
Short Time
As a result of a misdiagnosis, Detective Burt Simpson is told he has just weeks to live. He gains a new respect for his life and loved ones but learns that in order for his wife, Carolyn, and son, Dougie, to collect any insurance money, he must be killed in the line of duty. He then becomes the most reckless man on the police force, volunteering for dangerous assignments over the objections of his by-the-book partner.
Release Year
1990
Runtime
97 min
Audience Score
6.5
Genres
Action, Comedy, Crime
Story Snapshot
As a result of a misdiagnosis, Detective Burt Simpson is told he has just weeks to live. He gains a new respect for his life and loved ones but learns that in order for his wife, Carolyn, and son, Dougie, to collect any insurance money, he must be killed in the line of duty. He then becomes the most reckless man on the police force, volunteering for dangerous assignments over the objections of his by-the-book partner.
Why This Page Helps
Short Time is a dark pick with medium complexity, which makes it a strong option when you want something that feels specific instead of generic.
DISCOVERY PATHS
These curated pages are the fastest way to keep the same mood, genre, or recommendation intent going.
Guides
Family Movie Night Guide
Easy family-friendly starting points for movie night, plus collections that are simple to browse together.
Best Superhero Movies For Adults
Superhero movies with darker stakes, stronger craft, and less Saturday-morning tone.
DC Watch Order
A cleaner DC watch order page for viewers who want to stop piecing things together and start watching faster.
Lists
Best Action Movies of 2025
A fast route into the most clickable action movies people are likely to looking for for this year.
Family Movie Night Picks
Friendly, recognizable picks for households that want something easy to agree on.
Best Movies on Disney Plus Right Now
The best movies on Disney Plus right now for viewers who want a fast, reliable pick without browsing the app forever.
Topics
Superhero Universe
A hub for superhero movies, comic-book franchises, and connected blockbuster universes.
Science Fiction Worlds
Explore ambitious sci-fi movies and shows, from space stories to mind-bending future worlds.
Family and Animation
Family-friendly picks, animated favorites, and familiar franchise worlds for all-ages browsing.
Who Should Watch
Best Fit Viewers
SIMILAR MOVIES
If you liked this one, these are good places to keep going.

Zero Effect
Zero Effect works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

Gotcha!
Gotcha! works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

How to Rob a Bank
How to Rob a Bank works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

Wrong Cops
Wrong Cops works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

See Spot Run
See Spot Run works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

LaRoy, Texas
LaRoy, Texas works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.
Movie FAQ
Questions People Usually Search
Who should watch Short Time?
Short Time is best for viewers who want action, comedy, crime without having to browse blindly.
What tone does Short Time have?
The tone is best described as dark, which is why this page links into more mood-based guides instead of leaving you with genre labels alone.
How complex is Short Time?
Short Time lands at medium complexity, so it works both as a direct pick and as a springboard into deeper recommendation pages.
What should I watch after Short Time?
Use the similar picks, related guides, and recommendation paths below to stay in the same viewing mood without starting a new search from scratch.