The Thing from Another World

The Thing from Another World (1951)

  • 86% of critics liked it
    (29 reviews)

  • 71% of users liked it
    (7,077 ratings)

The scene is a distant Arctic research station, where a UFO has crashed. The investigating scientists discover that the circular craft has melted its way into the ice, which has frozen up again. While attempting to recover the ship, Captain Patrick Hendry (Kenneth Tobey) accidentally explodes the… More

Unrated, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By
Christian Nyby
Genres
Horror, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1951 Wide
On DVD
Aug 5, 2003

Critic Reviews

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    The resourcefulness shown in building the plot groundwork is lacking as the yarn gets into full swing. Cast members, headed by Margaret Sheridan and Kenneth Tobey, fail to communicate any real terror.

  • Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

    The film has more frissons than most of today's mega-budget productions, simply because it has the grace to construct a meaningful situation and coherent characters.

  • Rob Humanick, Suite101.com

    Perhaps the most famous shot of the movie is also one of head-slapping irrelevance.

  • Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television

    Lively science fiction film, with dubious politics.

  • Gabe Leibowitz, Film and Felt

    A solid, workmanlike film that holds up better than one would expect.

Read all 13 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

  • First L


    The legendary director Howard Hawks was both an uncredited co-writer and co-director for this above average B-movie (which has subsequently spawned two re-makes). At the frozen north pole, scientists and the US airforce have found a genuine flying saucer. When the alien is… More

  • KJ P


    As a group of scientists travel into the arctic regions on a normal investigation, which turns into one of the greatest discoveries in the history of mankind. They find that a UFO has crash landed on their planet and as they find another life form, they intend to bring it back for… More

  • Jim H


    An alien monster is thawed and attacks a group of military officers and scientists in the arctic. What I like about this classic horror film is the logical process through which the main character solves the problem. There are few "why is she going down the stairs" moments… More

  • Michael G


    I wasn't as thrilled with The Thing From Another World the first time I saw it. I still like John Carpenter's version better but they're two completely different animals. The snappy banter and the chemistry between the cast keep things from getting too tense and the… More

  • AJ V


    Maybe the "Thing" looks like a guy wearing a silly costume, maybe there aren't any stars in this movie, and maybe it's not about anything really, but I challenge you to look beyond your first impressions of this movie, and beyond the 80s remake, and see what this… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

See full cast

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