Invaders from Mars (1986)

27% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
33% of users liked it
(3,237 ratings)

Invaders from Mars, horror-film director Tobe Hooper's remake of the classic 1950's science fiction film, directed by William Cameron Menzies, centers on a young boy named David (Hunter Carson) who tries to stop an invasion of his town as aliens take over the minds of his parents George (Timothy… More Invaders from Mars, horror-film director Tobe Hooper's remake of the classic 1950's science fiction film, directed by William Cameron Menzies, centers on a young boy named David (Hunter Carson) who tries to stop an invasion of his town as aliens take over the minds of his parents George (Timothy Bottoms) and Ellen (Laraine Newman), his teachers and the townspeople. With the help of the school nurse (Karen Black), the boy enlists the aid of the U.S. Army to help save the world. With makeup effects supplied by Stan Winston and visual effects by John Dykstra, Invaders From Mars is a wild sci-fi feast that hearkens back to the 1950's invasion films, made popular by the original film and others like Invasion of the Body Snatchers. ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Tobe Hooper
Written By: Richard Blake, Don Jakoby, Dan O'Bannon
Genres: Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jun 6, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Jan 27, 1998
Studio: Media Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
'Marines have no qualms about killing Martians, son,' is my favourite line of dialogue from this movie . . .
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
As vivid as a nightmare.
Jake Euker, F5 (Wichita, KS)
Shapeless 80s horror; a drag despite a hip pedigree.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Fun and fascinating Hooper reworking of the 50s classic.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
a clunky remake that fails to frighten

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lafe F

Great creepy 1980's smalltown alien invasion movie. Louise Fletcher was creepy as the school teacher.
Jason S

This movie freaked me out when I was kid. Totally recommended for anyone who is into aliens and sci fi.
Dean M

This remake of the 1953's sci-fi classic, about the boy who sees the Martians landing, is so true to the original that it is extraordinary exciting.
Leo L

I remember this movie from childhood. Interesting.

Cast

            Karen Black as Linda

            Hunter Carson as David Gardner

            Timothy Bottoms as George Gardner

            Laraine Newman as Ellen Gardner

            James Karen as Gen. Wilson

            Louise Fletcher as Mrs. McKeltch

            Jimmy Hunt as Police Chief

            Christopher Allport as Captain Curtis

            William H. Bassett as NASA Scientist

            Debra Berger as Corporal Walker

            Shawn Campbell as Classmate

            Debbie Lee Carrington as Drone

            Joe Anthony Cox as Drone

            William Frankfather as Ed

            Donald Hotton as Old NASA Scientist

            Brett Johnson as Classmate

            Ken Kimmins as Officer Kenney

            Michael McGrady as Marine #2

            Eric Norris as M.P. #2

            Bud Cort as Mark Weinstein

            Eddy Donno as Hollis

            Dale Dye as Squad Leader

            Steve Lambert as Demolition Man

            Scott Leva as Marine Officer

            Eric Pierpoint as Sgt. Rinaldi

            Joseph Brutsman as M.P. #1

            Charlie Dell as Mr. Cross

            Margarita Fernandez as Drone
See full cast