Them!

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Them!

Released Jun 19, 1954

1h 34m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

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58 Reviews

77%

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5,000+ Ratings

While investigating a series of mysterious deaths, Sergeant Ben Peterson (James Whitmore) finds a young girl (Sandy Descher) who is unable to speak. As Peterson joins forces with FBI agent Robert Graham (James Arness) and scientist Dr. Harold Medford (Edmund Gwenn), he discovers that all the incidents are due to giant ants that have been mutated by atomic radiation. Peterson and Graham, with the aid of the military, attempt to find the queen ants and destroy the nests before the danger spreads.

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Critics Consensus

One of the best creature features of the early atomic age, Them! features effectively menacing special effects and avoids the self-parody that would taint later monster movies.

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Dorothy Masters

New York Daily News

There is added conviction in performance and dialogue, both of which are particularly good for a production largely designed for chilling spines.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 28, 2021

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Philip K. Scheuer

Los Angeles Times

In the parking lot outside the [theater], I came upon a bustling colony of ants near a crack in the sidewalk. I gave them a wide berth. I had just seen their oversized brothers and sisters in action... and I wanted no more trouble with them.

Sep 28, 2021

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Leonard Lerner

Boston Globe

The picture has all the necessary ingredients mixed in the proper proportions to make it a top-notch thriller.

Sep 28, 2021

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Them! is a great sci-fi film, getting straight to the point of human malfeasance; a warning about leaving an open door to more enviromental damage seems bang on the money...the equivalent of James Cameron’s Aliens, a robust, full-throttle action movie...

Rated: 4/5

Jul 1, 2025

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

The genre holds a special place in my heart, and “THEM!” was the quintessential big bug movie.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 25, 2022

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Marion Aitchison

Miami Herald

Views of the creatures which had the youngsters screeching delightedly are plenty scary -- in fact the blown-up scenes of actual ants, such as everyone in the hot country knows, are enough to make you squirm.

Sep 28, 2021

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George M

The greatest Gigantism move ever. There were many giant bug movies after this, none can compare. This is filmed like a documentary and its excellent cast carries the great story. Another thing that makes this a perfect science fiction monster movie; the science is believable. At this time, scientists knew little about radiation and how it would effect living things (other than killing them). Another thing that makes this so terrifying; the giants ants aren't nuclear. They have no otherworld powers like Godzilla. They are just ants doing ant things. Harvesting food, defending the nest, breeding. And that makes them far more terrifying than any made up creatures. I've seen this at least 500 times since 1964, own the bluray, and everytime its on Turner, I'll either watch it, or record it and watch it later. One of the great science fiction movies of the 50's and today.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/25

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d A.

great time great movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/05/25

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Daniel C. M

Fast paced and aged like wine. Effects and thrills are still good, the direction specially is great.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/11/25

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Brian M

Not just a great creature feature, but one of the best sci-fi movies ever made. The opening scenes in the desert are stellar, a perfect combo of sound, set design, cinematography, and acting as the two policeman try to determine what’s responsible for all the carnage. The special effects are also outstanding. I’m going to run out of superlatives if I keep writing—a must-see for any fan of fun monster movies!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/08/24

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Matt R

THEM! is hands down the best big bug movie, with TARANTULA close behind. The mystery is scary from the start. Giant ants being fought with flame throwers is so impressive that it seems as if it inspired James Cameron with ALIENS.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/24

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William R. P

It's not scary and it doesn't make you think. What more could you ask for in an old sci-fi?

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/21/23

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Gordon Douglas

Director

James Whitmore

Police Sgt. Ben Peterson

Edmund Gwenn

Dr. Harold Medford

Joan Weldon

Dr. Patricia 'Pat' Medford

James Arness

Robert Graham

Onslow Stevens

Brig. Gen. Robert O'Brien

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Synopsis

While investigating a series of mysterious deaths, Sergeant Ben Peterson (James Whitmore) finds a young girl (Sandy Descher) who is unable to speak. As Peterson joins forces with FBI agent Robert Graham (James Arness) and scientist Dr. Harold Medford (Edmund Gwenn), he discovers that all the incidents are due to giant ants that have been mutated by atomic radiation. Peterson and Graham, with the aid of the military, attempt to find the queen ants and destroy the nests before the danger spreads.

Director: Gordon Douglas
Producer: David Weisbart
Screenwriter: Russell S. Hughes, Ted Sherdeman
Distributor: Warner Bros., Cinema Classics, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: Warner Brothers
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 19, 1954, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 7, 2008
Runtime: 1h 34m

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