Small Soldiers

Small Soldiers

Year: 1998

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: English

Director: Joe Dante

AdventureActionFantasyComedy

Big Movie. When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Small Soldiers yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Small Soldiers (1998) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Small Soldiers (1998), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:23

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with hostile technology like in Small Soldiers

Stories of ordinary lives disrupted by technology that turns against its creators.If you liked the suburban chaos of Small Soldiers, you'll enjoy these movies where everyday tech turns deadly. This list features tense, action-packed stories about AI rebellions, runaway machines, and technology gone wrong, all creating high-stakes survival scenarios in familiar settings.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically begin with the introduction of a new technology that seems marvelous or harmless. This quickly escalates into a life-or-death struggle as the technology's programming or instincts override human control. The protagonists are often average individuals who must use their wits and courage to fight back against a threat that has invaded their personal space.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core premise of technological hubris leading to immediate, chaotic danger. They blend science fiction with thriller and action elements, creating a specific vibe of high-tension, fast-paced conflict where the safety of the domestic sphere is violently compromised.

Movies with escalating chaos like in Small Soldiers

High-action stories where a small-scale conflict spirals into overwhelming chaos.Fans of Small Soldiers will appreciate these films where a small incident snowballs into massive chaos. Discover similar movies featuring fast-paced action, tense survival scenarios, and stories about ordinary people facing a conflict that rapidly grows out of control, turning their world upside down.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a catalyst event that seems manageable at first but quickly gains momentum, drawing in more elements and increasing the danger exponentially. The structure is often straightforward, focusing on the immediate cause-and-effect of the escalation. Characters are thrust into a reactive role, fighting to survive and stop the spread of the chaos before it consumes everything.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their shared focus on rapid escalation and contained anarchy. They deliver a specific viewing experience characterized by a fast pace, high intensity, and a tense tone, as the audience watches a manageable situation devolve into a thrilling, large-scale crisis.

Unlock the Full Story of Small Soldiers

Don't stop at just watching — explore Small Soldiers in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Small Soldiers is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Small Soldiers Timeline

Track the full timeline of Small Soldiers with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Small Soldiers Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Small Soldiers

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Small Soldiers. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Small Soldiers

More About Small Soldiers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Small Soldiers: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Small Soldiers