--- title: "The Day the Earth Stood Still: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-day-the-earth-stood-still/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-day-the-earth-stood-still" critics_score: 77 critics_reviews: 9 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951): what the critics said Critics' score 77 from 9 reviews: 7 positive, 2 mixed, 0 negative. Most critics respond warmly to The Day the Earth Stood Still, praising its serious approach to science fiction and the force of its warning. The screenplay’s intelligence and pacifist message draw repeated approval, alongside an atmosphere that makes the visitor’s arrival feel both credible and unsettling. Praise for the craft centres on Robert Wise’s realistic staging and Bernard Herrmann’s otherworldly score. Michael Rennie’s measured performance is another point of agreement, even where the story takes precedence over the cast. The spread is broad in enthusiasm rather than divided by outright opposition. Eye for Film finds the effects dated but argues that the fable retains its power. Den of Geek gives a more moderate rating while still praising the effects and the warning’s relevance. The reservations available are limited: the less enthusiastic reviews do not amount to a sustained case against the film. ## Radio Times — David Parkinson Rating 5/5. Parkinson presents the film as a hopeful science-fiction classic and a bold effort to give the genre greater credibility. He singles out Bernard Herrmann’s otherworldly score as part of its distinctive appeal. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-nae8uh/the-day-the-earth-stood-still/) ## Empire — Angie Errigo Fi1m's normalised score 95/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. Errigo regards the film as an intelligent, enduring landmark that gives science fiction unusual dignity. She particularly praises its thoughtful screenplay, atmospheric presentation, and memorable worldwide power-cut sequence. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/day-earth-stood-still-2-review/) ## The New Yorker Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). The review presents the film as a tense, influential science-fiction drama with a compellingly serious message. It especially praises Robert Wise’s realistic staging and the transfixing image of light beneath Gort’s visor. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/the-day-the-earth-stood-still) ## Time Out — NF Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). The review presents the film as a classic science-fiction fable with a compelling pacifist message. It singles out the ambition of the storyline as a strength. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-2) ## Slant Magazine — Bill Weber Rating 3.5/5. 2 December 2008. Weber regards the film as an enduring, entertaining classic, and finds the new DVD package satisfyingly comprehensive. He especially praises its crisp black-and-white presentation and the surround mix showcasing Bernard Herrmann’s score. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-dvd/) ## Variety — Variety Staff Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 31 December 1950. The review is mildly positive, saying the cast works well despite being secondary to the story. It singles out Michael Rennie as fine in the role of the visitor from space. [Read the review](https://variety.com/1950/film/reviews/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-1200416871/) ## The New York Times Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 19 September 1951. The archive entry is a review of the film. Its critical verdict and specific praise or criticism are unavailable because the page would not load. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/1951/09/19/archives/the-screen-in-review-emissary-from-planet-visits-mayfair-theatre-in.html) ## Eye for Film — Jennie Kermode Fi1m's normalised score 82/100 (inferred from the text). 13 December 2008. Kermode finds the film’s fable as powerful as ever, despite dated effects. She praises Michael Rennie’s measured performance and the haunting scenes when the Earth stands still. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) ## Den of Geek — Louis Turfrey Rating 3/5. 23 April 2009. The critic finds the film’s warning still relevant and considers it among the best science fiction of its era. He praises its groundbreaking effects and the Blu-ray’s strong transfer and extras. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-1951-blu-ray-review/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-day-the-earth-stood-still.md