James Donald, Andrew Keir, Barbara Shelley

We have met the enemy, and it is us: when a Martian spacecraft with a terrifying link to the origins of humanity is unearthed beneath a London tube station, only the esteemed Professor Bernard Quaterm...( read more  read more... )ass (a very British--and possibly mad--precursor to Mulder and Scully) can save London's suddenly murderous population from itself. One of the most intelligently paranoid science fiction films ever produced, this pessimistic masterpiece functions as a dark flip side to the relatively optimistic alien-induced evolution theory presented in the later 2001: A Space Odyssey. Nigel Kneale's brilliant script (which posits a surprisingly plausible, otherworldly rationale for the existence of the supernatural) was later appropriated by acknowledged fan John Carpenter for his underrated Prince of Darkness. In addition to boasting a flawless widescreen print, this marvelous tape also features a hilariously overdone original U.S. trailer ("Women will be defiled by the invaders from outer space!" it erroneously shrieks). A must-see for horror and science fiction aficionados. This film is also known as Five Million Years to Earth. --Andrew Wright

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75% liked it

2,518 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 38 min.

Directed by: Roy Ward Baker

Release Date: January 1, 1967

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DVD Release Date: October 20, 1998

Stats: 176 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (176)


  • September 29, 2009
    A mystery arises when skeletons and a capsule made of almost indestructible metal are discovered in a subway excavation. Talky, sometimes intriguing horror masquerading as science fiction, with a memorably apocalyptic conclusion.
  • August 25, 2007
    What a great movie! Scary sci-fi with a conscience.
  • April 27, 2009
    I loved these films and saw every one at an early age. They were so disturbing as a boy...brilliant.
  • October 22, 2008
    An intellectual and deep sci-fi offering, this movie moves at a slower pace, building plot and theory, but ends fairly abruptly and disappointedly so because of the meticulous build-up....good acting and so-so effects, this movie will make you think more than entertain you..
  • September 18, 2009
    I love it........British 60's Sci-Fi......yes..
  • July 27, 2009
    Very imaginative and intriguing British sci-fi movie, very well done with a great cast, good screenplay and a fascinating premise.
  • May 31, 2009
    Beware the insects and the strange bomb like device which turns out to be a spaceship!
  • May 16, 2009
    Hammer SF horror with a great story and frightening climax. A highlight of the Quatermass series.
  • April 10, 2009
    No thanks - Not interested
  • December 7, 2008
    I love the idea behind this sci-fi film.

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