It Came from Outer Space (1953)

81% of critics liked it
(27 reviews)
51% of users liked it
(3,496 ratings)

Alien invaders descend upon a peaceful desert community and take over the minds and bodies of the residents. Now only a brave photographer can save them. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: Jack Arnold
Written By: Harry Essex
Genres: Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Oct 23, 1953 Wide
On DVD: May 21, 2002
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

, Variety
Picture has been smartly fashioned to take advantage of all the tricks of science-fiction and 3-D.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
[A] scary black-and-white SF effort from 1953.
A.H. Weiler, New York Times
Merely mildly diverting, not stupendous.
Rob Humanick, Suite101.com
If anything, a modern vantage point reaffirms how devastatingly the film hits the nail on the head.
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
Despite the lurid title and the involvement of several genre regulars, It Came from Outer Space is hardly a typical 'Fifties sci-fi movie.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Among top five of 1950s sci-fi classics, starring great effects along with Richard Carlson.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
One of the better science-fiction films to come out of the Cold War 50s, this one must be counted among the anti-McCarthy statements.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Conta com uma temática rica que, ao contrário de boa parte de seus contemporâneos, usa os alienígenas não como metáfora para a ameaça comunista, mas para condenar o preconceito.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The 3-D process leaves the image somewhat murky, but you can discern sparks of authentic pulp poetry throughout.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
Good, old-fashioned drive-in fun.
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
Surprisingly good '50s alien invasion flick with giant eyeballs -- maintains its charm despite the lack of 3-D effects on most video copies.

Read all 11 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

Now this is a pretty good Chiller Theater / Drive In Movie, one that has gotten by me all these years. Put out by Universal Pictures International it ranks as high as any SCi Fi Film from the fifties that I have ever seen. Brian Kerwin plays Jack Putnam who see's what at first he… More
Now this is a pretty good Chiller Theater / Drive In Movie, one that has gotten by me all these years. Put out by Universal Pictures International it ranks as high as any SCi Fi Film from the fifties that I have ever seen. Brian Kerwin plays Jack Putnam who see's what at first he thinks is a meteor but turns out to be a UFO that has landed on earth, when he goes to the crash site he thinks he sees invaders from another planet. So starts the story where no one believes him, but the invaders are taking over the appearances of towns folks. A good old black and white worth 4 stars.
Anthony L

I love old 50's sci-fi movies. This is a good one although I've never understood why Kathleen Hughes was on the posters, she's in it for 30 seconds and her character never encounters an Alien! Never mind, this is a good film, directed by the brilliant Jack Arnold.
xGary X

Classic monster flick penned by Ray Bradbury that's a cut above the usual 50s sci-fi fare. Strange how all scientists in the 50s were perfectly coiffed square-jawed americans in zoot suits...
Dimitris S

Camp fun and to tell you the truth,this almost cheesy but with the utmost suspense little b-movie manages to finish first in the line of fiery Academy nominated or even winning films.Blunt,"offensive" against human nature,the film Ed Wood would wish to successfully direct.

Cast

            Brian Kerwin as Jack Putnam

            Elizabeth Peña as Ellen Fields

            Jonathan Carrasco
            
            Lauren Tewes as Carolee Minter

            Howard Morris as Ben Cully

            Bill McKinney as Roy Minter

            Thom Adcox as Hughy

            Bonnie Hellman as Mrs. Hughy

            Mickey Jones as Chance Madson

            Dean Norris as Dave Grant

            Connie Sawyer as Mrs. Otis

            Adrian Sparks as Alan Paxson

            Richard Stay as Onlooker

            Richard Carlson as John Putnam

            Barbara Rush as Ellen Fields

            Charles Drake as Sheriff Matt Warren

            Russell Johnson as George

            Kathleen Hughes as Jane

            Joe Sawyer as Frank Daylon

            Dave Willock as Bit

            Alan Dexter as Dave Loring

            Budd Buster as Tom

            Edgar Dearing as Sam

            George Eldredge as Dr. Snell

            Brad Jackson as Snell's Assistant

            Morey Amsterdam
            
            Warren MacGregor as Toby
See full cast