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Signs

Play trailer 2:26 Poster for Signs PG-13 Released Aug 2, 2002 1h 46m Mystery & Thriller Sci-Fi Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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76% Tomatometer 241 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Everything that farmer Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) assumed about the world is changed when he discovers a message - an intricate pattern of circles and lines - carved into his crops. As he investigates the unfolding mystery, what he finds will forever alter the lives of his brother (Joaquin Phoenix) and children (Rory Culkin), (Abigail Breslin). A unique story that explores the mysterious real-life phenomena of crop signs and the effects they have on one man and his family.
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Signs

Signs

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Critics Consensus

With Signs, Shyamalan proves once again an expert at building suspense and giving audiences the chills.

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Critics Reviews

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Joshua Rothkopf In These Times Signs is a tense experience; even the opening credits lunge at your throat with orchestral shrieks. It may one day reveal itself as a minor classic, a new Invasion of the Body Snatchers for the manufactured scare of its day. Mar 16, 2020 Full Review Namrata Joshi Outlook It's the content that's to blame. Signs works on a confused storyboard. What's Shyamalan trying to say anyways? Nothing, or rather a bit too much. Rated: 2/4 Jan 3, 2019 Full Review Chris Stuckmann ChrisStuckmann.com Signs was the film that sparked the desire that led to the purchase of a camera, many short films, and a love of movies that hasn't left me to this day. Rated: A+ Apr 17, 2015 Full Review Jack Walters Loud and Clear Reviews "Shyamalan’s classic sci-fi drama Signs is both a thrilling celebration of the genre and a poignant exploration of the purpose behind life’s random tragedies." Rated: 4.5/5 Jan 18, 2025 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The scares are expertly handled; there’s an undeniable cleverness to the idea that a potential alien invasion could re-instill religious ardor just as it terrorizes an unprepared community. Rated: 8/10 Aug 25, 2024 Full Review Akos Peterbencze The Screen Signs is a quiet contemplation on grief and faith that uses aliens as a means to an end. It’s the horror serving the drama and never the other way around. Aug 6, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Samuel W The horror, sometimes comedy, that spun the alien genre on its head. Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix really showed the performance of a lifetime as two very grounded characters with their own flaws and personalities, sometimes clashing together, but other times really complimenting one another’s performances. The aliens themselves are actually terrifiying, not knowing where they are or when they would show up, or what they were even on Earth for. The entire movie has this feel that the threat is looming over their heads the entire time, making you feel paranoid and driving the characters to the point of insanity. The whole movie was so well-done and the characters had a realistic feel to them. It was a very enjoyable film and I believe there should be more grounded horror movies such as this one. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/01/25 Full Review Rami A Who would have thought that a sci-fi thriller horror film could evoke such suspense and emotion? Director M. Night Shyamalan knows how to play with the audience's mind. Instead of following a conventional pattern or revealing the obvious, he takes a different approach and often does the unexpected. For instance, rather than using high-tech equipment, he has Morgan rely on Bo's old baby monitor, which adds a touch of creativity and realism. Furthermore, in the climactic moments of the film, without giving away any spoilers, he takes the audience by surprise, creating fear without needing to show much on screen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/31/24 Full Review Daniel N Amazing! Super creepy, slow burning, alien movie with a great build up, great writing, great soundtrack and amazing performances from Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix. Cannot like this movie enough. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/24/24 Full Review Luis I This film stands as an excellent example of M. Night Shyamalan at his creative peak. It’s a near-perfect lesson in balancing the characters' internal struggles with the external threats; a standard every horror film should strive for. By holding back on showing the monster until absolutely necessary, the tension is masterfully sustained, adding to the film’s overall impact. The themes of faith and belief are intricately woven throughout the narrative, culminating in a well-earned and satisfying character arc by the end. The writing and acting are stellar, and Shyamalan’s direction enhances every scene with deliberate camera movements and angles that heighten the emotional and narrative beats. A minor flaw lies in the flashbacks near the film's conclusion. While they serve to clarify the emotional climax, their placement feels slightly heavy-handed. A subtler approach, or introducing these moments earlier in the story, might have better respected the audience's ability to connect the dots. Additionally, some viewers might take issue with the handling of the aliens in the finale. However, it’s essential to understand that the film filters the global crisis through the perspective of the family, leaving much about the larger invasion deliberately vague. This choice underscores the movie’s thematic focus: letting go and embracing belief, rather than dissecting the mechanics of the invasion. Ultimately, this movie stands tall as both a classic alien invasion story and one of the finest works in Shyamalan’s filmography. Its horror elements are restrained enough to make it accessible to a wide audience, and its deeper themes offer rich substance for reflection. Highly recommended for anyone, even those not typically drawn to horror. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/18/24 Full Review Tasha L Such a classic and definitely a must see. Great movie with lots of suspense Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/09/24 Full Review Max W An early work of M. Night Shyamalan, this film avoids excessive reliance on constant twists. Instead, it excels through a steady narrative pace, solid script design, and meticulous refinement, resulting in an outstanding viewing experience. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Signs

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Everything that farmer Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) assumed about the world is changed when he discovers a message - an intricate pattern of circles and lines - carved into his crops. As he investigates the unfolding mystery, what he finds will forever alter the lives of his brother (Joaquin Phoenix) and children (Rory Culkin), (Abigail Breslin). A unique story that explores the mysterious real-life phenomena of crop signs and the effects they have on one man and his family.
Director
M. Night Shyamalan
Producer
M. Night Shyamalan, Frank Marshall, Sam Mercer
Screenwriter
M. Night Shyamalan
Distributor
Touchstone Pictures
Production Co
Touchstone Pictures, The Kennedy/Marshall Company, Blinding Edge Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Some Frightening Moments)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Sci-Fi, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 2, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 11, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$228.0M
Runtime
1h 46m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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