Is The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 80 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1953, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on The controlled explosion of an atomic bomb in the Arctic Circle awakens a frozen dinosaur that will wreak havoc in New York City. Under the direction of Eugène Lourié, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Paul Hubschmid, Paula Raymond, Cecil Kellaway. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.6/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, Horror, Science Fiction, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $210,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $5,000,000 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms Budget
The estimated production budget for The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is $210,000. 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.
Cast of The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms
- Paul Hubschmid – Prof. Nesbitt
- Paula Raymond – Lee Hunter
- Cecil Kellaway – Prof. Elson
- Kenneth Tobey – Col. Evans
- Donald Woods – Capt. Jackson
Top Highlights
Paul HubschmidProf. Nesbitt
Paula RaymondLee Hunter
Cecil KellawayProf. Elson
Kenneth TobeyCol. Evans
Donald WoodsCapt. Jackson
Lee Van CleefCorp. Stone
Steve BrodieSgt. Loomis
Ross ElliottGeorge Ritchie
Jack PennickJacob Bowman
Ray HykeSgt. Willistead
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1953 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms movie hit or flop?
The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms worth watching?
The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Horror, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms?
The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is a Drama, Horror, Science Fiction movie that The controlled explosion of an atomic bomb in the Arctic Circle awakens a frozen dinosaur that will wreak havoc in New York City....
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Critic Reviews
Rhedosaurus rampage as Harryhausen genius starts to work. Nuclear testing out in the arctic rouses a prehistoric Rhedosaurs from its icy incarcerated sleep. It promptly lays waste to everything that gets in its path, and its next stop is New York City. The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms stands as one of the most important of the 50s sci-fi/creature feature films that filled the screens during that particular decade. Notable for being the first picture where Ray Harryhausen had total control over the effects (and thus setting his career on an upward route), it is also one of two pictures from 1953 that would be the first adaptations of the gifted writings of Ray Bradbury (the other being It Came from Outer Space). Watching it now you can see just what a template movie it was to be for the genre, the perils of nuclear testing a vivid jolt of paranoia, the rugged alpha male, the svelt sexy strong lady, and of course the creature to terrify all who come into contact with it, yep it's safe to say that this picture has all the trademarks. The Rhedosaurus (completely made up name) is a wonderful creation from Harryhausen, a giant stalking lizard who sinks ships for fun, pulls down lighthouses, and has no problems about feasting on local police officers, it's safe to say that since being woken from his sleep he is in a very bad mood! While the ending is wonderful, as the giant beast finds himself cloaked in a roller-coaster with mankind fighting the good fight, a perfect finish to a hugely enjoyable picture. 8/10