THX 1138
THX 1138 Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 15, 2026
Movie Overview: THX 1138
| Movie | THX 1138 |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Director | George Lucas |
| Genre | Science Fiction / Drama |
| Runtime | 86 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is THX 1138 (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. 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 THX 1138 are led by Robert Duvall . The supporting cast, including Donald Pleasence and Don Pedro Colley , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While THX 1138 does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Science Fiction films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, THX 1138 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: THX 1138
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1971, THX 1138 is a Science Fiction, Drama film directed by George Lucas. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robert Duvall.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. People in the future live in a totalitarian society. A technician named THX 1138 lives a mundane life between work and taking a controlled consumption of drugs that the government uses to make puppets out of people. As THX is without drugs for the first time he has feelings for a woman and they start a secret relationship. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title 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. Robert Duvall's 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: THX 1138
THX 1138 Ending Explained: Directed by George Lucas, THX 1138 wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core science fiction themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Robert Duvall. 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 THX 1138 reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch THX 1138?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Robert Duvall or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: THX 1138
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $777.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
THX 1138 Budget
The estimated production budget for THX 1138 is $777.0K. 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: THX 1138
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch THX 1138 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoTHX 1138 Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about THX 1138 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of THX 1138 is 86 minutes (1h 26m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, THX 1138 is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1971 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is THX 1138 worth watching?
THX 1138 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find THX 1138 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for THX 1138 identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of THX 1138?
The total duration of THX 1138 is 86 minutes, which is approximately 1h 26m long.
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How THX 1138 Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for THX 1138
.
87/100 In a future society, where technology watches over every aspect of the human life and is totally void of humanity, roommates THX and LUH are arrested for the crime of drug evasion and physical love. This is essentially just a chase movie but I'm fascinated by the totally unique futuristic world that one is pulled into (and surprisingly not dated after 50 years) where even those moments of humor are quite serious and your entire knowledge of human existence is simply what you've been told. Genius film and a stunning debut for George Lucas. -- DrNostromo.com
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.
