Forbidden Planet

G

Released Mar 15, 1956

1 hr. 38 min.

Sci-Fi

List

92%

53 Reviews

Tomatometer

85%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In this sci-fi classic, a spacecraft travels to the distant planet Altair IV to discover the fate of a group of scientists sent there decades earlier. When Commander John J. Adams (Leslie Nielsen) and his crew arrive, they discover only two people: Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter, Altaira (Anne Francis), who was born on the remote planet. Soon, Adams begins to uncover the mystery of what happened on Altair IV, and why Morbius and Altaira are the sole survivors.

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Critics Consensus

Shakespeare gets the deluxe space treatment in Forbidden Planet, an adaptation of The Tempest with impressive sets and seamless special effects.

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Nol P

As I try and watch many of the older classics these days, this movie was interesting but it is just so weird and does not stand the test of time like many other classics do. I did try and watch by relating to 1956 and that did not help much. I have seen many good classics, many of which were even older than 1956, and this one is a one and done deal. 2.5 of 5 stars at best is all I can give Forbidden Planet realistically. Was also interesting to see Leslie Nielson as a 30 yr old in a film. I thought of his other silly movies at times while watching, like Naked Gun.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/25/24

Full Review

Jeff S

A psychological sci-fi drama, this movie far exceeded my personal expectations and was definitely ahead of its time. It's aided by a solid cast, but the unique circumstances set it apart from other sci-fi films of its era. This visionary story is one I would like to watch again.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/24

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Sharon K

One film that never gets old. I have watched it many times and still enjoy it. It is even better on my big screen tv. Love it 🥰

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/24

Full Review

MARTRIX F

Forbidden planet is a true classic Sci-Fi and if you have the time well worth a look. The efforts are dated but I feel they do still stand up today. They must have been amazing back in 1956.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/17/24

Full Review

Alec B

An amalgamation of all the best things about mid 20th century Science Fiction. Pulpy characters, outlandish designs, and high concept commentary on civilization. No wonder everyone spent the next 10 years or so borrowing from it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/09/24

Full Review

Lord N

A great and classic sci-fi movie. I primarily watched it because of how influential I am told it is, and it did not disappoint. The character of Mobius was particularly interesting, and the special effects were beautiful, and at times even believable. The only issue I had was that the character of John Adams comes off as a dullard, and the least interesting part of the film. But that is my only issue with the film, and it is small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/03/24

Full Review

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Fred M. Wilcox

Director

Walter Pidgeon

Dr. Edward Morbius

Anne Francis

Altaira Morbius

Leslie Nielsen

Commander John J. Adams

Warren Stevens

Lt. "Doc" Ostrow

Jack Kelly

Lt. Jerry Farman

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Bob Freund

Miami Herald

The film abounds in sound and color. Electronic tonalities and odd spectrum graduations make it a treat for eye and ear. The actors come off better than you'd think, too.

Mar 21, 2024

Full Review

TIME Magazine

[A] nifty interstellar meller.

Jul 26, 2011

Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

An engaging 1956 science fiction gloss of Shakespeare's Tempest.

Jul 26, 2011

Full Review

Pat Padua

Washington City Paper

What <em>Forbidden Planet</em> lacks in iambic pentameter, it makes up for in highly saturated mid-century colors and special effects that may seem primitive but give a painterly elegance to the space-age journey.

Apr 17, 2024

Full Review

Roger Moore

Movie Nation

Elevating this as a “landmark film” when Robert Wise’s “The Day the Earth Stood Still” was smarter, more suspenseful, better-acted and more in tune with its times seems laughable.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 8, 2024

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Forbidden Planet is the greatest sci-fi film of its time and would pave the way for bigger and better sci-fi blockbusters to come.

Rated: 4.5/5

Mar 10, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

In this sci-fi classic, a spacecraft travels to the distant planet Altair IV to discover the fate of a group of scientists sent there decades earlier. When Commander John J. Adams (Leslie Nielsen) and his crew arrive, they discover only two people: Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter, Altaira (Anne Francis), who was born on the remote planet. Soon, Adams begins to uncover the mystery of what happened on Altair IV, and why Morbius and Altaira are the sole survivors.

Director: Fred M. Wilcox
Screenwriter: William Shakespeare , Irving Block , Cyril Hume
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer , Criterion Collection
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Rating: G
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 1956, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 25, 2008

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