Super 8 (2011 film)

Super 8
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	J.J. Abrams
Written by	J.J. Abrams
Produced by	Bryan Burk J.J. Abrams Steven Spielberg
Starring	Elle Fanning Kyle Chandler Joel Courtney Gabriel Basso Noah Emmerich Ron Eldard Riley Griffiths Ryan Lee Zach Mills
Cinematography	Larry Fong
Edited by	Mary Jo Markey Maryann Brandon
Music by	Michael Giacchino
Production companies	Amblin Entertainment Bad Robot
Distributed by	Paramount Pictures
Release dates	June 9, 2011 (2011-06-09) (Australia) June 10, 2011 (2011-06-10) (United States)
Running time	112 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$50 million[1]
Box office	$260.1 million[2]

Super 8 is a 2011 American science fiction thriller film written and directed by J.J. Abrams and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. The film stars Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, and Kyle Chandler in lead roles. Set in 1979, the plot follows a group of young teenagers who witness a mysterious train derailment while filming their own Super 8 movie. As strange occurrences unfold in their small Ohio town, they realize that something dangerous has been unleashed from the train.

Filmed in Weirton, West Virginia, Super 8 blends elements of mystery, science fiction, and coming-of-age drama, drawing comparisons to iconic films like E.T. and The Goonies for its nostalgic tone, while offering a darker twist on those familiar themes. Released on June 10, 2011, Super 8 received positive reviews from critics and grossed over $260 million worldwide.^[2]

Super 8 received 4 nominations at the 17th Critics' Choice Awards, including Best Action Movie and Best Young Actor/Actress (Fanning). The film received 8 nominations at the 38th Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film, and won 3 awards – Best Director (Abrams), Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Courtney) and Best Music (Michael Giacchino). Fanning also received a nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards.