The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms (1953)

91% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
60% of users liked it
(2,412 ratings)

A longtime "dream" project of production designer-turned-director Eugene Lourie, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms sees the titular beast unleashed on the world via nuclear testing. Making its way from the Arctic Circle, the monster-a carnivorous "rhedosaurus"-begins advancing towards New York. It… More A longtime "dream" project of production designer-turned-director Eugene Lourie, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms sees the titular beast unleashed on the world via nuclear testing. Making its way from the Arctic Circle, the monster-a carnivorous "rhedosaurus"-begins advancing towards New York. It stomps its way around Wall Street, pausing to have a policeman for lunch. By the time it has reached Coney Island, the rhedosaurus is more of a danger than ever because of the deadly bacteria it carries within its system. It's up to researcher Paul Christian and sharpshooter Lee Van Cleef to try to liquidate the beast with a grenade chock full of radioactive isotopes. Beast From 20,000 Fathoms represented effects artist Ray Harryhausen's first solo effort, after assisting Willis O'Brien on Mighty Joe Young (1949). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Eugène Lourié, Cecil Kellaway
Genres: Horror, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jun 13, 1953 Wide
On DVD: Oct 21, 2003
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Critic Reviews

Rob Humanick, Suite101.com
The third act - a rampage through New York comprised of stop-motion, miniatures, rear projection and other layering processes - ensures that all was worthwhile.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Lovable bad sci-fi film that overcomes its slight story and flat acting with wonderful cheesy special effects.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
The creature destroys many a cardboard building in the process, but Harryhausen and the prop people keep it from looking too phony.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Visionary from beginning to end
Steve Biodrowski, ESplatter
...admirably stands the test of time. Despite its financial restrictions, it is a solid effort that works on all levels. Not a masterpiece, perhaps, but definitely a classic of its genre...
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
This enjoyable 'B' oldie is noteworthy not just for establishing a template for the Atomic Age Behemoth flicks that followed.
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
The good news is that Warner Brothers' 50th Anniversary DVD edition has plenty to offer both Harryhausen fans and genre collectors. For starters, this old black-and-white catalogue item looks remarkably good.
Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
It's hard to beat its finale that takes place at an amusement park.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Frankly, I was rooting for the monster.... Watching the beast eat a roller-coaster was especially satisfying.
Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Fun B movie classic filled with Ray Harryhausen's grand animation.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Superior giant monster opus with great effects.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Good old-fashioned giant monster goodness!

Read all 12 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

.A pretty good Sci-fi Film that looks as if its the US answer to Godzilla. An atomic blast in the artic releases a pre historic monster that swims down the east coast till it hits New York City where it wrecks havoc. Lee Van Cleef a very young Lee Van Cleef makes a short appearance.… More
.A pretty good Sci-fi Film that looks as if its the US answer to Godzilla. An atomic blast in the artic releases a pre historic monster that swims down the east coast till it hits New York City where it wrecks havoc. Lee Van Cleef a very young Lee Van Cleef makes a short appearance. Not really scary but entertaining. 3 1/2 stars
Henrik S

A solid giant monster movie which pushes itself up the rankings by the help of Harryhausen's magic fingers. Yet, the movie is ridden with a weak cast (except the jolly little professor maybe) and the story is not very original. About 2/3 into the movie they introduce a very… More
A solid giant monster movie which pushes itself up the rankings by the help of Harryhausen's magic fingers. Yet, the movie is ridden with a weak cast (except the jolly little professor maybe) and the story is not very original. About 2/3 into the movie they introduce a very interesting twist to the actual danger the monster is emitting, yet the script falls short when it comes to capitalizing from this. Anyway, you should see this, if only for historical relevance, as this was Ray's first major featrue. The DVD extras are great too. But in terms of classic monster moviesI would recommend you rather to watch "THEM" or "20 Million miles to earth" Still, one has to give credit for the radical idea this movie introduced, it inspired Gojira (Godzilla) after all and it was the first to let a monster mutate due to a nuclear blast. H.