Is Tom Cruise’s War of the Worlds Still a Must-Watch Twenty Years Later?

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2005 saw renowned filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise team up for an electrifying retelling of H.G. Wells’ classic novel “War of the Worlds.” This gripping tale follows a hardworking New Jersey dockworker who, when an extraterrestrial force invades Earth, must courageously protect his children from harm. Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, and Tim Robbins are among the stars sharing the screen with Cruise in this box-office smash. The film’s dramatic narrative is further enhanced by Morgan Freeman’s captivating narration, adding another layer to the heart-racing experience.

For the past twenty years, “War of the Worlds” has been captivating moviegoers, first dominating the box office and leaving a lasting impression. Its impressive visual effects, intriguing plot, and genuinely terrifying scenes drew audiences in. With a 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this sci-fi thriller is still considered a riveting masterpiece by critics and viewers alike. To honor its 20th anniversary, let’s revisit the underrated Spielberg film.

Spielberg’s Terrifying Adaptation of the Wells Classic

In Steven Spielberg’s science fiction action-thriller “War of the Worlds,” we follow the story of divorced Brooklyn dockworker Ray Ferrier (played by Tom Cruise), who is trying to mend his fractured relationship with his teenage son Robbie (Justin Chatwin) and young daughter Rachel (Dakota Fanning). Every other weekend, he has custody of these children. Initially, Ray anticipates another tense visit, but when an ominous storm approaches, their already strained family life takes a shocking turn for the worse.

An unusual lightning phenomenon triggers an ominous turn of events when a colossal swarm of robotic spacecrafts attacks Earth, vaporizing harmless civilians while fearsome “tripod” war machines systematically annihilate any life form they encounter. With unyielding resolve to protect his kids above all else, Ray undertakes a perilous trek from New Jersey to Boston, battling tirelessly to shield them from the lethal extraterrestrial forces ravaging our world.

Previously, Spielberg and Cruise collaborated in the 2002 release of Minority Report, a movie that was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Notably, this sci-fi thriller represented Spielberg’s third directorial venture exploring the topic of alien encounters, following his work on the legendary films Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Eager for a new challenge, Spielberg decided to create a “terrifying film featuring truly terrifying aliens”, a genre he had not previously explored. As stated by Empire, Spielberg himself explained his motivation thusly:

I’m truly captivated by it! This is my inaugural foray into the realm of terrifying science fiction. Among all the films I’ve produced, this one ranks as one of the most unsettling. The terror here isn’t about a shark leaping from the water to devour you, but rather the kind that would strike fear if this were a genuine possibility, portrayed in a way similar to what you see on screen.

‘War of the Worlds’ Becomes a Cinematic Triumph

On June 29, 2005, the much-anticipated premiere of “War of the Worlds” captivated audiences worldwide with the spellbinding cinema that Steven Spielberg was known for. Critics lauded the adaptation for its gripping suspense and tension, reminiscent of the original novel. The film’s breathtaking visual effects, eerie ambiance, engrossing plot, and Tom Cruise’s powerful portrayal of a resolute father grappling with an unimaginable danger were all highly commended.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say that while Steven Spielberg’s big screen reimagining wasn’t universally loved, some parts of it didn’t sit well with critics and viewers alike. The main point of contention seemed to be the frustrating characters, particularly Rachel, played by Fanning, and an ending that left many underwhelmed. In fact, About.com went as far as to call the last 17 minutes “simply awful” and suggested it almost spoiled the entire experience. Even critic James Berardinelli acknowledged that the conclusion was a letdown, despite Spielberg’s best efforts to make it cinematically dramatic.

Despite not being Steven Spielberg’s most remarkable cinematic masterpiece, War of the Worlds still offers moviegoers an exhilarating ride packed with unexpected turns. This science fiction spectacle raked in over $603 million at the box office on a budget of just $132 million, making it one of the top four films of the year and receiving multiple awards, including three Academy Award nominations. Since its premiere 20 years ago, it continues to be a heart-pounding blockbuster, filled with chilling suspense and non-stop action, as evidenced by the Washington Post’s praise: “a white-knuckle thrill ride”.

Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds” presents a disconcertingly real depiction of mayhem, terror, and devastation, making for a vividly intense viewing experience.

How To Watch ‘War of the Worlds’

Enthusiasts of Steven Spielberg’s work and those captivated by the intriguing sci-fi genre can mark the 20th anniversary of War of the Worlds by enjoying the gripping film on streaming platforms such as Hulu, Paramount+, Pluto TV, AMC+, and Philo.

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2025-05-19 01:02