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Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

1956
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 20m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 64.38% from 1904 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1904)
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Rated 21 Mar 2017
83
92nd
That kiss! I haven't had a girl go that cold on me since...damn it, it's only been like four days.
Rated 06 Oct 2012
88
81st
Still among the finest alien invasion films ever made, in part because the aims of its invasion are unclear. Skillfully shot and acted, it's an entrancing film that captures the true feeling of a nightmare more than almost any other film I can think of. It's a powerful film whether you think there's allegory in it or not(and if you ask the creators there isn't), and its ability to endure to this day comes from the fact that the pods can represent almost any fear involving identity.
Rated 23 Feb 2013
80
90th
This is a really great classic science-fiction movie that surpassed my expectations. The writing was far more intelligent than I expected. It's a bit dated, of course, but its strengths still hold true. It was even a little creepy at some points. The most disappointing aspect was the framing device which led to a disappointing ending. This was something the studio changed, which is a shame because the original ending is great. A definite must-see for any science-fiction aficionados.
Rated 19 Jul 2013
86
92nd
A chilling window into the 1950's fear of plant life.
Rated 31 May 2008
80
44th
Despite laughably huge, gaping plot holes, it makes much needed light of the Fifties' McCarthyism--whether the satire was intentional or not.
Rated 09 Apr 2009
100
93rd
Persuasive, thoroughly satisfying, low-budget science fiction, put across with subtlety and intelligence in every department.
Rated 26 Jun 2012
88
98th
Still a great and fun little Sci Fi thriller. Fun and fast paced, just wish they would've left it with the downbeat ending.
Rated 29 Jun 2018
91
85th
Executive meddling made some changes that took away from the film (the voiceover & tacked on happy ending). But otherwise this is a groundbreaking flick worthy of remaking every 17 years with a new commentary based on the current cultural paranoia. This version does wonders exploring witchhunts based around Communism. And it works as a film with its amazing cinematography, performances (both actors and in film characters), & writing. It rightfully serves as a masterclass for sci-fi suspense.
Rated 02 Jun 2008
75
63rd
Lives up to its reputation as a subversive, minimalist, underground classic. Wish they'd stop remaking the damn thing, though.
Rated 03 Jan 2009
84
77th
I'm still not sure how I feel about it as a cold war allegory, but it's an excellently produced film either way. The tension maintains itself wonderfully throughout the movie and the well composed Black and White shots are a big part of that.
Rated 05 Mar 2009
100
91st
A science-fiction classic. A beautifully controlled work of hysteria. The film can be seen as a hyped-up, outrageous contemplation of McCarthyism, and it has aged extraordinarily well.
Rated 07 Sep 2010
67
81st
It has many great moments, and exudes a fantastic sense of paranoia. I rank it with the frame story, which weakened the film, removed. It ought to start in the town, and end with his climactic scene on the highway.
Rated 10 Sep 2012
85
74th
One of the best parables in American culture, the least crowded with special effects, but probably the most important sci-fi film of the 1950s. The diagnosis of 1950s America here is balanced, cool, and adroit. Seen now, the film's focus has shifted and deepened: The pod people are those who would give up critical thinking, and human difference and flaw, for the smooth custard of uniformity. For that reason alone, it may be that every generation will want to redo its own Invasion.
Rated 12 Jul 2014
75
59th
An imperfect masterpiece - it would be great if a few glaring inconsistencies and the tacked-on ending were addressed. Hell, even the original ending doesn't quite bring it emotionally full circle. But even then its commentary on humanity and the self remains powerful to this day, and the black and white cinematography is delightful.
Rated 29 Aug 2018
45
24th
Perhaps because I saw the '76 movie first But I felt like this is too hoakey Story is more or less the same just the wording is different Most scary moment when he kisses the girl and realizes she's an alien
Rated 10 Oct 2020
97
93rd
Chilling and insidious "commie invasion" version of this durable workhorse is only flawed by some era-specific defects - cut out the "reassuring" bookending sequences and this would stand toe-to-toe with any other version. Still tight and unsettling on its own terms, with McCarthy and Wynter perfect playing their characters as bland and unassuming - perfect foils to their pervasive enemy. Makeup work, though unsophisticated, is arguably more terrifying than the polished versions in the future.
Rated 02 Sep 2021
75
41st
Well made (esp for the 50's B-movie genre), but did not live up to all the acclaim. Part of the problem was the decades-long refrain I've read/seen of how it's a metaphor for the Red Scare, but I didn't particularly see it. The metaphor I saw was one about growing callous over time & losing your humanity (emotions), but the idea isn't illustrated well bc the aliens seem very emotionally invested in taking over. The pod "rules" of how a person turns also incomprehensibly change near the climax
Rated 28 May 2007
88
83rd
Great parable for the Red Scare that works today on other levels
Rated 13 Jul 2007
4
83rd
Cold war paranoia meets science fiction. A fantastic match!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
81st
The buildup of tension is crafted well, and except for a few brief moments maintains the narrative consistency of being told from the lead's viewpoint. While there are no great performances, there are no bad ones either, and McCarthy holds it together nicely. Likewise, the score and cinematography aren't mind-blowing, but more than competent, with some impressive flourishes. What really makes this film stand out is its allegorical nature. And even without this layer, it's a solid sci-fi premise.
Rated 29 Sep 2008
85
91st
The original and best. Kevin McCarthy rules here, almost as much as his performance in UHF
Rated 11 Feb 2009
80
78th
One of the ultimate scifi classics in my opinion. Minimalistic and subtle, Siegel has managed to capture somethings truly frightening on screen. Works as a study on the anticommunist mentality of it's time but also viewed in the context of today's world - the remake realizes this, but unfortunately sucks.
Rated 21 Dec 2009
91
86th
This transcends genre and carries a message for us all.
Rated 01 Jul 2010
83
72nd
A very early addition to the "aliens/monsters that look like us" approach to horror/sci fi, and a very effective one. Cheesy at times, but quite an entertaining movie.
Rated 19 Oct 2010
76
92nd
Classic sci fi tale that has been retold a thousand times. It's a bit dated but still a lot of fun and fairly creepy at times.
Rated 23 Oct 2010
66
49th
Good use of small-town creepy crowds and some genuinely tense moments (oh, that pitch-fork!). Not as fulfilling as the reputation suggests, though.
Rated 17 Feb 2011
90
90th
If this was any other science fiction film, the melodramatic tone would be too ridiculous to work, but considering the plot it is twisted and perfect. Forget the communist metaphor; this is far more interesting and relevant if you see it as a parable of conformity in 1950s America, as suggested by Stuart Samuels in his analysis of it in American History/American Film: Interpreting the Hollywood Image.
Rated 26 Jul 2011
82
88th
A world where there is no need for love. Body Snatchers is a real product of its time -- when Americans were afraid of communist threats, and post-WWII world was absolutely mad and insecure --, but it preserves an undeniable chilly atmosphere.
Rated 11 Aug 2011
84
68th
The way Siegel slowly transforms the town visually from idyllic safe haven to nightmarish prison is beautiful to behold, and highly unnerving. Great stuff.
Rated 11 Apr 2012
90
84th
Classic horror film that doubles as anti-communist propaganda. The suspense is palpable from the get-go, and the ending is one of the greatest cliffhangers in the genre.
Rated 25 May 2012
35
26th
I can't help but feel that the bulk of the political subtext only amounts to whatever the contemporary viewer wants it to. However, there is a general atmosphere of cold-war paranoia that helps give this film a real sense of dread.
Rated 15 Nov 2012
95
97th
Great movie! No other movie gave me nightmares like this one. It's suspense and sense of helplessness is far scarier than any gore fest. Highly recommend it.
Rated 15 Jan 2013
60
64th
beware....if you spot your neighbour trying to hide a cabbage in your house it means he's a stinking commie who first wants to destroy your mind and then your nation. Was annoyed by a big ol' plot hole (in the cave) towards the end but apart from that it was a fun film.
Rated 21 Mar 2013
86
66th
A sci-fi horror classic. While it is an obvious allegory for McCarthy era fears of Communism, I believe the horror is still very real. It taps into Freud's idea of "Unheimlich", aka "uncanny."
Rated 05 Nov 2013
43
73rd
This is a really creepy movie. One of the better sci-fi films to come out of the 50s despite having pretty backwards views on women (and children for that matter). Surprisingly funny at times.
Rated 26 Dec 2013
75
79th
communism is bad, mkay..
Rated 14 May 2014
82
89th
Really likeable, and quietly effective sci-fi staple. Ripe with allegory and driven by a good story, it is easy to see why this has been so influential and well-regarded since. Although I think I might prefer the 1978 version, this is still solid. Creepy.
Rated 24 Sep 2014
85
90th
Despite aging a bit, the movie remains surprisingly creepy and suspenseful. Pretty much everyone puts forth a great performance, creating an iconic story that will be borrowed upon from then on.
Rated 23 Oct 2014
77
92nd
When a movie keeps you on the edge of the seat even though you know what will happen next, you know you are watching one darn good thriller. It is born out of the red scare, a fear of commie invasion that made nights long for Americans. Paranoid delusions from the sleep deprivation? Or perhaps your father is really one of the emotionless aliens, and not your father anymore? Great sci-fi, not as dorky as you would expect from the 50's. Too bad they couldn't do without voice-over.
Rated 20 Nov 2015
90
83rd
Invasion of the Body Snatchers is, I'd argue, just as relevant today as it was in 1956 even if the political subtext has changed so drastically. Thoughtless conformity will remain scary and dangerous (at least until the robots take over), whether due to McCarthyism, communism, or any other ideology that's proliferating, making this film's message evergreen. The performances here are well done, and the movie does a wonderful job at maintaining an eerie tone to the happenings. Superb.
Rated 27 Nov 2015
90
94th
McCarthy playing in a film ostensibly about McCarthyism. Coincidence? Yes.
Rated 22 Jan 2016
88
89th
It builds the tension very well...if id gone into this without being aware of this films 60 year legacy it would have been delightfully mysterious and strange as i discovered what was going on. Lots of great scenes like when the first "blank" is found...and starts to change. I loved that the enigmatic pod people didn't need to directly attack anyone...they just keep you around and wait for you to fall asleep...and even a micronap will cause you to change...chilling
Rated 08 Oct 2016
78
78th
Having seen the 70s version first, it's hard to say which one I like better, but this one probably has the edge. This one goes into a fair bit more detail about the nature of the aliens, as well as having just a little more of a conclusion, and the special effects were still pretty gruesome
Rated 23 Jul 2019
60
31st
I feel like the Body Snatchers never did anything evil besides makes others feel like the humans they were invading felt "off." The movie would have been more powerful if the Body Snatchers actually did something horrific for me (I'm thinking Jaws... the shark wasn't in it that much, but the few times it was were TERRIFYING) to really concretely see and understand how horrific the story would b e.
Rated 15 Apr 2021
90
88th
The straight-forward, minimalist approach and lack of special effects allows the movie to develop a natural sense of dread and panic. It's quick, concise, and genuinely suspenseful the whole time. Complaints about the ending are valid, but I don't think it's a "happy" ending, necessarily, as the threat still looms.
Rated 30 Mar 2007
80
68th
Nicely done scary old movie
Rated 14 Aug 2007
76
87th
On the automation and synchronisation of the will. See also Peter Szendy, Kant in the Land of Extraterrestrials, pp. 81-85.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
39th
Pretty solid, not as creepy as i had expected. Could have done without the narration.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
82nd
Brilliant classic.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
78
64th
# 446
Rated 07 Apr 2008
85
86th
Iconic and entertaining film. I don't quite agree with the whole Communism interpretation, but this film is still pretty creepy.
Rated 18 Sep 2008
56
86th
Elsker "gys" fra 50'erne
Rated 22 Oct 2008
50
24th
Too unreserved in its thematic study and too exuberant in its melodramatic discourse, but some fit and nervy shots here and there are some of the few things that makes it worthwhile.
Rated 16 Dec 2008
75
61st
Heh, it was really good. A lot better than The Day The Earth Stood Still. Grade: B
Rated 19 Dec 2008
80
60th
408
Rated 04 Apr 2009
4
55th
A good deal duller/hackneyed then I recalled, memorable mainly for its photography.
Rated 22 Nov 2009
95
96th
I love the ending when the boy finds all his struggle has been in vain. It was the most horrible ending. Body snatcherrs have eaten his loved ones soul and he has not noticed anything.
Rated 14 Jan 2010
80
60th
410
Rated 18 May 2010
73
39th
Another example of a film that was horrifying in the 50's but now just comes off as comical and hokey. I suppose the film can be appreciated for "what it did" for science fiction, but it definitely shows its age.
Rated 30 Jun 2010
80
79th
Pretty cool movie. I think the story is great and it has some pretty memorable and frightning scenes. I also like that fact that this movie has an open ending.
Rated 19 Sep 2010
74
62nd
Suspenseful early Sci-Fi and Siegel-film ranks as one of the better of the period though a minor for the director
Rated 25 Dec 2010
87
85th
87.125
Rated 30 Dec 2010
80
22nd
Good tempo, horror, acting. Nothing great. Effects shows date. Fails to capitalize on the human element which prevents it from becoming great or memorable. "In my practice, I've seen how people... have allowed their humanity to drain away. Only, it happens slowly instead of all at once. They didn't seem to mind. But just some people. All of us... a little bit. We harden our hearts and grow callous. Only when we have to fight to stay human... do we realize how precious it is to us..."
Rated 13 Feb 2011
80
47th
Classic sci fi with some beautiful paranoia. What if they really are out to get you? Who could you convince?
Rated 03 Sep 2011
40
55th
communists "#$&*king" americans in sleep
Rated 11 Oct 2011
60
45th
Quite well-made, but ultimately only sort of interesting.
Rated 12 Nov 2011
80
66th
Classic movie, great suspense, great ending.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
81
62nd
#373
Rated 25 Aug 2012
38
23rd
The vast superiority of Philip Kaufman's remake attests to the fact that there's an inspired idea here somewhere, but this original version is really no better than might be expected from 1950's sci-fi cinema. In other words, the writing and acting are horrendous enough that the dramatic peaks elicit laughter.
Rated 13 Oct 2012
40
8th
insanların yerine gecen uzaylilar, koza, doktor, güvensizlik, sürükleyici degil
Rated 19 Oct 2012
85
59th
The allegory to McCarthyism and the criticism of 50's America (which is still relevant today) extend this beyond being just a piece of 50's sci-fi fluff. Don Siegel's direction is strong, with a genuine sense of paranoia that pervades the whole picture.
Rated 26 Oct 2012
78
79th
* Casting, Acting : 8 * Script : 8 * Directing, Aura : 8 * Ease of Viewing : 7 * Naked Eye : 8
Rated 30 Apr 2013
71
49th
The first half is really good and creepy, and then it settles into above-average, but still fairly rote, Cold War sci-fi. Not bad by any stretch, but nothing really special.
Rated 19 Jun 2013
90
81st
Suffers from being overly predictable at times, but overall it's a successfully creepy sci-fi thriller. It has a scary edge to it that really builds as the story deepens. The night cinematography is gorgeous.
Rated 08 Jul 2013
60
51st
Too camp. Fine last 1/3.
Rated 21 Jul 2013
75
63rd
Suspenseful, interesting and a script that provides some very excellent content, but also some unnecesariy wonky internal logic.
Rated 10 Dec 2013
97
93rd
THEY'RE HERE.
Rated 23 Dec 2013
70
64th
7- recommended, good
Rated 23 Feb 2014
84
76th
Successfully chilling, even after sixty years!
Rated 17 Nov 2014
75
43rd
Kevin McCarthy is too cool.
Rated 02 Jan 2015
50
0th
Don Siegel #2
Rated 28 Apr 2015
4
52nd
we better keep an eye open at all times, lest our idyllic middle-class america be transformed into a terrifying communist dystopia where everyone is the same. very enjoyable, but the text is absurdly blunt, hilariously so at times.
Rated 18 Oct 2015
72
24th
Given the lack of scares or gore, it's hard to class this as a horror film. I prefer the "communist" reading of the film, which makes it seem a little more chilling. Those seed pods were not very chilling at all. I didn't feel much suspense either. Hard to believe anyone was freaked out by a little running around and talking back in the 50s. The leading lady sure was beautiful though.
Rated 06 Apr 2016
75
56th
Pervasive paranoia drives this film. At its worst this could be accused of being heavy-handed in its application (the howls of fear in the climactic scene on the highway), but at its best (which is most of the time) it manages to be creepingly chilling. I feel like this paranoia could have twisted the plot and characters in more insidious ways, but that might be being harsh as it's still effective. Good fun.
Rated 26 Feb 2017
5
96th
Shit! Hur kommer sig att jag inte betygssatt den här tidigare? Såg den som barn och den gjorde ett stort intryck. Nu såg jag den igen på en pir i NYC: fortfarande fantastisk. Det är ett bra manus trots att några luckor (förstås) finns och skådespelarna gör ett bra jobb även om de agerar lite teatraliskt. Dels är det en riktigt bra SciFi-skräck och dem finns det inte många av. Dels är filmen ett tidsdokument: Så här pass paranoida var amerikanerna! Det talades om att ryssarna pla
Rated 24 May 2017
70
56th
Commie alien plants try to take over the citizens of the good ole U.S. of A.
Rated 24 Oct 2017
70
47th
I saw the 70s remake first, and I think the remake is better. Not that the original is bad, it just isn't anything amazing.
Rated 26 Oct 2017
40
38th
Very forgettable. Not a single delicious or memorable moment. No laughs either. Just a boring protagonist and a pretty girl running around. And how come in the midst of a panic the likes the world has ever seen, does everyone want to stop and have coffee? Multiple times?
Rated 27 Jan 2018
80
84th
I wish there had been some more introspection among the characters about what is real and what makes us human.
Rated 13 May 2018
70
66th
Unexpectedly good even though it has a terrible ending.
Rated 18 May 2018
70
45th
Well-done and suspenseful movie, without the "we're on a budget; it needs to be written and acted badly" sentiment. I can't get over the problematic switch, though, in how people get taken over. I wish they'd paid just a little more attention to the actual alien business.
Rated 22 May 2018
85
79th
At least now I know what's going on when I'm the only one concerned about all the sameness everywhere.
Rated 24 Aug 2018
80
98th
The best of them all, the others are not bad but does not equal this one.
Rated 10 Oct 2018
60
27th
Becky Driscoll: "I don't want to live in a world without love or grief or beauty, I'd rather die."
Rated 14 Oct 2018
82
84th
Less subtle than its remake (the noir-ration got to me after a fashion), but also runs on a quieter suspense and wins in that regard. Both of them have their place. It's a good thing they only made two of these and left well enough alone.
Rated 30 Oct 2018
73
78th
An unfortunate casualty of studio meddling. The cliched orchestral score adds a sense of bombast that isn't mirrored by the onscreen action, reducing the tension of the horrors depicted which are firmly grounded in reality. This 'old Hollywood' concession is regrettable, but Siegel directs with impressive economy, and McCarthy is surprisingly adept in a leading role. Although commonly understood as a 'red scare' commentary, it has thankfully proven itself more broadly universal with time.
Rated 05 Aug 2019
78
81st
I actually don't have a problem with the fact that they tacked on a happy ending. What I do have a problem with is the fact that it is so clearly tacked on. Oh, so there just happened to be a traffic accident and the man just happens to mention this and the weird seed pods to the doctor who just happened to have heard the whole story from Miles? I rolled my eyes so hard I got a good long look at my own brain.
Rated 12 Apr 2020
80
78th
Fun sci-fi film that hides some political commentary. There are some thrilling moments even without many special effects due to some fine editing of strong camera shots. It's all the more chilling that the pod people don't really seem to be mean; they're completely emotion-free so maybe it's all for a good end?
Rated 17 Apr 2020
80
77th
Would stand right alongside the '78 version in all respects if not for the happy ending, tacked-on VO, and corny score, all of which seem like the result of studio interference. Fortunately, there is great dialogue that really keeps you guessing who's still human, and striking photography. This story is a real classic that could be retold about any kind of community in just about any time or place and still have something to say.
Rated 29 Jun 2020
36
14th
For a 50s B-movie, the cinematography and lighting are remarkable. The editing choices, acting, and dialogue are rough around the edges, and no sense of humor to speak of in a movie that badly needs it. Not enough earned suspense or scares for this to make an impact on me. Bad ending.

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