The War of the Worlds (1953)

1953 • 85 minutes

About this movie

Gene Barry (TV's Bat Masterson) and Ann Robinson (TV's Fury) are among the humans intrigued when a meteor-like object crashes to Earth ... but its occupants are definitely not friendly. The assault on Earth is underway, and the Martian machines -- hovering "swan"-shaped vehicles of destruction -- are both beautiful and terrifying as they cut a relentless path of annihilation.

Ratings and reviews

A brilliantly crafted telling and successful transposition to the screen from the novel, an absolute brillian masterstroke moving the Location from Victorian England to 1950s USA and due to limitations updating the design of the Alien Craft to reflect 1950s expectations. A fantastic film which is superbly executed in every way. What a classic.

Excellent effort, especially with the tech of the time - great sound effects! But I'm trying to figure out why some reviewers rate this one (with its visible wires, models, mellodramatic and wooden acting) over the Spielberg version (with amazing CGI, John Williams score, scale etc). I think there are just some die hard Tom Cruise haters? Nostalgia? It was a difficult watch at times. For me it was like watching West Side Story 2021 vs 1961, with the latter feeling cramped, wooden & small scale.

This film is a brilliant work of art! this beats Tom cruise' 2005 version with pretty much everything! The alien ship designs are so iconic and will be known throughout sci-fi film history FOREVER! the graphics are brilliant for its time and so is the models! I highly recommend this film!