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War of the Worlds poster

War of the Worlds (2005)

Film · 1h 57m · Rated PG-13
AdventureSci-FiThriller

An ordinary father fights to keep his children alive as an alien invasion relentlessly reshapes their world.

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Ray Ferrier is a divorced dockworker and less-than-perfect father. Soon after his ex-wife and her new husband drop off his teenage son and young daughter for a rare weekend visit, a strange and powerful lightning storm touches down.

How intense is War of the Worlds?

Scareproperly scary
Gorelight gore
Violencestrong violence
Emotional weightheavy

War of the Worlds is properly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is relentless, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.

What War of the Worlds feels like

Tone
suspensefulgrittyepictense
Pace
Relentless
Best for
Full attention

Where to stream War of the Worlds

Apple TV+MaxParamount+StarzKanopyfreeHooplafree

US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.

Is War of the Worlds for you?

Is War of the Worlds scary?

Yes, properly. War of the Worlds is scare level 2 of 3, the real thing without being an endurance test.

Is War of the Worlds gory or violent?

Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).

Is War of the Worlds sad or heavy?

It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.

Is War of the Worlds OK for kids?

It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 2, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.

How long is War of the Worlds?

War of the Worlds runs 1h 57m.

Where can I stream War of the Worlds?

War of the Worlds is streaming on Apple TV+, Max, Paramount+ and Starz.

Does War of the Worlds have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer

It leaves things open rather than tying them up.

Cast and crew

DirectorSteven Spielberg
StarringTom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins, Rick Gonzalez

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This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Intensity, tone and pace tags are CouchRot's own.