Ice Station Zebra
Performance & Direction: Ice Station Zebra Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ice Station Zebra (1968) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ice Station Zebra features a noteworthy lineup led by Rock Hudson . Supported by the likes of Ernest Borgnine and Patrick McGoohan , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Ice Station Zebra
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1968, Ice Station Zebra is a Action, Adventure, Thriller film directed by John Sturges. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rock Hudson.
Ending Explained: Ice Station Zebra
Ending Breakdown: Directed by John Sturges, Ice Station Zebra concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Rock Hudson, 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ice Station Zebra reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ice Station Zebra?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Rock Hudson or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Ice Station Zebra
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $8.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ice Station Zebra Budget
The estimated production budget for Ice Station Zebra is $8.0M. 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: Ice Station Zebra
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Where to Watch Ice Station Zebra Online?
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Fandango At HomeIce Station Zebra Parents Guide & Age Rating
1968 AdvisoryWondering about Ice Station Zebra age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ice Station Zebra is 149 minutes (2h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Ice Station Zebra is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1968 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ice Station Zebra worth watching?
Ice Station Zebra is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Ice Station Zebra parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ice Station Zebra identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ice Station Zebra?
The total duration of Ice Station Zebra is 149 minutes, which is approximately 2h 29m long.
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Critic Reviews for Ice Station Zebra
Rock Hudson captains an American nuclear submarine in this stolid adaptation of the Alistair McLean novel about international satellite espionage. A hammy Patrick McGoohan and Ernest Borgnine join the crew as the submarine heads to a British weather station in the Arctic that has stopped responding to communications and our adventure picks up as we try to discover the spy in their midst who tries to sabotage the submarine and the mission. Despite the millions spent on the effects and some Oscar-nominated underwater photography, it's terribly wooden and slow. By the time the end does come, I had kind of given up as the plots and sub-plots were all tripping over each other. At almost 2½ hours, it's way too long too.
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.









