Maximum Overdrive
“Imagine your worst nightmare...machines take over the world!”
Synopsis
When a comet passes close to the earth, machines all over the world come alive and go on homicidal rampages. A group of people at a desolate truck stop are held hostage by a gang of murderous 18-wheelers. The frightened people set out to defeat the killer machines…Or be killed by them.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Maximum Overdrive ≣ 1986 ≣ Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2022-10-23
Top Cast
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Emilio Estevez
Bill Robinson
Pat Hingle
Hendershot
Laura Harrington
Brett
Yeardley Smith
Connie
John Short
Curt
Ellen McElduff
Wanda June
J.C. Quinn
Duncan
Christopher Murney
Camp Loman
Holter Graham
Deke
Frankie Faison
Handy
Pat Miller
Joe
Jack Canon
Max
Barry Bell
Steve
John Brasington
Frank
J. Don Ferguson
Andy
Leon Rippy
Brad
Robert Gooden
Barry
R. Pickett Bugg
Rolf
Release History & Theatrical Window
Fantasporto Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
July 25, 1986
Wide Cinema Exhibition
April 10, 2001
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$10M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$7.4M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.74x
-$2.6M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Stephen King
- Screenplay & Story
- Stephen King
- Original Title
- Maximum Overdrive
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Production Budget
- $10M
- Worldwide Gross
- $7.4M
- Production Studios
- DEG
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Stephen King
Stephen King
Armando Nannuzzi
Evan A. Lottman
Martha De Laurentiis, Don Levin, Mel Pearl, Dino De Laurentiis
Department Leadership Roster
Stephen King
Screenplay
Evan A. Lottman
Editor
Armando Nannuzzi
Director of Photography
Martha De Laurentiis
Producer
Stephen King
Director
Barry Nolan
Visual Effects Supervisor
Glenn Randall Jr.
Stunt Coordinator
Clifford Capone
Costume Design
Giorgio Postiglione
Production Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Maximum Overdrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maximum Overdrive
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Maximum Overdrive about?
When a comet passes close to the earth, machines all over the world come alive and go on homicidal rampages. A group of people at a desolate truck stop are held hostage by a gang of murderous 18-wheelers. The frightened people set out to defeat the killer machines…Or be killed by them.
Who directed Maximum Overdrive?
Maximum Overdrive was directed by Stephen King.
Who stars in Maximum Overdrive?
The principal cast of Maximum Overdrive includes Emilio Estevez, Pat Hingle, Laura Harrington, Yeardley Smith, John Short.
When was Maximum Overdrive released and how long is it?
Maximum Overdrive was released in 1986 with a total runtime of 1h 38m.
What was the box office and production budget of Maximum Overdrive?
Maximum Overdrive had a reported production budget of $10M and grossed $7.4M at the worldwide box office (0.74 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
What is the age rating and content advisory for Maximum Overdrive?
Maximum Overdrive holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: 18 (Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).