The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is a classic sci-fi monster film that helped kickstart the giant creature genre of the 1950s. Directed by Eugène Lourié, the movie features groundbreaking stop-motion animation by the legendary Ray Harryhausen. The story follows a prehistoric Rhedosaurus awakened by nuclear testing in the Arctic, which then terrorizes New York City.
The film's strengths lie in its atmospheric tension, the impressive creature design, and Harryhausen’s animation, which gives the monster a tangible sense of weight and menace. While the human characters and dialogue are fairly standard for the era, the film shines in its pacing and build-up to the creature's destructive rampage.
Though it may feel dated by modern standards, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms remains a must-see for fans of classic monster movies and anyone interested in the origins of the kaiju genre. Its influence on later films, including Godzilla (1954), is undeniable.
This product was added to our catalog on Friday 28 February, 2025.
