The original War of the Worlds (1953) is a classic slice of ‘50s sci-fi, full of charm, colour, and cold war paranoia. Based on H.G. Wells’ legendary novel, the film translates the alien invasion story into a post-war American setting, complete with glowing Martian ships and terrified townsfolk. The special effects were groundbreaking at the time, and while they may look dated today, they’re still fun and inventive in that retro way. There’s something endearing about the way the film captures the fear of the unknown, and its sincerity gives it lasting appeal. It’s a solid, entertaining classic, and it helped define sci-fi cinema for decades to come.
Then came Spielberg’s War of the Worlds in 2005—and this one doesn’t just update the story, it blows it wide open. From the very first moments, it’s clear this is a darker, grittier, and far more intense take on the invasion narrative. The film trades military scientists for a panicked, flawed father (played by Tom Cruise), caught in the chaos of an alien apocalypse. The tripods are massive, terrifying, and absolutely brutal. The destruction scenes are massive in scale but grounded in a very human perspective. You feel the fear, the confusion, the helplessness. The film doesn’t just show you an invasion—it puts you inside one.
The 2005 version also feels more in line with the spirit of the original novel—chaotic, bleak, and focused on survival rather than solutions. There are moments of real terror here, and Spielberg never lets the audience feel safe. Sure, the ending is a bit rushed, but the journey is so intense and relentless that it doesn’t matter much.
Both films are great in their own way, but the remake wins. It’s not just a remake—it’s a full-on reinvention that takes the core of the story and makes it feel urgent, terrifying, and real.
Winner: War of the Worlds (2005) (8/10)
Classic Honourable Mention: War of the Worlds (1953) (8/10)
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