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Pixels (2015) movie poster

Timeline

Pixels (2015) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2015 · 106 min · English
JustWatch #6,324 15
Directed by
Chris Columbus
Starring
Brian Cox, Peter Dinklage, Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Josh Gad
Budget
$88M

When aliens mistake Earth's retro video games for declarations of war, they launch an attack using iconic arcade levels as battlefields. To save the planet, two former childhood friends, now adults with very different lives, must reunite and use their knowledge of classic 8-bit games to fight back. They channel their '80s gaming expertise into a desperate quest to defeat the extraterrestrial invaders and restore peace to humanity.

Action Sci-Fi Comedy Animation Cast, crew & box office
On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Pixels
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Pixels (2015)

Where can you watch Pixels? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Pixels Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Pixels (2015) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Summer of 1982: Arcade Passion

    Thirteen-year-old Sam Brenner and Will Cooper immerse themselves in their love for arcade gaming during the vibrant summer of 1982. Their excitement reaches a peak when Brenner decides to enter an esteemed arcade game world championship.

    When
    1982
    Where
    Local Arcade

  2. Championship Announcement

    At the world's championship, the Master of Ceremonies announces an exciting twist involving a time capsule. This time capsule is set to launch into space, containing a videotape of the championship highlights, adding a thrilling layer to the competition.

    When
    1982
    Where
    Championship Venue

  3. Showdown with Eddie Plant

    During the championship, Brenner performs well but ultimately faces a fierce showdown against the skilled player, Eddie Plant. The match concludes with Brenner's defeat in the classic game, *Donkey Kong*, shaping his future experiences in gaming.

    When
    1982
    Where
    Championship Venue

  4. Present Day: Chaos Strikes

    Fast forward to the present day, and Brenner has transitioned into a technician installing home theater systems. Meanwhile, his childhood friend Cooper has risen to the position of President of the United States amidst escalating chaos when a military base in Guam is attacked.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Guam

  5. Unexpected Meeting with Violet

    Brenner's mundane life takes an unexpected twist when he is assigned to work at the home of Violet Van Patten, a divorcee with a son. Just as he settles in, Brenner receives a shocking call from Cooper that sets the stage for their reunion.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Violet's Home

  6. Alien Invasion Revelation

    Brenner learns from Ludlow, who unexpectedly appears in his van, that aliens have invaded Earth. These extraterrestrial beings are sending creatures inspired by classic video game characters to challenge humanity, interpreting the championship tape as a declaration of war.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Brenner's Van

  7. Attack on the Taj Mahal

    Despite their efforts to prepare, the group is too late to prevent an attack on the Taj Mahal, where the aliens employ game-inspired tactics using *Arkanoid* paddles. This attack highlights the urgent need to strategize against the ongoing alien threat.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Taj Mahal, India

  8. Training for Battle

    As tensions rise, Brenner, Ludlow, and Violet collaborate to train soldiers specifically to combat the alien adversaries. They discover that powerful light beams can neutralize the pixelated aliens, preparing them for the next impending battle in London.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Military Training Facility

  9. The Centipede Battle

    In London, the ominous presence of *Centipede* signals the next battle. Brenner successfully leads the troops, tapping into their gaming instincts, but the initial struggle forces him and Ludlow to take decisive actions to turn the tide of the battle.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    London

  10. Confronting Pac-Man

    The next showdown occurs in New York City against the formidable *Pac-Man*. With a risky strategy involving Mini Coopers designed as ghosts, Brenner, Cooper, Violet, and Eddie must outsmart Pac-Man in a series of rounds to secure their victory.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    New York City

  11. Injury and a Setback

    During the intense battle, Toru Iwatani, the creator of Pac-Man, suffers a severe injury, putting additional pressure on the team. Eddie manages to win the first round, but disaster strikes when he loses his car to the East River during the second round.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    East River, New York City

  12. Final Showdown with Donkey Kong

    As the team confronts the mighty *Donkey Kong*, Brenner is faced with the realization of Eddie's deception. In a critical moment, he throws a hammer at Donkey Kong to break their hold, restoring order and facilitating the return of the pixelated heroes.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Alien Spaceship

  13. Historic Peace Agreement

    Following their victorious battles, the group is hailed as heroes and initiates a historic peace agreement with the alien visitors. Their achievement symbolizes a unique collaboration, bridging the worlds of video games and interstellar diplomacy.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Washington, D.C.

  14. A Romantic Twist

    Amidst the celebrations, Brenner forms a romantic connection with Violet while Ludlow experiences a delightful surprise when *Q*Bert* transforms into Lady Lisa, marrying her and continuing the joy of their victory.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Celebration Venue

  15. One Year Later: New Beginnings

    A year passes, and the narrative concludes with a heartwarming scene demonstrating the blending of worlds where Ludlow and Lady Lisa are happily married with children. Their lives and those of the arcade heroes showcase the enduring legacy of their gaming adventure.

    When
    One year later
    Where
    Unknown

Last updated: October 27, 2024 at 21:10

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Timeline questions answered

Pixels Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Pixels (2015): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did the aliens invade Earth?

The aliens misinterpreted a 1982 video game championship tape as a declaration of war. When humans sent this tape into space as part of a time capsule, the aliens viewed the retro arcade game highlights as a hostile challenge and launched their invasion using creatures modeled after classic video game characters.

  • alien invasion
  • video game tape
  • declaration of war
  • time capsule
Q2

Why did Sam Brenner lose to Eddie Plant at the 1982 championship?

Brenner was a skilled player who sailed through all earlier challenges, but he ultimately fell short against Eddie Plant in a fierce Donkey Kong showdown. The film presents this as a straightforward competitive defeat rather than explaining specific gameplay mistakes, though Eddie was established as an exceptionally talented player.

  • Eddie Plant
  • Donkey Kong
  • championship
  • Brenner defeat
Q3

How did light beams defeat the pixelated aliens?

Brenner and Violet discovered that strong light beams could neutralize the aliens' pixelated forms. This discovery became crucial in training the soldiers to combat the extraterrestrial threats, providing a scientific weakness that allowed humans to fight back against the video game-inspired creatures.

  • light beams
  • pixelated aliens
  • Violet
  • military training
Q4

Why did Eddie Plant agree to help fight the aliens?

President Cooper visited Eddie in prison and offered to release him in exchange for his help against the alien invasion. Despite his criminal past, Eddie was recruited for his exceptional gaming skills, particularly needed to face the formidable Pac-Man challenge in New York City.

  • Eddie Plant
  • prison
  • Cooper
  • Pac-Man
  • release
Q5

What was Eddie Plant's deception during the Pac-Man battle?

Eddie used a speed cheat during the Pac-Man match to gain an unfair advantage. When Matty discovered this cheating, Eddie fled the battle, leaving Matty vulnerable to abduction by the aliens. This betrayal was revealed during the final confrontation on the alien spaceship.

  • Eddie cheating
  • speed cheat
  • Pac-Man
  • Matty abduction
Q6

Why did the aliens accuse the team of cheating?

After the Pac-Man victory, the aliens accused the team of cheating because Matty had discovered Eddie's use of a speed cheat during the match. This discovery led to the disqualification of Earth's contest, threatening the planet's fate when the aliens demanded a final showdown.

  • aliens
  • cheating accusation
  • disqualification
  • Pac-Man match
Q7

How did Sam Brenner defeat Pac-Man in the final showdown?

During the second round, Eddie's car plunged into the East River, forcing Brenner to take the wheel for the final showdown. Brenner executed a daring maneuver that led to Pac-Man's defeat, earning the team the Q*Bert trophy and keeping Earth's hopes alive.

  • Brenner
  • Pac-Man
  • final showdown
  • East River
  • victory
Q8

Why did Ludlow kiss Lady Lisa during the battle?

When the aliens deployed a female warrior based on Lady Lisa, Ludlow was left vulnerable. In a moment of vulnerability, he confessed his longtime feelings for Lady Lisa, and she responded with a heartfelt kiss that gave him the strength to continue fighting.

  • Ludlow
  • Lady Lisa
  • confession
  • kiss
  • alien warrior
Q9

Why did Q*Bert transform into Lady Lisa?

After the team's victory, Q*Bert unexpectedly transformed into Lady Lisa, bringing joy to Ludlow. This magical transformation allowed Ludlow to marry his longtime crush, and they eventually had children named Q*By*, blending their two worlds together.

  • Q*Bert
  • Lady Lisa
  • transformation
  • marriage
  • Ludlow
Q10

How did Sam Brenner defeat Donkey Kong on the alien spaceship?

As the team confronted Donkey Kong, who was blocking their rescue efforts, Brenner learned of Eddie's deception. In a critical moment, Brenner threw a hammer at Donkey Kong, which shattered the alien's hold on the team and restored order, allowing the classic video game characters to return to Earth.

  • Brenner
  • Donkey Kong
  • hammer
  • alien spaceship
  • rescue
Q11

How did the aliens know about classic video games?

The aliens intercepted the time capsule containing the 1982 arcade championship videotape. They studied these recordings and concluded that the games were communications or declarations of war from Earth, leading them to respond by creating creatures based on the video game characters they observed.

  • aliens
  • time capsule
  • classic games
  • interception
  • Videotape
Q12

Why was Violet working as a civilian if she was a Lieutenant Colonel?

Violet Van Patten was revealed to be a Lieutenant Colonel in the military, though she was living as a divorcee with her son Matty. The film doesn't deeply explore this discrepancy, but she was called upon to assist Brenner and the team with her military expertise and scientific knowledge.

  • Violet
  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • divorcee
  • Matty
  • military

Movie threads

More Movies Like Pixels, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Pixels tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Playful sci-fi mashups like Pixels

Where high-concept sci-fi threats collide with a whimsical, lighthearted tone. If you liked the fun, high-concept blend of alien invasion and 80s arcade nostalgia in Pixels, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features similar films where serious sci-fi threats are met with lighthearted comedy, creative worlds, and a triumphant, playful spirit.

  • playful
  • exciting
  • quirky
  • fun
  • adventurous
  • triumphant
  • Tone: light, whimsical, playful
  • Pacing: fast, action-packed
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread typically involve an external, often world-threatening force that is countered not just with might, but with wit, creativity, and a healthy dose of humor. The hero's journey is less about grim survival and more about outsmarting or out-quirking the opposition, leading to a celebratory victory.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their unique tone balance: they maintain the excitement of a high-stakes plot while ensuring the overall mood remains light, fun, and accessible through consistent humor and a whimsical approach to the core conflict.

Alien Trespass movie poster

Alien Trespass

2009
Lazer Team movie poster

Lazer Team

2016
Pixels movie poster

Pixels

2015
Planet 51 movie poster

Planet 51

2009
Aliens in the Attic movie poster

Aliens in the Attic

2009
Evolution movie poster

Evolution

2001
Alien from L.A. movie poster

Alien from L.A.

1988
Dr. Alien movie poster

Dr. Alien

1989

Movies about reclaiming childhood glory like Pixels

Underdog adults rediscover their purpose by tapping into youthful passions. For viewers who enjoyed Pixels's theme of using 80s gaming skills to save the world, this collection highlights similar movies. These films follow underdog adults who get a second chance by reconnecting with their childhood talents, offering a mix of nostalgia, redemption, and triumphant character arcs.

  • nostalgic
  • triumphant
  • redemptive
  • heartwarming
  • second chance
  • underdog
  • Tone: nostalgic, hopeful, triumphant
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves introducing adult characters who are unfulfilled or considered failures. A crisis emerges that uniquely requires the specialized, often dismissed, knowledge or talent they possessed in their youth. Their journey is one of self-redemption, proving their worth and rediscovering their identity by embracing their past.

Why they belong together: These movies share a core character arc focused on redemption through nostalgia. They combine a light-to-medium emotional weight with a feel-good structure, where reconnecting with one's past leads to personal victory and often saving the day, creating a heartwarming and triumphant viewing experience.

Sidekicks movie poster

Sidekicks

1992
Underdog movie poster

Underdog

2007
Everyone's Hero movie poster

Everyone's Hero

2006
Adventure Scouts movie poster

Adventure Scouts

2010
Kids of the Round Table movie poster

Kids of the Round Table

1995
Heavyweights movie poster

Heavyweights

1995
Heavyweights movie poster

Heavyweights

2006
Little Giants movie poster

Little Giants

1994

If you liked this

Movies Like Pixels

Similar movies to Pixels: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries
Transformers movie poster

Transformers

2007
Monsters vs Aliens movie poster

Monsters vs Aliens

2009
TRON movie poster

TRON

1982
Battleship movie poster

Battleship

2012
Earth to Echo movie poster

Earth to Echo

2014
Planet 51 movie poster

Planet 51

2009
Independence Day: Resurgence movie poster

Independence Day: Resurgence

2016
Aliens in the Attic movie poster

Aliens in the Attic

2009
Independence Day movie poster

Independence Day

1996
Lazer Team movie poster

Lazer Team

2016
Spaced Invaders movie poster

Spaced Invaders

1990
WarGames: The Dead Code movie poster

WarGames: The Dead Code

2008

Every angle

Pixels (2015) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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