Species

R

1995

1 hr. 48 min.

Sci-Fi

List

42%

73 Reviews

Tomatometer

31%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

When government scientist Xavier Fitch (Ben Kingsley) intercepts a space transmission containing the genetic sequence for an alien life form, he uses it to produce "Sil" (Natasha Henstridge) -- a gorgeous alien-human hybrid. As Fitch's team grows concerned at her rapid rate of growth, Sil wrecks the laboratory and begins a violent quest for a suitable male human to impregnate her. The U.S. government dispatches top assassin Preston Lennox (Michael Madsen) and a team of experts to stop her.

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Critics Consensus

Species shows flashes of the potential to blend exploitation and sci-fi horror in ingenious ways, but is ultimately mainly interested in flashing star Natasha Henstridge's skin.

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Jelisije J

A guilty pleasure science fiction horror film that is highly underrated in my opinion.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/13/24

Full Review

J K

Underrated film. The effects at the time were top notch. The acting is well done. Score is very fitting and the true horror comes from Sil played by Natasha. The horror of her inner mind being pulled towards an alien species and back to human is scary. Something the rest of the series never expanded on and that is why they ultimately failed to be anything but B movies. The species design by Giger is also beautiful and doesn't get enough love.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/24

Full Review

Les A

This movie is a fun watch. Interesting concept. Give it a try.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/06/24

Full Review

Alain M

Despite the now-dated FX, 'Species' stands the test of time with a compelling story that remains a knockout. The film benefits from meticulous casting, with each actor fitting seamlessly into their respective roles. The ensemble's solid performances enhance the overall experience, making this movie a well-executed ensemble piece. However, the disappointment lies in the decision to produce multiple sequels, none surpassing the brilliance of the original. 'Species' remains a gem in the sci-fi genre, a testament to the power of a well-crafted narrative and a stellar cast.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/27/24

Full Review

Koen H

My gods... what did I just watch 😅

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/22/23

Full Review

Jacob B

Species has great prosthetic work based off of some equally great concept art from H.R. Giger, newcomer Natasha Henstridge delivers a decent performance given the material she has to work with and some good old-fashioned B-movie thrills but this erotic take on Alien suffers from unrealised potential, forgettable characters played by overqualified actors and cheesy dialogue. But MGM at least got a hit out of this movie because of the hype surrounding the chance to have a look at Ms. Henstridge's tits...good for them. It definitely sounds about right to me that the logical conclusion for horror movies being seen as anti-sex propaganda culminates in a movie about scientists and a mercenary trying to stop a human/alien hybrid of sorts from getting laid. Does that meet the criteria for that old "explain a movie plot badly" meme?

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/07/23

Full Review

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Roger Donaldson

Director

Ben Kingsley

Xavier Fitch

Michael Madsen

Preston Lennox

Alfred Molina

Dr. Stephen Arden

Forest Whitaker

Dan Smithson, Empath

Marg Helgenberger

Dr. Laura Baker

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Species: Official Clip - Regenerating Thumb

1:50

Species: Official Clip - Hunting Sil

2:13

Species: Official Clip - Deadly Kiss

0:48

Species: Official Clip - More Docile and Controllable

2:53

Species: Official Clip - Xavier's Protocol

2:34

Species: Official Clip - Sil Wants a Baby

1:55

Species: Official Clip - Sil's Cocoon

0:53

Species: Official Clip - The Dead Half

1:35

Species: Official Clip - Up in Flames

2:43

Species: Official Clip - Puberty

1:44

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Species III

59%

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Demon Seed

9%

18%

Species II

26%

32%

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Sheila Johnston

Independent (UK)

It would be comforting to think that the genus Cinema Americana were guided by the principal of natural selection, but cloning and reversion seem, rather, to be the norm.

Dec 3, 2018

Full Review

David Stratton

At the Movies (Australia)

It's a lot of fun. It's certainly well directed. We've seen it all before, but I enjoyed it.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 3, 2018

Full Review

Michael Phillips

Chicago Tribune

It's a sex horror-fantasy without laughs or life, a nightmare without sense, a casual pickup that should have been left at the disco.

Rated: 2/4

Dec 3, 2018

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

The naked, exposed, inexperienced actress at the movie’s center deserves better.

Rated: C

Aug 31, 2022

Full Review

Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

Typifies middling Hollywood schlock: a pulpy, sleazy sci-fi/horror creature feature destined to cycle endlessly through cable airings and, now, to pad out streaming platforms.

Rated: 2/4

Aug 18, 2022

Full Review

Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

While the effects often don’t hold up, and the script structure isn’t fully formed, this is a great slice of 90s-era sci-fi paranoia.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 29, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

When government scientist Xavier Fitch (Ben Kingsley) intercepts a space transmission containing the genetic sequence for an alien life form, he uses it to produce "Sil" (Natasha Henstridge) -- a gorgeous alien-human hybrid. As Fitch's team grows concerned at her rapid rate of growth, Sil wrecks the laboratory and begins a violent quest for a suitable male human to impregnate her. The U.S. government dispatches top assassin Preston Lennox (Michael Madsen) and a team of experts to stop her.

Director: Roger Donaldson
Screenwriter: Dennis Feldman
Production Co: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Rating: R
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 17, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $58.7M
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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