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It Came From Outer Space

Play trailer Poster for It Came From Outer Space G Released May 25, 1953 1h 21m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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81% Tomatometer 31 Reviews 56% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
While looking through his telescope one night, John Putnam (Richard Carlson) sees what at first appears to be a meteor shower -- but it is actually a crash-landing alien spaceship! After investigating the crater from the impact, John informs the town sheriff (Charles Drake), and receives nothing but ridicule. Even his fiancée, Ellen (Barbara Rush), is skeptical. All that changes when the townsfolk start disappearing, and are replaced by eerie alien duplicates.
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It Came From Outer Space

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Critics Consensus

It Came From Outer Space is a pulpy-but-effective psychological sci-fi picture, with a provocative message about xenophobia.

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Critics Reviews

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Variety Picture has been smartly fashioned to take advantage of all the tricks of science-fiction and 3-D. May 29, 2007 Full Review Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader [A] scary black-and-white SF effort from 1953. May 29, 2007 Full Review A.H. Weiler New York Times Merely mildly diverting, not stupendous. Rated: 2.5/5 Oct 31, 2006 Full Review Alan Jones Radio Times The result is an entertaining B-movie that's as good as 1950s science fiction gets. Rated: 4/5 Sep 13, 2024 Full Review Kevin Carr Fat Guys at the Movies A rather simplified Cold War cautionary tale about xenophobia that doesn’t handle itself nearly as well as other classics of its time. Rated: 2.5/4 Oct 6, 2023 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand ... one of the more optimistic movies about visitors from the stars, and in its way was an inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s 'E.T.' Nov 6, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Logan D An alien craft lands in the desert. No one believes the local scientist with his weird ideas. I had no idea this movie was directed by Arnold, who directed my favorite of the Universal Monsters films, The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Certainly one of the better of the 50s sci-fi films, it has the obvious anxiety of Cold War paranoia and fear of the unknown but treats the alien genre as more than we just need to exterminate them (although that does make an appearance). Loved the design of the aliens. Based on a script for another film, The Meteor, by Ray Bradbury Features an appearance by Russell Johnson, "The Professor" on Gilligan's Island. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/21/25 Full Review Peter W It Came from Outer Space is a stunning sci-fi film with a fantastic plot, impressive visual effects, and a musical score that creates an uncomfortable and eerie atmosphere. The film features an intriguing element of mystery and revelation that keeps viewers curious and engaged. It serves as a prime example of a classic sci-fi movie that utilises practical and creative effects. However, I must admit that the leading characters in the film are not particularly likable, and some of the relationships feel difficult to accept. While the subplots are interesting, the film either neglects to develop them or rushes their conclusions, leaving them feeling unsatisfying and like missed opportunities. Nevertheless, this is a classic film worth watching, especially if you enjoy stories about alien invasions. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/20/25 Full Review Liza M Cult B movie classic! It was only on my 4th watching of Rocky Horror that I recognised the reference to this film in the opening musical number. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/16/25 Full Review Mr P ‘It Came From Outer Space’ is more of a psycho drama and not so much an outer space bug eyed monster movie. This is to be expected, since the script is largely by celebrated author Ray Bradbury. The story moves right along, without a heavy reliance on special effects - so the story holds up better 70 years later than it has any right to. Definitely worth watching, and far better than other contemporary films of the era. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/20/25 Full Review Dallas H I watched the 2D version instead of the intended 3D version when it was first released. I still got a kick of enjoyment from watching the schlockfest of a B-movie sci-fi. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/20/25 Full Review Lucas t Sceptical because of the cheesy title but it surprised me in how good it actually was. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/24/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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It Came From Outer Space

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Movie Info

Synopsis While looking through his telescope one night, John Putnam (Richard Carlson) sees what at first appears to be a meteor shower -- but it is actually a crash-landing alien spaceship! After investigating the crater from the impact, John informs the town sheriff (Charles Drake), and receives nothing but ridicule. Even his fiancée, Ellen (Barbara Rush), is skeptical. All that changes when the townsfolk start disappearing, and are replaced by eerie alien duplicates.
Director
Jack Arnold
Producer
William Alland
Screenwriter
Ray Bradbury, Harry Essex
Distributor
Universal Pictures, GoodTimes Home Video [us], Universal International Pictures
Production Co
Universal International Pictures
Rating
G
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 25, 1953, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 10, 2015
Runtime
1h 21m
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