![Invasion of the Body Snatchers](https://www.criticker.com/img/films/posters/80/Invasion-of-the-Body-Snatchers-1978.webp?1719152326)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
1978
Sci-fi
Suspense/Thriller
1h 55m
In San Francisco, a group of people discover the human race is being replaced one by one, with clones devoid of emotion. (imdb)
Directed by:
Franchise:
Genres:
Country:
Your probable score
?
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
1978
Sci-fi
Suspense/Thriller
1h 55m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 62.08% from 1956 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(1973)
Compact view
Compact view
Show
Sort
Rated 08 Feb 2012
89
88th
Jeff Goldbum doesn't have a chance to steal the show because the decision to put Robert Duvall on a swing dressed as a priest will never leave your mind. Also...Spock.
Rated 08 Feb 2012
Rated 23 Sep 2020
85
86th
Feeling absolutely helpless during an epidemic, I wish I understood allegories. Did that pod people yell over the invasion of the PG boobs jamboree ending. What was up with Spock’s little leather glove thing or was that just the 70s
Rated 23 Sep 2020
Rated 21 Jan 2011
78
93rd
It matches up to the original, until the ending, when it surpasses it completely. It's haunting, and enjoyable on multiple levels.
Rated 21 Jan 2011
Rated 23 Sep 2007
90
80th
A deeply disturbing, dark portrayel of the inevitable. The smothering atmosphere that drapes itself over the entire movie is what makes it outstanding. The direction is outstanding in its creation of that paranoid atmosphere. The acting is outstanding in parts, and mediocre in others. The two leads never falter though. It should be more widely praised than it currently is.
Rated 23 Sep 2007
Rated 22 Nov 2009
79
77th
The pacing is a bit off sometimes and the tension varies wildly, but the sense of isolation and wrongness is quite effective. Having Nimoy in here was a nice surprise.
Rated 22 Nov 2009
Rated 18 Jan 2012
90
91st
Nearly 2 hours of unrelenting paranoia -- my kind of film! And a beautifully dissonant, unsettling soundtrack to match. And Veronica Cartwright! Screaming! What more could you want? A truly brilliant science fiction, rooted in the deepest of human fears.
Rated 18 Jan 2012
Rated 06 Jan 2015
84
81st
Despite a few problems I had with the movie's tenuous hold on its own internal logic, there's a lot to love about this one, from the practical effects to the pacing and direction of the movie's first 1/3, which does a fantastic job of building dread and paranoia in a believable way. Doesn't hurt to have Sutherland (great, as always), Goldblum and a game Brooke Adams on board. Gets a little repetitive in the final 1/3 with a series of samey chases but it's all worth it for the final shot.
Rated 06 Jan 2015
Rated 07 Jan 2015
84
92nd
Creepy, tense, atmospheric and unsettling. A fine attempt at delivering on the promise of the (similarly good) original, with strong direction and characterisation; the endearingly oddball cast really works well, Sutherland in particular proving very watchable. I really liked the unusual and inventive score as well. The 70s San Fran setting is effective, and there are lots of hints in the background and around the edges as to what is going on. And that ending...
Rated 07 Jan 2015
Rated 04 Jun 2021
66
30th
Unlike most remakes, this one attempts to update the source's thematic ideas. While the original confronted 50's social conformity, this one tries to tackle its era's counterculture psychology and post-Watergate paranoia. But the melodrama/romance subplot isn't that strong. And the production quality isn't as good as Siegel's due to distracting visuals, off-kilter acting, and average mood music. Marginal recommendation for sci-fi/horror fans who can't see themselves watching the 1958 version.
Rated 04 Jun 2021
Rated 16 Oct 2010
71
84th
Sutherland is excellent and although the film drags a bit at times, the genuine sense of menace throughout the film more than makes up for it.
Rated 16 Oct 2010
Rated 21 Sep 2011
85
94th
Awesome remake, one-upping the (also very good) original. Nice McCarthy cameo.
Rated 21 Sep 2011
Rated 22 Aug 2018
100
94th
Two things stopped me from watching this till now 1. I don't really believe in aliens 2. I'm not a huge fan of monster movies( l assumed this would be a monster movie) Much to my surprise it's intelligently written well thought out and acted out superbly by a fantastic cast Coolest visual effect is the dog being transformed with a alien head and dog body And I know I say this a lot but I honestly didn't see the ending coming at all
Rated 22 Aug 2018
Rated 14 Nov 2007
90
81st
This is an incredibly good film. Subtle in so many ways, it examines questions of what it means to be human, whether survival really is enough, and whether or not the pod people are correct. Brilliantly acted. Veronica Cartwright is amazing, and D...(read more)onald Sutherland and Brook Adams have some of the best on-screen chemistry I've ever seen. Leonard Nimoy is also fantastic in a major departure from his normal roles. In short, this is a severely underrated film.
Rated 14 Nov 2007
Rated 21 Jul 2008
97
90th
Better than the original! Wait until the disturbing ending......
Rated 21 Jul 2008
Rated 02 Feb 2009
75
42nd
Surprisingly creepy, but dim-witted in some places. Why does it take them so long to figure out what's going on? Why is Donald Sutherland's default reaction to any situation "call the police", even though they are totally unhelpful every single time?
Rated 02 Feb 2009
Rated 03 Mar 2009
82
76th
I haven't seen the original as of yet, I have seen The Invasion which this film is definitely better than, so I cannot comment on it's relation to that film. While I feel some aspects of the film are dated the vast majority is still holds up today. It really is a fantastic paranoid and tense sci-fi thriller with a relatively small cast for the majority of the film. Well worth seeing.
Rated 03 Mar 2009
Rated 14 Sep 2010
91
96th
Surpasses the original in tension and bad hair. Some pretty shocking stuff for a PG rating but, hey, it's the 70's.
Rated 14 Sep 2010
Rated 11 Jan 2014
99
97th
A sci-fi/horror masterpiece, directed for maximum tension by Kaufman, and perfectly enacted by a well chosen cast on top of their game; Nimoy in a rare departure from Star Trek is the standout as the subtly malevolent doctor. Perfectly picks up on uneasy post-Watergate paranoia in 70s America and leads to a perfect, intriguing and uncompromising finale.
Rated 11 Jan 2014
Rated 08 Jan 2017
70
71st
A superior remake which cleverly transplants the original story into a bustling modern metropolis, Kaufman's Body Snatchers is a tense and gripping sci-fi thriller that has aged exceptionally well. His control over the atmosphere is so exacting and complete that even slight disturbances in nature depicted in the opening scenes are chilling. Chapman's photography is eerily evocative and the sound design enhances the feelings of paranoia and dread with its intricate otherwordly textures.
Rated 08 Jan 2017
Rated 14 Dec 2017
85
82nd
Really, really fun. I had an awesome time with Donald Sutherland and Jeff Goldblum. The visuals were cool for their time, and I absolutely love the B-movie cheesiness. Though it divers a lot from Finney's book, I almost like this version a little better.
Rated 14 Dec 2017
Rated 22 Dec 2006
82
61st
Terse and unnerving. Better than the original.
Rated 22 Dec 2006
Rated 20 Apr 2024
80
79th
We are at the verge of the great neoliberal transformation into surveillance, governmentally, and societies of control. The last men turn into zombies while "healthcare" people are not listened and we have individualized psychotherapy replacing public welfare for citizens, which serves the denial of the spread of body snatchers. Only the aspiring artist and the protagonists resist that force as everything gets reified and sucked by the capital. Could easily be one of Romero's zombie flicks.
Rated 20 Apr 2024
Rated 10 Dec 2007
80
67th
Really good remake of the classic. Well acted, scripted, directed, and filmed.
Rated 10 Dec 2007
Rated 11 May 2009
88
69th
A good film that maintains the creepyness of the 1956 version. This is classic 70's sci-fi which nothing has been able to compete with since. Well worth watching still even 20 years later.
Rated 11 May 2009
Rated 06 Oct 2009
55
32nd
Greatest cameo ever by Robert Duvall.
Rated 06 Oct 2009
Rated 01 Nov 2011
84
77th
The 70s vibe is strong, occasionally to the film's detriment, but for the most part the tension holds up supremely well. The increasing sense of isolation and despair is really well executed and that ending brings it home.
Rated 01 Nov 2011
Rated 28 Feb 2012
60
36th
SCI-FI HORROR SUSPICION RUNNING SOUND EFFECTS SCREAMING TELEPHONES TITS SCIENCE CONFORMITY.
Rated 28 Feb 2012
Rated 02 Jun 2012
68
68th
A decent update, because the idea that a perfect world is a world with no human emotions was still fresh for New Hollywood filmmakers, and Kaufman understood that perfectly. I still prefer Ferrara's version, though, and I think the Duvall cameo and the thing that Brooke does with her eyes are more chilling than the whole thing.
Rated 02 Jun 2012
Rated 17 Jun 2012
96
91st
One of the few movies to genuinely freak me out
Rated 17 Jun 2012
Rated 28 Jul 2012
73
79th
A prime example of a remake that greatly improves on a rather lousy original. The original did have that imaginative spark, but Kaufman's version adds what was sorely missing (in most sci-fi/horror films, really): a basic grasp of reality. Better writing and a fantastic cast are what makes the difference, but Kaufman's directorial mastery also helps.
Rated 28 Jul 2012
Rated 03 May 2013
73
54th
There are some issues with the film, pacing, script is abrupt at times & loose in others, some shots linger long & suspense-less. But there is a quite adventurous/exotic sound mix going on. I'm glad they took the time to try and paint the world in which this fungal plague is occurring. There's a lot for the audience to piece together themselves however. With all that said, the entire film seems like a lengthy set-up for the final shot, worth it though. Great choice on the silent end titles too.
Rated 03 May 2013
Rated 17 Apr 2014
76
76th
A good film with moments of greatness (the hatching scene,) but held back by an inconsistent script, acting and silliness. Still, that ending is one of the best I've ever seen. A shame that it's so prominent in general media.
Rated 17 Apr 2014
Rated 13 Nov 2014
90
82nd
Deceptively funny and deserving of comparison with Rosemary's Baby. The thoughtful update of setting alone, to a menacingly groovy, selfish yuppie infested San Francisco (which looks weird as hell at night) is amazing enough.
Rated 13 Nov 2014
Rated 13 Dec 2014
70
54th
Well, it was a very character-driven story. There isn't a lot of explanation about the Body Snatchers' motives and methods, aside from what the main characters are able to figure out for themselves. And basically, once all the main characters are accounted for, the movie is over. To be fair, it was pretty good at being a character-driven story, but it would have been nice if it could also have had a more thoroughly explored plot outside of that realm.
Rated 13 Dec 2014
Rated 16 Aug 2015
70
57th
This was well-acted and made very well. The 70s/80s were definitely the golden age for horror, and this film mostly continues that tradition, but falls slightly flat somewhere in its execution. It is very gripping and super intense, but I felt like the pacing was a little off at points, and the body horror in this hasn't aged very well unfortunately. Jeff Goldblum is a sweet angel though and I love him, he was too cute in this.
Rated 16 Aug 2015
Rated 18 Feb 2016
91
94th
The direction and the soundtrack work so great together for the monumental sense of paranoia. Especially liked the scene where Sutherland is trying to call someone, anyone in the government and the calls are layered as he gets the run around and you see him from phone to phone in desperation getting nowhere while the sound just gets more and more intense. The pod people are great, as in the original, keeping them from being snarling killers makes it so much creepier.
Rated 18 Feb 2016
Rated 09 Sep 2017
83
81st
Call me stupid, but until today I just assumed Jeff Goldblum physically manifested in 1993 on the set of Jurassic Park. Come to think of it, doesn't the Jeff Goldblum we know today act a lot like a Pod Person? ... Oh nooooo.
Rated 09 Sep 2017
Rated 25 Jul 2022
75
64th
How can I complain about a film that lives up to its title? It was an invasion alright, and boy, they sure snatched those bodies. One of my favourite genres is paranoid 70s films. Mix that in with some sci-fi horror! Oh, baby.
Rated 25 Jul 2022
Rated 11 May 2019
84
84th
The mystery/intrigue elements work considerably well given that it's a remake. A number of the horror visuals are genuinely effective, a couple in particular really shine. The camera work is strong and varied and the sound design is excellent.
Rated 11 May 2019
Rated 29 Oct 2019
4
81st
donald sutherland can snatch my body
Rated 29 Oct 2019
Rated 12 Nov 2020
6
35th
One of those movies where I can't help but channel my inner Immortan Joe and just yell "MEDIOCRE!" at the screen. Had high expectations for this but sadly didn't amount to anything more than its premise and thus quickly overstayed its welcome. Would've been far more intriguing and suspenseful had the film unfolded its mysteries in a more timely and satisfying way. The ending is cool on a superficial level, but loses impact the more you reflect on it.
Rated 12 Nov 2020
Rated 26 Feb 2007
75
89th
Great film on power with the original perhaps better because of superior special effects.
Rated 26 Feb 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
77th
On the paranoia, terror and exhaustion that is bred by trying to survive in a highly conformist "hive" society. Atmospheric, with two very appealing leads (with this and DAYS OF HEAVEN, 1978 was pretty much the year of the adorable Brooke Adams), as well as a good supporting cast, strong control over sound and image, and an excellent final moment. Overall, very well made, yet the last half hour still drags a little. Re-watched December 2020.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
61st
Not so much a remake as a semi sequel
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 02 Jan 2008
91
97th
Brilliantly produced thriller with a real psychological chill running through it. Once seen never forgotten and the final 60 seconds will stay with you forever.
Captivating performances by Donald Sutherland and Veronica Cartwright. Even if you're not a fan of horror this should be in your collection.
Rated 02 Jan 2008
Rated 20 Jan 2008
73
60th
Scary for its time.
Rated 20 Jan 2008
Rated 25 Mar 2008
65
34th
I honestly didn't like this any more or less than the original. If you've seen one you've seen the other; don't bother seeing both.
Rated 25 Mar 2008
Rated 07 Apr 2008
85
86th
One of the few remakes that is just as good as the original. Love the Kevin McCarthy and Don Siegel cameos, and the iconic and still extremely disturbing ending.
Rated 07 Apr 2008
Rated 30 Jun 2008
7
79th
This film isn't more than average for the most part, but I will get chills anytime I think of Sutherland's terrifying last scene.
Rated 30 Jun 2008
Rated 25 Nov 2008
8
84th
Superb remake actually on par with the original! Both are exceptionally good.
Rated 25 Nov 2008
Rated 02 Jan 2009
90
94th
Rewatched November 2017. Saving the world is not even on the menu in this absorbing work of brutal pessimism. Rarely has a film so evocatively viewed Earth through alien eyes.
Rated 02 Jan 2009
Rated 12 Jan 2009
28
11th
the original puts this to shame
Rated 12 Jan 2009
Rated 02 Mar 2009
75
91st
I love vintage Sci-Fi, and this one is particularly dear because its placed in SF.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
Rated 18 May 2010
72
35th
More relevant to a modern audience than the 56 version, but can't be credited with the same influence as its predecessor. Social commentary became a bit heavy handed, but the same could be said for the original. If you like this type of film give it a try, otherwise may be not worth it. Nice ending though.
Rated 18 May 2010
Rated 25 Sep 2010
5
28th
I'm usually not big on older movies or sci-fi/thrillers, but this was decent.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
Rated 31 May 2011
76
58th
There still aren't many things as creepy as that shriek. The ending gave me chills.
Rated 31 May 2011
Rated 19 Oct 2023
79
56th
I found the first half much stronger than the second. I appreciate the handling of exposition and visual effects, but found some of the plotting a bit sloppy.
Rated 19 Oct 2023
Rated 23 Oct 2011
95
97th
A really terrific horror movie. One of the best.
Rated 23 Oct 2011
Rated 25 Oct 2011
87
75th
Probably the best version of Body Snatchers. Very Creepy.
Rated 25 Oct 2011
Rated 19 Oct 2023
97
94th
One of the creepiest movies I’ve seen in a long while, if not ever. Kaufman’s directing is a work of pure genius, perfectly capturing that feeling that things are just slightly off, even when they look fine. It’s such an unsettling film. It also boasts some excellent practical effects and a lot of twists and turns that legitimately surprised me. It helps that the characters are likable and really well acted. An unpredictable, chilling film with scarily relevant themes. Highly recommended!
Rated 19 Oct 2023
Rated 18 May 2012
81
81st
The acting is pretty good, Sutherland's character likable, but maybe a little bit too long. Very tense at times and Jesus Christ, the ending really frightened me
Rated 18 May 2012
Rated 26 Jun 2012
85
96th
This version does a good job expanding the story while adding more touches of horror. I find that the acting can be a bit off and I'm not a fan of the camera work but the ending was and always is great. I still prefer the original one because its better paced and just more fun to watch overall.
Rated 26 Jun 2012
Rated 01 Aug 2012
20
30th
I liked this one a bit more on the second viewing and would now call it a a successful update on the whole, but I still prefer the original, despite this having a stellar cast and being less campy. The first half is very good, but the second half lacks tension, despite some very effective moments.
Rated 01 Aug 2012
Rated 21 Jul 2023
90
92nd
How to remake a movie
Rated 21 Jul 2023
Rated 21 Aug 2012
58
17th
totall stupid adaptation of the 1958 cult version...storyline is so slow and lacks suspense... and I have just realized that Jeff Goldblum is playing the same role for the last 30 years...
Rated 21 Aug 2012
Rated 27 Apr 2013
70
53rd
Uneven but the last scene is highly disturbing. It really made me shiver.
Rated 27 Apr 2013
Rated 01 May 2013
83
61st
The story is classically simple: alien organisms infiltrate human bodies and create duplicates who are the same in every way--but without emotions. A health inspector (Donald Sutherland) soon finds himself, and all humanity, increasingly outnumbered. Philip Kaufman's direction builds a distinct sense of unease: shots often last a moment or two longer than you'd expect. It's not all that SCARY, per se (the horrifying final moments aside), but it's consistently engaging and well-acted all around.
Rated 01 May 2013
Rated 08 May 2013
72
42nd
Without the ideological content of the original movie, it's somewhat better. And bloody hell, I fell in love with Brooke Adams !
Rated 08 May 2013
Rated 19 Jul 2013
75
62nd
I haven't seen the original, but this remake seems good. The sci-fi/horror plot isn't anything really amazing, but the film is done well and none of the acting seemed bad. Some tense moments and a good ending.
Rated 19 Jul 2013
Rated 18 Apr 2023
78
64th
Sure, there's Spock, gross pod people, and that ending, but what's going to stay with me is the absolutely chilling portrayal of the bureaucratic efficiency with which the hostile takeover of the Earth is being carried out.
Rated 18 Apr 2023
Rated 11 Feb 2014
70
67th
I personally prefer the original, but this one was pretty good too. Like the original felt very much like a piece of the '50s, this one felt like a piece of the '70s. It was a bit too long though. The music was pretty cool, if a bit erratic, and the practical effects were awesome. The sense of paranoia the film created was nice. The ending was totally brilliant, too.
Rated 11 Feb 2014
Rated 23 Mar 2014
75
60th
Enjoyably haunting science fiction thriller. Shows its age in parts, but holds up to the test of time quite well. Donald Sutherland out acts just about everyone on screen.
Rated 23 Mar 2014
Rated 05 Apr 2014
93
44th
Very eerie and creepy sci-fi suspense thriller. Invasion of the Body Snatchers does a great job of building the suspense and the feeling of foreboding. Donald Sutherland is great and the ending is super creepy. worth checking out.
Rated 05 Apr 2014
Rated 13 Jun 2014
79
55th
A fairly predictable remake: the concept is the same and the effects are better, but the plot differs and the ending is drastically different, though I'll admit it's effective. Matthew and Elizabeth are interesting enough to keep you attached, but Jack and Nancy were so terribly written!
Rated 13 Jun 2014
Rated 18 Apr 2023
81
86th
Who knew the apocalypse would be running so smoothly and efficient? The way evil creeps up so methodically is probably the scariest part of the entire movie.
Rated 18 Apr 2023
Rated 05 Oct 2014
71
39th
Does a great job maintaining the creepiness throughout.
Rated 05 Oct 2014
Rated 11 Oct 2014
80
65th
Pretty darn effective horror that hits the pedal to the floor pretty early on and never lets off the gas. Even though all the beats are telegraphed, it never takes away from it. The central, possible, romance is pretty forced and unnecessary but this is nothing new. The cast is great and there are a ton of excellent scenes at play. It may not be among the top tier of horror films from its day, but it's not too far off.
Rated 11 Oct 2014
Rated 17 Oct 2014
84
91st
This is a damn good San Francisco movie. Sound design was excellent. Was surprised by how much I enjoyed this, honestly.
Rated 17 Oct 2014
Rated 27 Oct 2014
90
69th
Yes, you can remake a classic movie. Just don't "reimagine" it.
Rated 27 Oct 2014
Rated 08 Aug 2015
75
47th
Good atmosphere, creepy and depressing. At times it shows it was made in the 70s, but it's not a big deal. I especially liked how the movie invoked the feeling of being isolated and always in danger.
Rated 08 Aug 2015
Rated 05 Nov 2015
75
65th
The McCarthyism allegory was never necessary to induce fear. It worked in the first place because assimilation and ostracization are a natural human phenomenon in any culture. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a good movie that avoids becoming a great one by ignoring the unique venues promised by its own concept. The tense hot seat scenes of suspicion and hysteria somehow don't exist, and for some reason the movie instead chooses to focus on the characters outrunning the aliens like monsters.
Rated 05 Nov 2015
Rated 12 Nov 2015
90
80th
So, so good. Among the most paranoid movies ever made; the atmosphere, thick with tension and dread, seeps its way into you. The entire film is delightfully unnerving, and the ending is downright brilliant. Just as good as, if not better than, the original. Perhaps the 70s grit gives this one a bit of an edge. "What's a conspiracy?" "Everything."
Rated 12 Nov 2015
Rated 07 Mar 2016
85
85th
President Snow does speed in order to stay awake and not get turned into an alien. This is right up there with Ben-Hur (1959), The Fly (1986), and True Grit (2010) in the "best remakes ever" conversation. That shrieking thing the body snatchers do still sends chills down my spine, especially in that iconic ending.
Rated 07 Mar 2016
Rated 27 Dec 2022
70
40th
A worthy remake, though I still prefer the original and have a soft spot for the ‘90s high school-based version (The Faculty).
Rated 27 Dec 2022
Rated 24 Jul 2016
90
89th
"Why do we always expect metal ships?" "I've never expected metal ships."
Rated 24 Jul 2016
Rated 28 Jan 2018
95
85th
A-
Rated 28 Jan 2018
Rated 21 Aug 2024
70
58th
Rated PG yet there's dead bodies, blood and titties. Awesome
Rated 21 Aug 2024
Rated 07 Oct 2018
84
90th
It's a slow burn of a thriller and the subtle direction makes each movement in the plot feel so natural. The cast is great. It feels ridiculous sometimes, but it's satisfying to watch it revel in the shocking and grotesque. An excellent example of great body horror.
Rated 07 Oct 2018
Rated 12 Oct 2018
80
67th
It dragged sometimes, but then other times it really hit the paranoia that the characters were experiencing. While I wouldn't say it was that scary, the ending was certainly horrifying; also unexpected even though I guess technically the aliens give it away a bit before. Good special effects, watching the aliens clone was gross, if this wasn't paced like it was then it would be much better... but even still it's pretty great.
Rated 12 Oct 2018
Rated 17 Oct 2018
8
79th
If only all remakes were this good. Impressive.
Rated 17 Oct 2018
Rated 22 Apr 2019
60
27th
Elizabeth Driscoll: "I keep seeing these people, all recognizing each other. Something is passing between them all, some secret."
Rated 22 Apr 2019
Rated 05 Aug 2024
72
80th
Nasty and often exceedingly well-directed. Great beginning (and final shot), but the last repetitive hour is considerably weaker than the rest.
Rated 05 Aug 2024
Rated 20 Jul 2022
4
63rd
besides the cool space fauna visuals the remake nails one of my issues with the original: the pod people not being that creepy and the pod people now having that empty drony look
Rated 20 Jul 2022
Rated 01 Oct 2020
4
48th
I wish the most famous thing about this movie wasn't the last shot
Rated 01 Oct 2020
Cast & Info
Directed by:
Franchise:
Genres:
Country:
Collections
Loading ...
Similar Titles
Loading ...
Statistics
Loading ...
Trailer
Loading ...
PSI
?