Rotten Tomatoes
Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Joybubbles

Play trailer Joybubbles 2026 1h 19m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
82% Tomatometer 11 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
Joybubbles is a feature documentary about a genius named Joybubbles (née Joe Engressia, 1949-2007) who discovered how to hack into the telephone network by whistling a magic tone. He was blind and started experimenting with the phone as a lonely kid trying to connect with people, eventually becoming one of technology's greatest pioneers. His story takes an unusual turn when he declares himself to be five years old forever, and legally changes his name to Joybubbles.

Critics Reviews

View More
Robert Daniels RogerEbert.com Jan 28
Its modesty and sincerity, which could easily be confused as saccharine, arrive with an assuming commitment to the spirit of its remarkable subject that it’s downright dream-affirming. Go to Full Review Alise Chaffins MacGuffin or Meaning (Substack) 5d
4/5
Joybubbles is a lovely documentary that is inspirational, not because Engrassia overcame a disability, but because of his ability to find joy and connection with people despite the prejudices he faced because of his blindness. Go to Full Review Alan French InSession Film Feb 6
7/10
Joybubbles is a cute documentary and covers a unique era of communication that will feel foreign to anyone under 30. It’s also an uplifting experience, one that should help reconnect those with the enigmatic man. Go to Full Review Cory Woodroof For the Win at USA Today Feb 5
Sometimes, a great documentary just needs the perfect subject and just enough aura to match that person's vibes. Go to Full Review Jason Gorber POV Magazine Feb 3
Unfortunately, while the elements are present for an evocative, engaging, and even entertaining film, Joybubbles itself feels undercooked. Go to Full Review Robert Kojder Flickering Myth Feb 2
3.5/5
The unorthodox method of human connection on display is uniquely moving, as the documentary consistently feels as if it’s covering something greater than one man hacking telephones: a defiance of loneliness, ableism, and trauma Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

View All

Rachael J. Morrison

Director

Sarah Winshall

Producer

Will Butler

Producer

Annie Marr

Producer

Cameo Wood

Executive Producer

Rhianon Jones

Executive Producer
View All

Joybubbles

View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Joybubbles is a feature documentary about a genius named Joybubbles (née Joe Engressia, 1949-2007) who discovered how to hack into the telephone network by whistling a magic tone. He was blind and started experimenting with the phone as a lonely kid trying to connect with people, eventually becoming one of technology's greatest pioneers. His story takes an unusual turn when he declares himself to be five years old forever, and legally changes his name to Joybubbles.
Director
Rachael J. Morrison
Producer
Sarah Winshall, Will Butler, Annie Marr
Production Co
Smudge Films, Neon Heart Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 19m