Day of the Triffids (1963)

87% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
47% of users liked it
(5,817 ratings)

Adapted from the novel by John Wyndham, this intelligent British monster movie begins with a meteor shower so intensely bright that it blinds the majority of the world's population, rendering them vulnerable to attack from hordes of carnivorous plants known as "Triffidus Celestus" grown from… More Adapted from the novel by John Wyndham, this intelligent British monster movie begins with a meteor shower so intensely bright that it blinds the majority of the world's population, rendering them vulnerable to attack from hordes of carnivorous plants known as "Triffidus Celestus" grown from meteor-borne spores. As the plant-monsters continue to multiply and seek human prey, the remaining sighted people join forces to combat the veggie invaders. One such survivor, an American seaman (Howard Keel) whose eyes were bandaged during the meteorite impact, battles his way through the Triffid ranks. Meanwhile, a couple (Kieron Moore and Janette Scott are trapped in a lighthouse. Good production values make this low-budget effort look more expensive than it probably was; the uncredited assistance of Freddie Francis -- who directed several scenes with a second unit -- also helps. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Freddie Francis, Steve Sekely
Written By: Philip Yordan
Genres: Drama, Horror, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Apr 27, 1963 Wide
On DVD: Mar 29, 2005
Studio: Unknown

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
A sci-fi thriller (1963) that sticks in the mind, thanks to deft pacing and a vividly paranoid premise.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Botanical dread
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Unfaithful adaptation from the acclaimed 1951 science fiction novel by John Wyndham.
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
Decidedly short on awe-inspiring moments.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
The plants are marchin'! Hero Keel then overwaters them.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Good, but hardly great sci-fi.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
Clever sci-fi gem.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Terror comes to full bloom in a sci-fi classic
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Attack of the Space Vegetables!

Read all 9 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

I wasn't able to see the whole movie, but someone told me this was a great movie, so I watched some of it and I wasn't impressed, but may be I should see the whole movie sometime?
Anthony L

I loved this as a kid, 28 days later really rips it off in a way! Ready for a remake? If it?s done well then I will be first in line!
Ken S

28 Days Later borrows heavily from the structure of this...only instead of zombies...their man eating plants...sweet
alan j

well intentioned with a decent cast, this movie is a snoozefest...simply drags and what action there is consists of plant-like creatures inching along a mostly blind population. For insomniacs, suggested viewing is fifteen minutes twice nightly..