Dark Star
Directed by John Carpenter6.174%64%6.0
A low budget, sci-fi satire that focuses on a group of scientists whose mission is to destroy unstable planets. 20 years into their mission, they have battle their alien mascot, that resembles a beach ball, as well as a "sensitive" and intelligent bombing device that starts to question the meaning of its existence.
Dark Star Ratings & Reviews
- angry60February 1, 2025An old favorite
- flavo43December 13, 2025Dark Star is a perfect example of how imagination and clever writing can overcome even the most limited budget. This low-budget B-movie sci-fi comedy, directed by John Carpenter, leans into its constraints and turns them into strengths through sharp satire, absurd situations, and surprisingly inventive special effects. What could have been a throwaway student film instead becomes a cult classic that pokes fun at space exploration, military bureaucracy, and existential dread. The film’s humor is dry, goofy, and often philosophical, particularly in its memorable exchanges involving a sentient bomb pondering the nature of existence. The practical effects, while obviously handmade, are charming and creative, adding to the film’s offbeat personality rather than detracting from it. Dark Star isn’t polished or grand, but it doesn’t need to be. Its wit, originality, and willingness to embrace silliness make it a genuinely fun and rewarding watch—especially for sci-fi fans who appreciate satire and unconventional storytelling.
- cedstromAugust 5, 2025Its a campy movie with some good humor. One of those you like to watch knowing it can't match up to anything else, despite how cheesy it can be.
- gtate87September 6, 2025Very strange. Enjoyable but very strange.
- ivtheboxDecember 9, 2025Quite boring, nothing much happens. They try to create tension with a few tense situations but it's too boring to care and I was looking forward to the end of it.
- Phill RockNovember 27, 2025Can see the makings of a great director. Not the best film but has some good carpenter moments.
- RussellApril 23, 2025It's like a bad episode of Red Dwarf
- LillyMarch 26, 2025Watched it with a friend she liked it in a ironic way, didn't hate it but its ancient and not in a treasured classic way.
Dark Star Trivia
Dark Star was released on March 30, 1974.
Dark Star was directed by John Carpenter.
Dark Star has a runtime of 82 min.
Dark Star was produced by John Carpenter.
The key characters in Dark Star are Lt. Doolittle (Brian Narelle), Boiler (Cal Kuniholm), Sgt. Pinback alias Bill Fruge (Dan O'Bannon).
Dark Star is rated G.
Dark Star is a Comedy, Sci-Fi film.
Dark Star has an audience rating of 6.4 out of 10.