The Chain Reaction (1980): cast, story & where to watch
1980 · Film · ★ 5.6

Released in 1980, The Chain Reaction is an action, thriller and science fiction film directed by Ian Barry, running about 92 minutes. “One terrifying mistake and there was no return!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Contaminated by a nuclear-plant spill, an Australian worker hides with a woman and tries to warn the public.
Who’s in it. The Chain Reaction stars Steve Bisley as Larry, Arna-Maria Winchester as Carmel, Ross Thompson as Heinrich and Hugh Keays-Byrne as Eagle, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.6/10, The Chain Reaction has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Philo and rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Chain Reaction page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Chain Reaction tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Chain Reaction (1980)?
- In US, The Chain Reaction is available to stream on Philo, and rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Chain Reaction worth watching?
- The Chain Reaction holds an audience score of 5.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action, thriller and science fiction. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Chain Reaction?
- The Chain Reaction stars Steve Bisley, Arna-Maria Winchester, Ross Thompson, Hugh Keays-Byrne and Ralph Cotterill.
- When was The Chain Reaction released?
- The Chain Reaction was released in 1980, with a runtime of about 92 minutes.
