IMDb 7 1996 HD

That Thing You Do!

That Thing You Do!

1996
Comedy Drama Music Romance
108 min PG USA
6.876 / 10
7 IMDB

A Pennsylvania band scores a hit in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as it can, with lots of help from its manager. But behind the…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Tom Hanks / Mark Cotone / Lisa C. Satriano / Katterli Frauenfelder / Anne Rapp / Pamela Cederquist
Starring
Tom Hanks / Tom Everett Scott / Liv Tyler / Johnathon Schaech / Steve Zahn / Ethan Embry / Charlize Theron / Obba Babatundé

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

charming nostalgic upbeat fun predictable heartwarming energetic well-acted dated sentimental

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This film is a warm, inviting embrace of a bygone era. 'That Thing You Do!' perfectly encapsulates the thrill and chaos of a band hitting the big time in the 1960s. The performances are a genuine treat, with…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

As a snapshot of a band's meteoric rise, 'That Thing You Do!' is undeniably entertaining. The film's strength lies in its vibrant portrayal of the 1960s musical landscape and the palpable energy of its cast. Tom Everett Scott…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 15, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Pure cinematic joy. 'That Thing You Do!' is a meticulously crafted ode to the magic of early rock and roll and the whirlwind of sudden fame. The chemistry between the cast is palpable, making the band's journey utterly…

M
Marcus Bellwether
May 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

A breezy and nostalgic journey, 'That Thing You Do!' offers a rose-tinted look at the music industry's golden age. The film excels in its evocation of the 1960s, from the fashion to the sound, creating an immersive atmosphere.…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This delightful romp through the early 60s music scene is an absolute charmer. 'That Thing You Do!' captures the infectious optimism of a band’s sudden ascent with remarkable skill. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Tom Everett Scott…

FAQs

The film possesses a distinctly light-hearted and optimistic tone, infused with a strong sense of nostalgia for the early 1960s. It balances moments of earnest ambition with genuine humour and a charmingly romanticised view of the music industry's early days. The atmosphere is generally upbeat and energetic, celebrating the thrill of discovery and the camaraderie of a band on the cusp of something big, creating a feel-good cinematic experience.