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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1976 โ€บ The Man Who Fell to Earth

The Man Who Fell to Earth poster

The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

โ€œPower, space, time and a visitor.โ€

6.5/10 ยท 625 votes 2h 19m r FantasyDramaScience-fiction

#21 of 23 films from 1976 #656 of 1079 in fantasy

Directed by Nicolas Roeg ยท Written by Walter Tevis, Paul Mayersberg

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Thomas Jerome Newton is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet. Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth, Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou, a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the U.S. government, and his entire plan is threatened.

Cast

David Bowieas Thomas Jerome Newton
Rip Tornas Nathan Bryce
Candy Clarkas Mary-Lou
Tony Masciaas Arthur
Buck Henryas Oliver Farnsworth
Bernie Caseyas Peters
Adrienne La Russaas Helen
Claudia Jenningsas Peters' Wife (uncredited)
Rick Riccardoas Trevor
Jim Lovellas James Lovell
Hilary Hollandas Jill
Linda Huttonas Elaine
Jackson D. Kaneas Professor Canutti
Lilybelle Crawfordas Jewelery Store Owner

Facts

Release dateMarch 18, 1976
Runtime139 min (2h 19m) โ€” longer as the 1976 average of 122 min
GenresFantasy, Drama, Science-fiction
LanguageEN
Budget$1,500,000
IMDbtt0074851

More from Nicolas Roeg

The WitchesThe Witches1990 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 1h 31m Don't Look NowDon't Look Now1973 ยท โ˜… 6.9 ยท 1h 50m

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Questions

How long is The Man Who Fell to Earth?
The Man Who Fell to Earth runs 139 minutes (2h 19m).
Is The Man Who Fell to Earth worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.5/10 across 625 votes, which places it #21 of 23 films released in 1976 in this index (top 13%) and #656 among 1079 fantasy titles.
Who directed The Man Who Fell to Earth?
The Man Who Fell to Earth was directed by Nicolas Roeg. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Witches (1990), Don't Look Now (1973).
Who stars in The Man Who Fell to Earth?
David Bowie as Thomas Jerome Newton; Rip Torn as Nathan Bryce; Candy Clark as Mary-Lou; Tony Mascia as Arthur; Buck Henry as Oliver Farnsworth; Bernie Casey as Peters.
What is The Man Who Fell to Earth rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Man Who Fell to Earth?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/26637.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.