War of the Worlds

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2:18

War of the Worlds

PG-13

2005

1h 56m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

264 Reviews

42%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Dockworker Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) struggles to build a positive relationship with his two children, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin). When his ex-wife, Mary Ann (Miranda Otto), drops them off at Ferrier's house, it seems as though it will be just another tension-filled weekend. However, when electromagnetic pulses of lightning strike the area, the strange event turns out to be the beginning of an alien invasion, and Ferrier must now protect his children as they seek refuge.

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Critics Consensus

Steven Spielberg's adaptation of War of the Worlds delivers on the thrill and paranoia of H.G. Wells' classic novel while impressively updating the action and effects for modern audiences.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

This superior popcorn flick revels in the unabashed joy of blowing stuff into oblivion.

Jul 5, 2022

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Nell Minow

Beliefnet

The story is affecting, the action scenes are thrilling, the issues are resonant.

Rated: B+

Aug 15, 2013

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Spielberg's calculations turn out to be more prominent than any effects they could possibly produce, and the less pretentious 1953 version by producer George Pal emerges as more likable.

Jun 8, 2007

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Nicolás Medina

Peliplat

If the 1953 film was set in a post-war context and fight against the Soviets, this one is set in the post 9/11 era that shattered the security and stability of the United States. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 10/10

May 10, 2025

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Alan Jones

Radio Times

The first (and much the superior) hour is a masterclass in escalating tension, with grandiose and brilliantly executed sequences following in rapid succession.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 12, 2024

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Highly influential, ever innovative, and full of emotion and slick formal trickery, the film lives up to the precise definition of what "Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds" should be.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 5, 2022

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Alexander S

War of the Worlds has its thrilling moments and impressive visual effects, but it falls short in terms of storytelling and character development, lacking the unique Spielberg touch that makes a film truly special. Grading: B-

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/20/25

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Harshit S

Just fooking brilliant

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/07/25

Full Review

Monsieur P

Trop américain pour les Américains.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/20/25

Full Review

Jorge R

Scary Alien Invasion movie! Not my favorite War of the Worlds. But this adaptation is better than the one on Amazon tho!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/05/25

Full Review

Ryker B

It could use a bit of sound work but the reviews and ratings were not bad. And the graphics are not that bad either. But could use some work. It is a really thrilling movie though.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

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Phillip C

This movie is great. Deeply puzzled by the low score this movie has. ....since everyone seems to love this movie....?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/25/25

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Steven Spielberg

Director

Tom Cruise

Ray Ferrier

Dakota Fanning

Rachel Ferrier

Miranda Otto

Mary Ann

Justin Chatwin

Robbie

Tim Robbins

Harlan Ogilvy

War of the Worlds: Official Clip - No Shield

2:13

War of the Worlds: Official Clip - Ferry Disaster

2:07

War of the Worlds: Official Clip - Probing the Basement

2:13

War of the Worlds: Official Clip - The War Begins

2:11

War of the Worlds: Official Clip - Fight on the Hill

2:07

War of the Worlds: Official Clip - Taking Down a Tripod

2:00

War of the Worlds: Official Clip - Not on the Same Page

2:12

War of the Worlds: Official Clip - Abduction

2:13

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War of the Worlds: Trailer 2

2:18

War of the Worlds: Trailer 1

1:50

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Synopsis

Dockworker Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) struggles to build a positive relationship with his two children, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin). When his ex-wife, Mary Ann (Miranda Otto), drops them off at Ferrier's house, it seems as though it will be just another tension-filled weekend. However, when electromagnetic pulses of lightning strike the area, the strange event turns out to be the beginning of an alien invasion, and Ferrier must now protect his children as they seek refuge.

Director: Steven Spielberg
Producer: Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson
Screenwriter: H.G. Wells, Josh Friedman, David Koepp
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Frightening Sequences|Disturbing Images|Sci-Fi Violence)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 29, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 14, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $234.3M
Runtime: 1h 56m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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