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The Time Machine

Play trailer Poster for The Time Machine G 1960 1h 43m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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77% Tomatometer 39 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Scientist H.G. Wells builds a time machine, and despite the warning from his friend David against "tempting the laws of providence," decides to visit the future. Jumping ahead 14 years, he observes changes in women's fashion. Jumping ahead 40, he meets David's son (also Young) amid a terrible war. Finally, he travels thousands of years ahead to discover a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by humanoid Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks that feed on them.
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The Time Machine

The Time Machine

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Critics Consensus

Its campy flourishes tend to subdue its dramatic stakes, but The Time Machine brings H.G. Wells' story to life with plenty of sci-fi charm and a colorful sense of visual design.

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Critics Reviews

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Dave Kehr Chicago Reader 06/05/2007
Parts of it are colorful and imaginative, but the film flattens out toward the end. Go to Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out 02/09/2006
The quaint time machine and Oscar-winning special effects hold one's interest initially, but the overall effect is one of glossy emptiness. Go to Full Review Bosley Crowther New York Times 05/09/2005
2.5/5
The drama, for all its invention, is creaky and a bit pass. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Dec 14
4/5
‘…better than the CGI remake, The Time Machine is a charming movie with a serious point, adored by intricate, imaginative handmade special effects that still impress today….the sci-fi trappings disguise a fierce and precise anti-war message...' Go to Full Review Kevin Carr Fat Guys at the Movies 06/26/2021
4/4
It has the epic feel that you need, and it hasn't quite gotten to the goofiness of the 60s yet... It's authentic, and I think it strives to be like the book. Go to Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins 08/27/2020
9/10
An unforgettable, breathtaking adventure and a staple of the science-fiction genre. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Chris G @biotechmgr Jun 22 A very good film overall with at least a couple of thought provoking themes available (great in this regard IMO) to the viewer. The early anti war theme is readily obvious as is survival. The survival theme continues as it progresses forward into the futuristic landscape and "society" with a class conflict of a different sort. It may help to understand this film was made in the heat of the Cold War and the sentiments implied have this underlying tone to them. Shocking really to see some of the reviews which pan this good not great film with a fabulous premise executed well enough to keep one's interest and to enjoy the adventure while appreciating a few moral observations. Dated 1960 the film is not too dated and does better than most sci fi films of the era. See more Mitch B @RT97279008 07/10/2025 They honored H. G. Wells with this movie. See more Blobbo X @Blobbo 02/02/2025 Was captivating for this young blob. (Yvette Mimieux helped, maybe.) See more Donald J @RT75730639 01/05/2025 This is the kind of movie kids in the 60s would stay in the theater and watch all day. Sébastien Cabot, Yvette Mimieux, were mesmerizing . See more PaulSebastian P @RT18832334 09/03/2024 An all time classic. Intriguing as a young boy and still fun to watch every few years as a middle aged man. Everyone should see it a few times!!! See more Merman h @RT52047882 05/25/2024 For me this film is for its time.. perfect See more Read all reviews
The Time Machine

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Cast & Crew

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George Pal

Director

Rod Taylor

George (H. G. Wells)

Alan Young

David Filby

Yvette Mimieux

Weena

Sebastian Cabot

Dr. Philip Hillyer

Tom Helmore

Anthony Bridewell

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The Time Machine

The Time Machine (1960) The Time Machine (1960) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Scientist H.G. Wells builds a time machine, and despite the warning from his friend David against "tempting the laws of providence," decides to visit the future. Jumping ahead 14 years, he observes changes in women's fashion. Jumping ahead 40, he meets David's son (also Young) amid a terrible war. Finally, he travels thousands of years ahead to discover a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by humanoid Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks that feed on them.
Director
George Pal
Producer
George Pal
Screenwriter
H.G. Wells, David Duncan
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Warner Home Vídeo, Vídeo Arte
Production Co
Loew's Inc., Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Galaxy Films
Rating
G
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 17, 1960, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2008
Runtime
1h 43m
Sound Mix
Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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