Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Personalized picks at your fingertips

Get the mobile app on iOS and Android

Get the app
Parents' Guide to

*batteries not included

By Alex Orner, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Fun '80s tale has profanity, nudity, and violence.

Movie PG 1987 107 minutes
*batteries not included Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

See all
age 12+

Based on 14 parent reviews

Jeaugh
Jeaugh Adult
May 31, 2012
age 13+

Don't go on your childhood memory!

Do not go on your memory from childhood! I watched this with my 6 1/2 year old and this movie has too many adult subjects that are presented in a scary way... A boyfriend who leaves his pregnant girlfriend, Elder Abuse, Alzheimer's, Thugs who swear, threaten, and end up and almost killing sweet people by burning down their apartment complex! Need I go on!? Oh and flying saucers having "relations" and then little flying saucer babies come which are so cute until one comes out "not working" but it is upsetting and they have a funeral for it! Do not watch this movie with young children unless you are ready to address these topics and more.
Don J.
Don J. Parent of 13 and 16-year-old
February 15, 2022
age 16+

Never.

Profanity and nudity.'nuff said.
See all 14 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Set in an impoverished section of New York City, *BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED tells the story of honest, blue-collar citizens threatened with eviction to make way for a modern housing complex. The tenants find their prayers answered by an unlikely source: mechanical alien flying saucers. The saucers have the uncanny ability to restore the decrepit apartment complex and defend the tenants from their evictors. It's a quintessential movie of good people vs. bad people.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (14 ):
Kids say (5 ):

Although this film often drags at points, its message is warm and heartfelt. The movie emphasizes the notion of standing up for one's beliefs. The relationships between the characters are mature, but not overly complex for a child to understand. The movie features a unique plot and conveys an overall positive message that both kids and adults will appreciate.

However, one major flaw is Jessica Tandy's character. Her performance as a senile wife is not credible as she teeters in and out of senility like a metronome. Another is the edgy content that is completely unnecessary to the story. There is no need for the profanity and nudity featured here; neither add to the plot. Parents may also be concerned about the violence.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of home. Why were the tenants willing to fight so vehemently against those who attempted to evict them?

  • Discuss the importance of standing up for what you believe in. What are some causes that are worth fighting for?

  • Does this '80s movie stand the test of time or does it seem outdated? Why?

Movie Details

Inclusion information powered by

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended movie lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate