When Worlds Collide

Play trailer

When Worlds Collide

G,

1951,

1h 22m,

Sci-Fi

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

79%

24 Reviews

Tomatometer

63%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

63%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

After Dr. Bronson (Hayden Rorke) discovers Zyra, a new planet, fellow astronomer Dr. Hendron (Larry Keating) checks Bronson's data and reaches the horrifying conclusion that Bellus, a star in Zyra's orbit, is doomed to crash into the Earth within a matter of months. Meanwhile, Hendron's daughter, Joyce (Barbara Rush), has grown fond of pilot David Randall (Richard Derr), and pleads to have him brought along as a small group is relocated to Zyra to avoid the impending mass destruction.

Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Aug 5, 2019

When Worlds Collide continues the current rage for science fiction movies and it is one of our better ones.

Go to Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Jun 7, 2007

This probably looks about as stodgy now as it did back then.

Go to Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Jun 7, 2007

Top honors for this inter-planetary fantasy rest with the cameramen and special effects technicians rather than with performances of the non-name cast.

Go to Full Review

Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

Jan 9, 2023

4/5

Though it's a tad hokey and the special effects are embarrassingly dated, this sci-fi disaster flick is more contemplative about the nature of mankind than you'd expect.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Oct 1, 2022

3/4

An example of superior sci-fi cinema.

Go to Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

Mar 28, 2022

7/10

A science fiction film that, even with its narrative inconsistencies, seems quite entertaining to me when it offers its show about the catastrophe of the end of the world. Full review in Spanish

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Albus W

Jan 12, 2019

aka - "The Ultimate in White Flight! When the Suburbs Just Aren't Far Enough!" As I've seen noted, this flick didn't age well for a few reasons, but the most glaring is the complete absence of diversity. Of course, that's true of most movies of that era, but when your premise is about saving a portion of the population in a space ark, it's particularly conspicuous. Fairly decent from a technical standpoint, however. Good looking 50's sci-fi.

See more

Finn G

Nov 18, 2018

While the special effects are horrible when compared to modern CGI productions, When Worlds Collide manages to convey a feeling of foreboding and even fright. The elevated sense of "what if/what now," draws an immersed viewer into a feeling of suspense, lasting into and even beyond the last moments of the film. If you're watching for explosions, your're in the wrong cinema, but if you're there to enjoy a good story, this one is for you 5 stars.

See more

George P

Sep 18, 2018

Overall I like this movie very much. Other than the cartoonish animated ending & a few plot themes that could have been better expanded (like the breakdown of society in the face of disaster) this early day disaster movie is still entertaining to watch.

See more

Rey R

Feb 18, 2018

Most science fiction movies of the 1950's relied on alien invasions, giant monsters or mad experiments to entertain or scare us. But this one uses the simple thrill of doomsday slowly arriving, and people trying to fight for there lives, and it works quite well. Apart from that, the acting is also quite good, even though there's nobody really famous in there, the movie itself is quite colorful and the special effects are just absolutely amazing for this type of pic. When Worlds Collide is a nice sci-fi gem, and one if the best from the 50's. Recommended !!

See more

Kylo G

Aug 7, 2017

Absolutely superb.It's surprising how little has changed between this and 2012, Armageddon etc.

Rey M

Apr 7, 2017

Surely one of the very best 50s sci fi movies and one I've never seen before. The frightening and bold premise is matched by great effects and a solid cast.

See more

Read all reviews

Rudolph Maté

Director

Richard Derr

David Randall

Barbara Rush

Joyce Hendron

Peter Hansen

Dr. Tony Drake

Larry Keating

Dr. Cole Hendron

John Hoyt

Sydney Stanton

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

87%

69%

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Watchlist

2010

67%

61%

2010

Watchlist

Seven Men From Now

100%

82%

Seven Men From Now

Watchlist

Journey to the Center of the Earth

83%

69%

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Watchlist

Songwriter

88%

43%

Songwriter

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Classic Sci-Fi Story Goes Universal

Trailer Bulletin: She’s the Man

Sommers Collides (again) with "Worlds"

View more photos

Synopsis

After Dr. Bronson (Hayden Rorke) discovers Zyra, a new planet, fellow astronomer Dr. Hendron (Larry Keating) checks Bronson's data and reaches the horrifying conclusion that Bellus, a star in Zyra's orbit, is doomed to crash into the Earth within a matter of months. Meanwhile, Hendron's daughter, Joyce (Barbara Rush), has grown fond of pilot David Randall (Richard Derr), and pleads to have him brought along as a small group is relocated to Zyra to avoid the impending mass destruction.

Director: Rudolph Maté
Producer: George Pal
Screenwriter: Edwin Balmer, Philip Wylie, Sydney Boehm
Production Co: Paramount
Rating: G
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2012
Runtime: 1h 22m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings