Them!
Seen it?1954 | 94 min | Science Fiction, Horror
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for horror fans and sci-fi fans. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Scary.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 34 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1954: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
As a result of nuclear testing, gigantic, ferocious mutant ants appear in the American desert southwest, and a father-daughter team of entomologists join forces with the state police officer who first discovers their existence, an FBI agent and, eventually, the US Army to eradicate the menace, before it spreads across the continent — and the world.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$2 million worldwide on a $23 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 144K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Gordon Douglas
- James WhitmoreSgt. Ben Peterson
- James ArnessFBI Agent Robert Graham
- Joan WeldonDr. Pat Medford
- Edmund GwennDr. Harold Medford
- Onslow StevensBrig. Gen. Robert O'Brien
- Sean McCloryMaj. Kibbee
- Sandy DescherThe Ellinson Girl
- Chris DrakeTrooper Ed Blackburn
- Don SheltonTrooper Capt. Fred Edwards
- Fess ParkerAlan Crotty