Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)

Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) is an American science fiction anthology film helmed by notable producers Steven Spielberg and John Landis. Inspired by the 1959–1964 TV series of the same name created by Rod Serling, the movie showcases four distinct tales directed by Landis, Spielberg, Joe Dante, and George Miller. Whereas Landis presents an original story for the film, Spielberg, Dante, and Miller offer remakes of episodes from the source material.

1. Prologue (John Landis). John Landis wrote and directed this segment, where two men are driving along a country road at night. As they discuss the scariest episodes of The Twilight Zone, the passenger suddenly suggests pulling over to show something truly terrifying. Without warning, he transforms into a monstrous creature and attacks the driver as the opening sequence unfolds.

2. Time Out (John Landis). Bill Connor, a vocal bigot, is full of resentment after being overlooked for a promotion at work in favor of his Jewish colleague Goldman. While having drinks at a bar with his friends Larry and Ray, Bill makes discriminatory comments and insults towards Jews, blacks, and East Asians, placing blame on them for America’s issues. A nearby black man asks him to stop, but Bill continues to rant and even boasts about his perceived superiority over minorities. Eventually, he storms out of the bar in a fit of rage and suddenly finds himself transported back in time to Nazi-occupied France during World War II. As he walks the streets, two S.S. officers spot him and begin questioning him, mistaking him for a Jewish person due to his appearance.

3. Kick the Can (Steven Spielberg). Mr. Bloom, an elderly man who recently moved into Sunnyvale Retirement Home, hears his fellow residents remembering their youthful joys. He believes age should not limit them from enjoying life and invites them to play kick the can with him that night. All agree, except grumpy Leo Conroy, who has a negative outlook on aging and protests that they are too old for such physical activities. While Mr. Conroy sleeps, Mr. Bloom gathers the others outside to play the game and they all revert to their younger selves. They relish in the nostalgia of their childhood pastimes but soon realize practical concerns such as finding a place to stay since the retirement home would no longer welcome them and their families may not recognize them in their youthful forms.

4. It’s a Good Life (Joe Dante). While en route to a new job, kind-hearted school teacher Helen Foley stops by a rural bar for directions. During her conversation with the owner, she witnesses a local bully harassing a boy named Anthony who is trying to catch a boxing match. Without hesitation, Helen stands up for Anthony. However, as she leaves the bar, she accidentally bumps into Anthony in the parking lot and damages his bicycle. Feeling responsible, she offers to give him a ride home. Upon arriving at Anthony’s house, she is warmly greeted by his family: His uncle Walt, sister Ethel, and parents make her feel right at home. As they chat, Anthony takes Helen on a tour of the house while his family looks through her purse and jacket. Helen notices that every room has a TV playing cartoons and asks about another sister named Sara.

5. Nightmare at 20,000 Feet (George Miller). During a turbulent thunderstorm, John Valentine, an airline passenger, seeks solace in the lavatory as his fear of flying causes a panic attack. After being convinced by the flight attendants to return to his seat, repeated reassurances are given that everything is under control. However, Valentine’s nervous behavior disturbs those around him. Suddenly, he spots a terrifying gremlin on the wing of the plane and falls into another intense state of panic. The creature begins causing damage to the plane’s engine and Valentine reaches his breaking point. He tries to break the window with an oxygen canister but is stopped by a fellow passenger who happens to be a sky marshal. In desperation, Valentine grabs the marshal’s gun and shoots out the window, compromising the cabin’s pressure. He then proceeds to shoot at the gremlin in a frantic attempt to defend himself.