Forbidden Planet
Forbidden Planet

Movie spotlight

Forbidden Planet

1956
Movie
98 min
English

Starship C57D travels to planet Altair 4 in search of the crew of spaceship "Bellerophon," a scientific expedition that has been missing for twenty years. They find themselves unwelcome by the expedition's lone survivor and warned of destruction by an invisible force if they don't turn back immediately.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users92%
Director: Fred M. WilcoxGenres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery

Plot Summary

In the 23rd century, a starship crew travels to the planet Altair IV to investigate the fate of a colony established two decades earlier. They discover only two survivors: the brilliant but reclusive scientist Dr. Morbius and his beautiful daughter, Altaira. Morbius warns them away, revealing the presence of a mysterious, invisible force that destroyed the colony and now threatens the newcomers. As the crew tries to uncover the truth, they must confront the terrifying power of the "Id Monster" and the secrets of an ancient, extinct civilization.

Critical Reception

Forbidden Planet was a landmark science fiction film, lauded for its groundbreaking special effects, ambitious themes, and sophisticated production design. It was a commercial success and has since been recognized as a highly influential classic in the genre, praised for its psychological depth and its imaginative portrayal of future technology and alien worlds.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning with pioneering special effects that set a new standard for sci-fi cinema.

  • Explores mature themes of the subconscious and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.

  • A captivating blend of mystery, adventure, and philosophical depth.

Google audience: Audiences praise Forbidden Planet for its imaginative vision, impressive special effects that still hold up, and its thought-provoking story. Many highlight the film's intelligence and its role as a foundational work in science fiction.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Special Effects.

Fun Fact

The iconic electronic score by Bebe and Louis Barron was the first of its kind, predating other electronic music compositions and earning a unique placement in music history.

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Community Critic Reviews

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Dr. Morbius" (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter "Altaira" (Anne Francis) are getting along fine on their planet of "Altair 4" when they receive a radio signal from an incoming ship. Despite being given the cold shoulder, they land and are s...

Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A sci-fi landmark that, however, is quite dated and has aged poorly.** I confess that I expected more from this film. Its impact at the time is undeniable, and it is a renowned classic of sci-fi cinema. In fact, we can almost say that ...

Wuchak

Wuchak

**_The 50's prototype Sci-Fi film and... Anne Francis_** I didn't see "Forbidden Planet" (1956) until a full four decades after it's debut. I've seen it a few more times since then and here's what strikes me: For one, although Star Tr...

John Chard

John Chard

Your mind refuses to face the conclusion. Forbidden Planet is directed by Fred M. Wilcox and stars Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, and Leslie Nielsen. Screenplay is written by Cyril Hume from an original story by Irving Block & Allen Adler...

Video Reviews

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