23 Films by Ray Harryhausen
22 titles
- 1
The Beast from 20,000 FathomsMovie · 1953 · 80m · Drama, Horror, Science FictionA planned atomic detonation in the Arctic to study the region's geology unexpectedly awakens a dinosaur frozen in ice for millions of years. The ancient predator emerges and heads toward New York City, causing widespread panic and destruction. People must race against time to save the city and prevent disaster as the dinosaur rampages. The story explores survival, adaptation, and humanity’s place in the natural world amidst this prehistoric threat.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 2How to Bridge a GorgeMovie · 1942 · 5mThis instructional video uses stop-motion animation to demonstrate how to construct a sturdy bridge capable of supporting heavy military vehicles across a deep ravine. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2004.IMDb 6.4
- 3
One Million Years B.C.Movie · 1966 · 100m · Adventure, FantasyIn a stunning yet dangerous early world, the story follows humanity's first attempts at building civilization. Survival is paramount as people and tribes battle predators and the harsh environment. A love story between members of competing groups triggers a series of events that challenge their deeply held beliefs.
The fight for power becomes linked to the basic human need for connection, as the characters seek not only dominance but also love and understanding in a difficult world. This powerful story reflects the often difficult path of humankind and its ongoing impact on the future. Each advance brings new obstacles, pushing humanity forward while highlighting how fragile life can be in this wild landscape.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.1 - 4
It Came from Beneath the SeaMovie · 1955 · 79m · Science Fiction, Adventure, HorrorFollowing nuclear tests, a giant octopus in the Mindanao Deep is driven to aggression by radioactive pollution that disrupts its feeding habits. It begins a destructive migration towards the California coast.
Scientists and marine experts work urgently to understand the octopus’s sudden hostility and find a way to stop it. The creature grows increasingly powerful and dangerous, endangering coastal areas and the ocean's ecosystem.
The film explores themes of scientific responsibility and environmental protection as it depicts the struggle between humans and nature. It offers a suspenseful look at marine biology and nuclear science, highlighting the potential impact of human actions on the planet.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.6 - 5
Mighty Joe YoungMovie · 1949 · 94m · Adventure, Fantasy, DramaJill Young grew up in the African wilderness, working on her father's ranch and forming a special connection with an orphaned baby gorilla named Joe. Growing up together, Jill and Joe developed a deep bond. Hoping for fame, Jill takes Joe to Hollywood to share their unique relationship with the world. In the bright lights of show business, Jill and Joe encounter new challenges that test their friendship and loyalty.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 6
Clash of the TitansMovie · 1981 · 118m · Adventure, Fantasy, ActionPerseus, a demigod, undertakes a dangerous quest to win Princess Andromeda's hand in marriage and fulfill his fate. His journey involves overcoming difficult challenges: taming Pegasus, the winged horse; obtaining Medusa's head, which can turn people to stone; and battling the Kraken, a huge sea monster. The story examines heroism, sacrifice, love, and finding oneself as Perseus faces these trials and deals with the results of his choices in a world where gods and humans are connected.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 7
The Story of King MidasMovie · 1953 · 10mKing Midas encounters a mysterious visitor who grants him the power to transform anything he touches into gold. He soon discovers this gift is a curse when food and his daughter are turned to gold. The visitor returns, offering Midas the chance to reverse the enchantment, which he accepts. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2004.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.3 - 8
The Valley of GwangiMovie · 1969 · 96m · Fantasy, Science Fiction, ThrillerIn the early 1900s, a struggling wild west show in Mexico discovers an extraordinary treasure: a tiny, prehistoric horse. Hoping for sensational entertainment, the performers venture into the legendary Forbidden Valley, said to be home to living dinosaurs. They succeed in capturing one of the creatures and bring it back to their show grounds, eager to display their incredible discovery. But introducing the prehistoric animal to the world unleashes unexpected chaos, turning their simple show into a whirlwind of unforeseen problems.IMDb 6.2TMDB 7.1 - 9
The 7th Voyage of SinbadMovie · 1958 · 88m · Action, Adventure, FamilyLegendary sailor Sinbad undertakes a dangerous mission when an evil sorcerer shrinks the princess to a tiny size, threatening war. Sinbad journeys to a remote island rumored to hold magical cures, hoping to restore her to normal and prevent conflict.
On the island, he encounters mythical creatures and must use his wits to overcome obstacles. This adventure explores courage, self-discovery, and friendship as Sinbad faces his greatest challenge. It's a fantastical story of adventure, magic, and humor, where Sinbad races to save the princess and bring peace back to the kingdom.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 10
Nursery Rhyme ReviewMovie · 1946 · 11mThis film presents four classic Mother Goose stories – "Little Miss Muffet," "Old Mother Hubbard," "The Queen of Hearts," and "Humpty Dumpty" – recreated as three-dimensional animated films. Mother Goose herself appears in a prologue and epilogue, magically projecting the stories onto the screen. The Academy Film Archive preserved this work in 2004.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3 - 11
The 3 Worlds of GulliverMovie · 1960 · 100m · Music, Adventure, FantasyDoctor Lemuel Gulliver, a kind but poor man, has an unexpected adventure when a storm washes him ashore on an island populated by tiny people. He learns to live among them, even forming a connection with someone who resembles his fiancée.
But life on the island becomes dangerous when the king asks Gulliver to help in a war against giants. Suddenly, Gulliver is the giant, navigating a world where he's different and facing new challenges.
This story looks at acceptance and identity through the eyes of a man caught between two very different worlds, each full of surprises and problems.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.6 - 12
Sinbad and the Eye of the TigerMovie · 1977 · 113m · Action, Adventure, FamilyPrincess Farah, Sinbad, and an unlikely group journey through magical lands, facing challenges set by Queen Zenobia. The story starts when Princess Farah refuses to marry Sinbad until her brother, Prince Kassim, agrees. Their stepmother, Queen Zenobia, has transformed Prince Kassim into a baboon to seize the caliphate.
To save Prince Kassim and reunite the family, Sinbad, the Princess, and the baboon travel to a faraway land seeking advice from a wise man. Queen Zenobia creates obstacles along their path, testing their resolve. They must work together, relying on each other's strengths to overcome these challenges.
This fantastical adventure explores themes of love, loyalty, and family, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself. As they fight against Queen Zenobia, Sinbad, Princess Farah, and Prince Kassim learn about bravery and sacrifice.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.5 - 13
First Men in the MoonMovie · 1964 · 103m · Adventure, Science FictionA groundbreaking international space mission's return is eagerly anticipated worldwide. A team of elite astronauts travels to the moon, where they make a startling discovery that challenges history. Among the lunar landscape, they find a vintage British flag and a document claiming the moon for Queen Victoria. The astronauts realize they are not the first humans on the moon. This unexpected find creates a time-sensitive situation and questions the nature of exploration. The film follows these astronauts as they grapple with this discovery, exploring themes of achievement and the meaning of being first.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 14
The Golden Voyage of SinbadMovie · 1974 · 105m · Action, Adventure, DramaSinbad, a skilled sailor leading a brave crew, finds himself in a dangerous chase after an ancient artifact: a golden tablet guarded by a strange humanoid being. A wicked sorcerer named Koura wants the tablet for himself and relentlessly pursues Sinbad's crew to get it back.
Along the way, Sinbad meets the Vizier, a wise advisor who has another piece of the golden map. Together, driven by curiosity, they set sail on a thrilling journey across the oceans. Their quest for knowledge and the secrets held within these relics will test their courage as they unravel an ancient mystery with potentially far-reaching consequences.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7 - 15
The Story of The Tortoise & the HareMovie · 2002 · 12mA timeless story from Ray Harryhausen about perseverance and patience ultimately leading to success.IMDb 7.3TMDB 10.0 - 16
Earth vs. the Flying SaucersMovie · 1956 · 83m · Action, Science FictionA sci-fi adventure unfolds as test rocket failures and increasing UFO sightings signal a dangerous truth: a dying alien civilization is invading Earth. Their advanced spaceships attack, using powerful ray weapons capable of destroying cities. As humanity prepares for the attack, scientists and the military must quickly find a way to stop this seemingly invincible enemy from outer space.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 17
Tulips Shall GrowMovie · 1942 · 7mIn this animated short film, a young Dutch couple's peaceful countryside is invaded by emotionless, automated men and machines that destroy everything they encounter. Selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 1997 as a work of "cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance," this film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject (Cartoons).IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 18
Mysterious IslandMovie · 1961 · 101m · Adventure, Science FictionDuring the American Civil War, a group of Union soldiers escape captivity by hot air balloon and crash-land on a mysterious South Pacific island. The island is home to giant plants and dangerous creatures that threaten their survival. Stranded and far from home, the soldiers must use their ingenuity and form alliances with the island’s wildlife to survive. As weeks pass, they work together to find a way back to their families, demonstrating resilience in the face of incredible odds. A sequel to '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea', this film is an adventure exploring imagination, science, and survival.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 19
The Story of Little Red Riding HoodMovie · 1949 · 9mThis film adapts the classic European fairytale of a young girl who is hunted and deceived by a predatory wolf seeking to devour her. The story is brought to life with stop-motion animation by Ray Harryhausen.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.3 - 20
20 Million Miles to EarthMovie · 1957 · 82m · Science Fiction, HorrorA successful space mission ends dramatically when Colonel Calder and his crew crash-land near an Italian fishing village. Villagers rescue the stranded astronaut, and a boy discovers a rapidly growing alien. The creature escapes and heads for Rome, threatening the city. Colonel Calder must team up with locals to stop the alien and save Rome from this unprecedented danger. The story is a suspenseful blend of drama and wonder exploring humanity's response to the unknown and our fight to protect our world.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 21
The Story of RapunzelMovie · 1951 · 11mThis is one of four fairy tales meticulously crafted by master animator Ray Harryhausen between 1949 and 1953. He created them entirely by hand, employing stop-motion photography techniques he refined as an apprentice under Willis H. O'Brien, the legendary effects artist behind "King Kong."IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.4 - 22
The Story of Hansel and GretelMovie · 1951 · 10mThis is a stop-motion animated adaptation of the well-known fairy tale. It was archived by the Academy Film Archive in 2004.IMDb 6.7TMDB 7.0
