They Live
Seen it?1988 | 93 min | Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Audiences rate it highly (7.3 out of 10), though it had little lasting buzz. 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 anyone who likes to be kept guessing, sci-fi fans and action fans. If you loved Bugonia or Mad Max, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, mind-bending.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 33 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect sex.
A lone drifter stumbles upon a unique pair of sunglasses that reveal aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
87% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesStrong
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$13 million worldwide on a $4 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
Not enough engagement data yet
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Carpenter
- Roddy PiperJohn Nada
- Keith DavidFrank Armitage
- Meg FosterHolly Thompsen
- George Buck FlowerDrifter
- Peter JasonGilbert
- Raymond St. JacquesStreet Preacher
- Jason Robards IIIFamily Man
- John LawrenceBearded Man
- Susan BarnesBrown Haired Woman
- Sy RichardsonBlack Revolutionary