I watched this movie a few days ago and i was really dissapointed. The special effects where really really lame and you could actually see the alien spaceships being held up by strings! So lame! And what the heck common sense ON for age 14! and off for ages 1-12! There's barley anything in that movie! It was really really lame!
The War of the Worlds (1953)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Some grisly and scary parts. Not for young 'uns.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The War of the Worlds (1953) was written by Carly Kocurek
Parents need to know that this movie is apocalyptic in its nature. The film deals with an attempt by Martians to invade and colonize the planet. Much of the film focuses on alien-on-human violence and the aliens' attempts to eliminate Earth's human occupants. There's a grisly off-screen murder. Characters drink and smoke.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the "science" of this science-fiction film, particularly if some viewers have an interest in outer space. Other possible topics for discussion might include the film's Cold War historical context or the concept of colonization. How might the Martians' attempt to take over the entire planet compare to the empire-building of nation-states? Why don't the Martians attempt to communicate with the people of Earth?
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More on The War of the Worlds (1953)
What’s the Story?
When aliens touch down in sunny California, it's bad news for the planet -- especially when they start destroying cities and shooting at everything that moves. WAR OF THE WORLDS explores what might happen if some of our intergalactic neighbors proved less than friendly. The action starts when a strange meteor lands outside a small town. Noted scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester (Gene Barry) comes in to investigate and quickly teams up with Sylvia Van Buren (Ann Robinson). When almost everyone returns to town for a square dance, the "meteor" opens up, revealing itself as an alien spaceship. The visitors quickly demonstrate they're not looking to make friends with the neighbors by killing the three men who try to greet them. What follows is the "war" of the title, as the human race tries to defend itself, and the alien visitors fly around zapping everything in sight.
Is It Any Good?
When Orson Welles did a radio broadcast of War of the Worlds, people thought aliens really were invading. While director Byron Haskin's film version is nowhere near as convincing, it's still a great example of the science fiction genre.
This original War of the Worlds is a true classic, but unfortunately, it is dated to the period that produced it. In particular, the special effects, cutting-edge in 1953, now seem hokey. However, aside from the dated production values, the movie really is top-notch. For viewers who have an appreciation of older films, or who are interested in film history, this sci-fi classic is a must-see.
Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures, Director: Byron Haskin
Run time: 85 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/13/1953, DVD release: 5/13/2003
MPAA Rating: NR
Run time: 85 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/13/1953, DVD release: 5/13/2003
MPAA Rating: NR
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
the newer one is much better
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
It's way more fun and much more intelligent than Spielberg's version.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
an excellent story with great special effects for its time some may fine it boring or outdated but its got a great campy supenseful fell to it
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
ARE YOU KIDDING?
14+?! MY 7 YEAR OLD FRIEND WATCHED IT AND IT DIDN'T SCARE HIM!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
what the heck common sense?
14+?! i saw this movie when i was 5 years old. and did it scare me 1 bit? no. it is NOT that violent!!!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Probably was great back in the 50's, but by today's standards this movie is too dull and campy to be suspenseful. Recommended for fans of science fiction classics only. As for content, there is some violence but nothing at all extreme. Good for kids 8+
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