Rotten
As a movie, They Live is lethargic. As election propaganda, it's terrific.
Desmond Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer
They Live
You see them on the street. You watch them on TV. You might even vote for one this fall. You think they're people just like you. You're wrong. Dead wrong.
1988 · 1h 33m · R
Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
Directed by
John Carpenter
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They Live
Overview
A lone drifter stumbles upon a unique pair of sunglasses that reveal aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
85%
Tomatometer
Fresh
John Carpenter's They Live has cult favorite written all over it, and part of the reason is the way it regenerates the cheap, juicy, surprisingly potent sci-fi of the 1950s.
Jay Carr, Boston Globe
Fresh
They Live is the looniest movie of the season and also one of the most engaging.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Tribune
Fresh
The joke is in the material; the idea itself is funny and daring. And some time soon, They Live suggests, with grim, knowing wink, the joke may be on us.
Michael Wilmington, Los Angeles Times
Fresh
A fantastically subversive film, a nifty little confection pitting us vs them, the haves vs the have-nots.
Variety Staff, Variety
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