---
title: "Cell"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/cell-2016"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 168098
imdb_id: "tt0775440"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 98
community_rating: 4.7
vote_count: 1171
content_rating: "R"
---

# Cell (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/cell-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Cell is a 2016 horror, science fiction, and thriller film directed in the United States with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. The plot focuses on a strange signal that pulsates through all cell phone networks worldwide, initiating a murderous epidemic as users transform into bloodthirsty creatures.

The film follows a group of survivors in New England who must navigate the ensuing chaos and deal with the aftermath of the global catastrophe. Rated R and released on July 8, 2016, the movie explores themes of technology turning deadly and human survival.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A strange signal broadcast through cell phone networks turns users into bloodthirsty creatures worldwide."

### Why Watch
- Features a worldwide murderous epidemic caused by a strange signal.
- Follows a group of survivors in New England dealing with the ensuing chaos.
- Explores the terrifying aftermath of cell phone networks broadcasting a pulse.

### Caveats & Content Note
- It features a violent murderous epidemic that may not appeal to all viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: The tone is horror, science fiction, and thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #strange-signal, #cell-phone-networks, #murderous-epidemic, #bloodthirsty-creatures, #new-england-survivors, #ensuing-chaos

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel, Howdy Amazon Channel | The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Rakuten TV, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Plex, W4free, Pluto TV | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Hoopla, Crave | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Tod Williams
- **Networks / Studios**: Cargo Entertainment, 120dB Films, Benaroya Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **John Cusack** as *Clayton 'Clay' Riddell*
- **Samuel L. Jackson** as *Thomas 'Tom' McCourt*
- **Isabelle Fuhrman** as *Alice Maxwell*
- **Owen Teague** as *Jordan*
- **Clark Sarullo** as *Sharon Riddell*
- **Anthony Reynolds** as *Ray*
- **Erin Elizabeth Burns** as *Denise*
- **Stacy Keach** as *Charles Ardai*
- **Alex ter Avest** as *Chloe*
- **Wilbur Fitzgerald** as *Geoff*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Cell (2016)?
Streaming availability can be checked on platforms like The Movie Database.

### Q: Is Cell (2016) worth watching?
It is worth watching if you enjoy horror, science fiction, and thriller films involving global epidemics.

### Q: What is the runtime of Cell (2016)?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.

### Q: What genres does Cell (2016) belong to?
It belongs to the horror, science fiction, and thriller genres.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Cell — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/168098)
- [The Cell – Wikipedie](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cell)
- [Cell (biology) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_(biology))
- [Cell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell)
- [In Cell (2018) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/721032-in-cell/prehled/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*