War of the Worlds

PG-13

Released Jun 29, 2005

1h 56m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

TRAILER

for War of the Worlds: Trailer 2

List

76%

Tomatometer

267 Reviews

42%

Audience Score

250,000+ Ratings

Dockworker Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) struggles to build a positive relationship with his two children, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin). When his ex-wife, Mary Ann (Miranda Otto), drops them off at Ferrier's house, it seems as though it will be just another tension-filled weekend. However, when electromagnetic pulses of lightning strike the area, the strange event turns out to be the beginning of an alien invasion, and Ferrier must now protect his children as they seek refuge.

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Critics Consensus

Steven Spielberg's adaptation of War of the Worlds delivers on the thrill and paranoia of H.G. Wells' classic novel while impressively updating the action and effects for modern audiences.

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Wendy Ide

Times (UK)

This superior popcorn flick revels in the unabashed joy of blowing stuff into oblivion.

Jul 5, 2022

Full Review

Nell Minow

Beliefnet

The story is affecting, the action scenes are thrilling, the issues are resonant.

Rated: B+

Aug 15, 2013

Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Spielberg's calculations turn out to be more prominent than any effects they could possibly produce, and the less pretentious 1953 version by producer George Pal emerges as more likable.

Jun 8, 2007

Full Review

Alan Jones

Radio Times

The first (and much the superior) hour is a masterclass in escalating tension, with grandiose and brilliantly executed sequences following in rapid succession.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 12, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Highly influential, ever innovative, and full of emotion and slick formal trickery, the film lives up to the precise definition of what "Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds" should be.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

James Croot

Stuff.co.nz

Cruise is in fine dramatic form and Spielberg's journey to the dark side is superbly realised.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 29, 2022

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Alejandro E

As an update of the classic work of fiction, it works quite well. Drama is in place without special effects getting in the way. The only downside is that, although this is what happened in the text, there will be those who are reluctant to believe who the heroes were.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/28/24

Full Review

Casey N

42% percent, the actully hell are these ratings? whole bunch of bullshit.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/24

Full Review

Ace R

Excellent film! The special effects are wonderful, especially for 2005. I highly recommend that you see this movie. You'll love it!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/21/24

Full Review

Brian T

The low audience score on this film is completely crazy. This is a GREAT movie. Stunning special effects and visuals. Tom Cruises best acting ever as father trying to connect with his kids and save them...needing to do the unthinkable when dealing with Robbins character. There are a few minor logical flaws...but this is one of the best sci- fi horror movies of all time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/24

Full Review

cesar c

Compare to other movies about monsters, aliens or whatever. the human story here is good enough to get me entertain.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/09/24

Full Review

Brendan S

If you like disaster movies and aliens then this movie was made for you

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/24

Full Review

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Steven Spielberg

Director

Tom Cruise

Ray Ferrier

Dakota Fanning

Rachel Ferrier

Miranda Otto

Mary Ann

Justin Chatwin

Robbie

Tim Robbins

Harlan Ogilvy

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War of the Worlds: Official Clip - No Shield