Matthew Broderick as David Lightman

Dabney Coleman as McKittrick

John Wood as Stephen Falken

Ally Sheedy as Jennifer

Barry Corbin as General Beringer

Juanin Clay as Pat Healy

Kent Williams as Cabot

Dennis Lipscomb as Watson

Joe Dorsey as Conley

Irving Metzman as Richter

Michael Ensign as Beringer's Aide

William Bogert as Mr. Lightman

Susan Davis as Mrs. Lightman

James Tolkan as Wigan

David Clover as Stockman

Drew Snyder as Ayers

John Garber as Corporal in the Infirmary

Duncan Wilmore as Major Lem

Billy Ray Sharkey as Radar Analyst

John Spencer as Jerry

Michael Madsen as Steve

James Lemp as Commander

Gary Bisig as Deputy

Gary Sexton as Technician

Jason Bernard as Captain Knewt

Frankie Hill as Airman Fields

Jesse D. Goins as Sergeant

Alan Blumenfeld as Mr. Liggett

Len Lawson as Boys Vice Principal

Maury Chaykin as Jim Sting

Eddie Deezen as Malvin

Stephen Lee as Sgt. Schneider

Lucinda Crosby as Nurse in Infirmary

Stack Pierce as Airman

Art LaFleur as Guard

Brad David as Flight Pilot Leader

Martha Shaw as Vice Principal's Secretary

Howie Allen as Boy in Arcade

Michael Adams as Travis

James Ackerman as Joshua

Jim Harriott as Newscaster

Tom Lawrence as Sgt. Sims

Frances E. Nealy as Visitor

Charles Akins as Major Ford

Glenn Standifer as Major Wenstin

Edward Jahnke as NORAD Officer

Paul V. Picerni Jr. as Technician

William H. Macy as NORAD Officer (uncredited)