Ed Wood's 1957 film Plan 9 From Outer Space is often cited as the worst movie of all time, mainly because it was shot in a few days on a budget of $60,000, which was far too little for the grandiose special effects in the storyline. The resulting movie was full of obvious shortcuts, like non-actors in roles beyond their abilities and cheap miniatures. Yet there were a lot of B-movies made the same way in the 1950s. Plan 9 From Outer Space got its reputation as a stinker from Harry Medved and Michael Medved who trashed it in their book The Golden Turkey Awards. The book brought renewed interest that made the film a cult favorite.
But is it really so terrible? If you look past the production values and special effects that resemble a homemade fan film, the story is surprisingly compelling. Its original title, Grave Robbers from Outer Space, gives away a significant plot point. Inverse looked at the movie's themes and overall story and found a study in grief, the specter of a government coverup, mankind's inherent selfishness, and the fear of nuclear annihilation. Read about the ideas behind Plan 9 From Outer Space, and you may look at the movie differently.
(Image: Public Domain)
