Journey to the Center of the Earth
Seen it?1959 | 132 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for fantasy fans, adventure fans and families. If you loved The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Feel-good.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 2 hr 12 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated G, but scary moments.
- Made in 1959: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
An Edinburgh professor and assorted colleagues follow an explorer's trail down an extinct Icelandic volcano to the earth's center.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
84% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$10 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 81K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Water Horse Sunday Safe BetAnother family film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Secret of Kells Sunday Safe BetAnother family film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Scooby-Doo! and the Loch Ness Monster
Weeknight WatchAnother family film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Friday Night FlickAnother fantasy film, and a Friday Night Flick.
Return to Oz Weeknight WatchAnother adventure, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Henry Levin
- James MasonSir Oliver S. Lindenbrook
- Arlene DahlCarla Göteborg
- Pat BooneAlexander 'Alec' McKuen
- Peter RonsonHans Belker
- Thayer DavidCount Saknussem
- Diane BakerJenny Lindenbrook
- Alan NapierDean
- Ben WrightPaisley
- Alex FinlaysonProf. Bayle
- Edith EvansonInnkeeper