Is THX 1138 Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, THX 1138 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
THX 1138 Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1971, THX 1138 emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of People in the future live in a totalitarian society. Unlike standard genre fare, THX 1138 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and THX 1138 features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert Duvall . Supported by the likes of Donald Pleasence and Don Pedro Colley , 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 THX 1138 (1971) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
THX 1138 Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: THX 1138 is a Science Fiction, Drama 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. 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 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.
THX 1138 Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: THX 1138 concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of THX 1138 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch THX 1138?
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
THX 1138 Box Office Collection
| 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of THX 1138
- Robert Duvall – THX
- Donald Pleasence – SEN
- Don Pedro Colley – SRT
- Maggie McOmie – LUH
- Ian Wolfe – PTO
Top Highlights
Robert DuvallTHX
Donald PleasenceSEN
Don Pedro ColleySRT
Maggie McOmieLUH
Ian WolfePTO
Marshall EfronTWA
Sid HaigNCH
John PearceDWY
Irene CagenIMM
Gary Alan MarshCAM
Where to Watch THX 1138 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
THX 1138 is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, THX 1138 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is THX 1138 movie hit or flop?
THX 1138 has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is THX 1138 worth watching?
THX 1138 is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch THX 1138 online?
THX 1138 may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How THX 1138 Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for THX 1138
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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 analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
