Them!
Them! Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Them!
| Movie | Them! |
| Release Year | 1954 |
| Director | Gordon Douglas |
| Genre | Science Fiction / Horror |
| Runtime | 94 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Them! (1954) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Them! are led by James Whitmore . The supporting cast, including James Arness and Joan Weldon , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Them! stands out as a strong entry in the Science Fiction genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Science Fiction narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Them! has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Science Fiction fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Them!
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1954, Them! is a Science Fiction, Horror film directed by Gordon Douglas. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving James Whitmore.
Ending Explained: Them!
Them! Ending Explained: Directed by Gordon Douglas, Them! wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core science fiction themes developed throughout the film.
The final moments emphasize tension and lingering uncertainty, particularly in scenes involving James Whitmore. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Them! reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Them!?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of James Whitmore or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Them!
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $23.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Them! Budget
The estimated production budget for Them! is $23.0M. 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: Them!
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Where to Watch Them! Online?
Streaming HubThem! Parents Guide & Age Rating
1954 AdvisoryWondering about Them! age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Them! is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Them! is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1954 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Them! worth watching?
Them! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Them! parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Them! identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Them!?
The total duration of Them! is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.
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How Them! Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Them!
Great Classic Sci-Fi! This movie came out 7 days after I was born! Because of Nuclear testing. ( Of Course ) Everything happened in the 50's movies because of that, these tiny little creatures become as large as cars and bigger. Ravishing the countryside looking for Sugar, of perhaps a M&M factory. Of course people get in the way and are quickly dispatched in their giant pinchers. Great cast also. A Must see!
Often imitated, rarely bettered. Weird deaths are occurring in the New Mexico desert, it is revealed to be the work of giant mutated ants born out of the "A Bomb" tests that took place there. Trouble escalates to the big city of Los Angeles when one of the giant queen ants escapes to L.A. and starts laying eggs that could lead to the end of mankind as we know it. This is a cautionary tale about scientific tampering fused with a Cold War theme of destroying a threat to the country. Boasting some wonderful scenes such as the first desert encounter (cloaked in a sandstorm) and the final underground battle, Them! is a truly enjoyable viewing experience. It oozes the right amount of paranoia that became ever more prominent as the nuclear age began grow. The puppetry and special effects on show is of a very high standard for the time (well done Academy Award Nominee Ralph Ayres), and the direction from Gordon Douglas is one of the better efforts in the genre. The tight story vanquishes any gripes about the plausibility factor, while the acting is, perhaps given the type of genre piece it is, of a surprisingly good standard. With James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, and Joan Weldon giving it a bit of oopmh. It went on to become Warner Brothers highest grossing film in 1954, and it's really not hard to see why. Because this firmly stands up as one of the better films of what is sadly a much maligned genre. 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.










