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The War of the Worlds (1953)

(1953, Rated NR, Classic, Starring Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Some grisly and scary parts. Not for young 'uns.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Although not gory, a large portion of the movie is filled by alien attacks and loud explosions.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking and smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The War of the Worlds (1953)

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    who3697cares
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    It's way more fun and much more intelligent than Spielberg's version.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    quibble
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • 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    an excellent story with great special effects for its time some may fine it boring or outdated but its got a great campy supenseful fell to it

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    shadowfire976
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    ARE YOU KIDDING?

    14+?! MY 7 YEAR OLD FRIEND WATCHED IT AND IT DIDN'T SCARE HIM!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    shadowfire976
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    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!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    bubbo
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    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+

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  6. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    TnMovieFan2
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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