The Monolith Monsters (Monolith) (1957)

32% of users liked it
(266 ratings)

In some ways, the coming-attractions trailer for The Monolith Monsters is more exciting than the picture itself. The plot gets under way when a meteor crashes in the desert, leaving behind huge black chunks. While being analyzed in a science lab, the crystaline stones are accidentally drenched with… More In some ways, the coming-attractions trailer for The Monolith Monsters is more exciting than the picture itself. The plot gets under way when a meteor crashes in the desert, leaving behind huge black chunks. While being analyzed in a science lab, the crystaline stones are accidentally drenched with water, whereupon they begin to grow to gargantuan dimensions. In a twinkling, these monster monoliths are running amok, "petrifying" whomever and whatever gets in their way. A sudden rainstorm further exacerbates the situation, causing the monoliths to grow to hitherto unimagined heights. Can the world be saved by the saline solution which the scientists are hurriedly developed in the lab? The notion of killer rocks was certainly a novelty: it would have been nice if Monolith Monsters had consistently lived up to the promise of its premise. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 16 min.
Directed By: John Sherwood
Written By: Robert M. Fresco
Genres: Horror, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jan 24, 1958 Wide
On DVD: Apr 13, 1994

Critic Reviews

Rob Humanick, Suite101.com
For genre buffs, climate change advocates and science junkies, The Monolith Monsters is a pitifully overlooked classic.
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
Probably one of the most misleading movie titles in film history . . .
Shane Burridge, rec.arts.movies.reviews
One of the few monster movies you'll see where you feel nothing whatsoever towards the monster

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

This has to be one of the oddest concepts to ever hit the silver screen. As a fan of alien invasion films, I've grown accustomed to having my space invaders with bulging eyes, spindle-like tentacles and nasty dispositions. Not so with <i>The Monolith Monsters</i>.… More
This has to be one of the oddest concepts to ever hit the silver screen. As a fan of alien invasion films, I've grown accustomed to having my space invaders with bulging eyes, spindle-like tentacles and nasty dispositions. Not so with <i>The Monolith Monsters</i>. Here, the threat comes in the form of dark crystals that grow large, topple over, and grow large again. Compared to other sci-fi offerings of the same era, this one's a little lame. There's not much to frighten or shock you here. These aren't creatures with malice of forethought. They are not sent here to destroy us, or even save us. They are rocks that will crush you if you're foolish enough to be anywhere near them when they fall over. I have to give Hollywood a measured amount of credit for at least attempting to give us something unique and unusual, even if it comes up a little short.
Stella D

attack of the giant crystals! heroic geologists, your time has come! interesting idea and not a bad film for a rainy sunday afternoon
alan j

Simply boring ..watching giant black rocks grow to the size of skyscrapers might turn on a geologist, but does little for me. Typical 50s effort; I simply prefer the aliens or flying saucers.