Cocoon (1985)
Ron Howard's beloved sci-fi comedy about seniors who discover alien cocoons that restore their youthful vitality.
Cocoon - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cocoon
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Ron Howard
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 21, 1985 (United States - PG-13), September 13, 1985 (United Kingdom - PG), October 23, 1985 (Germany - 6), November 27, 1985 (France - TP), October 25, 1985 (Australia - PG), October 10, 1985 (Brazil), October 17, 1985 (Italy - T), October 2, 1985 (Spain - A)
- Alternative Titles: 魔茧 (CN), Cocoon 1 (DK)
- Production Companies: SLM Production Group, The Zanuck/Brown Company, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
Cocoon - Plot
When a group of trespassing seniors swim in a pool containing alien cocoons, they find themselves energized with youthful vigor.
Cocoon - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the magic of Cocoon unfold:
It is everything you've dreamed of. It is nothing you expect.
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Cocoon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ron Howard
Main Cast
- Steve Guttenberg
- Tahnee Welch
- Brian Dennehy
- Don Ameche
- Wilford Brimley
- Hume Cronyn
- Maureen Stapleton
- Jack Gilford
- Jessica Tandy
- Clint Howard
Writers
- Tom Benedek
- David Saperstein
Producers
- David Brown
- Lili Fini Zanuck
- Richard D. Zanuck
Cocoon - FAQs
Is Cocoon based on a true story?
Cocoon is not based on a true story. It's adapted from David Saperstein's 1985 novel of the same name. The story is a work of science fiction, blending imaginative ideas about alien life and the human desire for eternal youth into a warmly told fantasy.
Did Don Ameche win an Oscar for Cocoon?
Yes! Don Ameche won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Arthur Selwyn in Cocoon. His energetic breakdancing scene became one of the film's most memorable moments and helped earn him the recognition that had eluded him throughout his long Hollywood career.
What is Cocoon about?
Cocoon follows a group of retirees living in a Florida retirement community who sneak into a neighbor's pool and discover it's filled with alien cocoons. Swimming in the water fills them with extraordinary vitality and youthful energy, raising profound questions about aging, mortality, and what it truly means to live.
What happens at the end of Cocoon?
At the end of Cocoon, the friendly aliens offer the seniors a chance to leave Earth and live indefinitely on their home planet, free from aging and illness. Some choose to go, saying emotional goodbyes to family left behind. It's a bittersweet, hopeful conclusion about choosing life on one's own terms.
Who are the main actors in Cocoon?
Cocoon features a remarkable ensemble cast including Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Maureen Stapleton, Jack Gilford, Steve Guttenberg, Tahnee Welch, and Brian Dennehy. The film brought together some of Hollywood's most beloved veteran performers in a truly special gathering of talent.
What is the age rating for Cocoon?
Cocoon is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects some mild sci-fi peril and thematic elements dealing with death and aging, but the film is generally gentle and family-friendly in tone, making it an accessible watch for most audiences including older children and teens.
How long is Cocoon?
Cocoon runs for 1 hour and 57 minutes (117 minutes). The runtime gives Ron Howard plenty of space to develop the characters' relationships and emotional journeys, balancing the film's lighter comedic moments with its more touching, reflective themes about growing old and the universal longing for renewal.
What are some movies similar to Cocoon?
If you enjoyed Cocoon, you might love Jules (2023), a gentle sci-fi comedy also centered on an elderly protagonist and an alien visitor. The Brother from Another Planet (1984) offers another warm, humanistic take on alien encounters. Linoleum (2023) and Asteroid City (2023) also blend whimsy with heartfelt themes in memorable ways.
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