The Andromeda Strain
Performance & Direction: The Andromeda Strain Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Andromeda Strain (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Andromeda Strain features a noteworthy lineup led by Arthur Hill . Supported by the likes of David Wayne and James Olson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Andromeda Strain (1971) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Andromeda Strain
Quick Plot Summary: The Andromeda Strain is a Science Fiction, Thriller film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. When virtually all of the residents of Piedmont, New Mexico, are found dead after the return to Earth of a space satellite, the head of the US Air Force's Project Scoop declares an emergency. A group of eminent scientists led by Dr. Jeremy Stone scramble to a secure laboratory and try to first isolate the life form while determining why two people from Piedmont - an old alcoholic and a six-month-old baby - survived. The scientists methodically study the alien life form unaware that it has already mutated and presents a far greater danger in the lab, which is equipped with a nuclear self-destruct device designed to prevent the escape of dangerous biological agents. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Andromeda Strain
Ending Breakdown: The Andromeda Strain resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to science fiction resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Andromeda Strain reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Andromeda Strain?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Andromeda Strain
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Andromeda Strain Budget
The estimated production budget for The Andromeda Strain is $6.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Andromeda Strain
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Andromeda Strain Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Andromeda Strain Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about The Andromeda Strain age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Andromeda Strain is 131 minutes (2h 11m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Andromeda Strain is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1971 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Andromeda Strain worth watching?
The Andromeda Strain is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Andromeda Strain parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Andromeda Strain identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Andromeda Strain?
The total duration of The Andromeda Strain is 131 minutes, which is approximately 2h 11m long.
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How The Andromeda Strain Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Andromeda Strain
Frighteningly absorbing piece of fiction that's fused with fact. A satellite from the SCOOP project has crashed into the desert town of Piedmont, the SCOOP project basically entails that the satellite scoops outer space for any alien micro-organisms. After the crash all the residents of Piedmont are killed with the exception of a baby and an old gentleman booze hound. Mankind is on the verge of being destroyed by a leaked alien virus, so a crack team of scientists are gathered in the hope of containing and understanding the virus before the world gets devoid of human life! Taken from the novel by Michael Crichton, this film is a wonderful lesson in tension building as we follow the scientists through a carefully structured sci-fi plot that will eventually become a race against time thriller. What makes The Andromeda Strain stand out against other genre pieces is the astute and believable approach to the subject matter, we are (in the main) in the presence of proper scientists. There's no super hero tricks forthcoming from these people, these are sensible honest intelligent folk using their combined knowledge to hopefully save the planet? A masterstroke from the makers is that they used largely unknown actors for the film, this gives the story an added grounded believable factor, thus a very useful way of drawing the audience into the drama unfolding. The direction from Robert Wise is very clued in for serio narrative drive, the set design for the underground research facility is top notch, and the actors all give stoic and intelligent performances. However, it's not without a niggle, for after the excellence of the films first two thirds, it's disappointing to find that the final act reverts to type, which somehow seems misplaced given what the viewer has just been through. Don't get me wrong, it's a fine sequence of events that fuels the dramatic slant, but it comes off as just a bit too glossy in light of the preceding structure. Still, The Andromeda Strain is an intelligent, smart, mature, and knowing film that is standing the test of time for being a great piece of science fiction cinema. 8/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
