory for WarGames?
WarGames holds official age classifications: AU: PG (Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: TP; GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.); US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).