Day the World Ended Poster

Day the World Ended 1955

★ 4.970 votes79 min📅 1955-12-01

"ATTACKED... by a creature from hell!"

In *Day the World Ended (1955)*, director Roger Corman crafts a tense, low-budget thriller that blends post-apocalyptic dread with classic monster-movie thrills.

Director: Roger Corman

Cast

Richard Denning
Richard Denning
Rick
Lori Nelson
Lori Nelson
Louise Madison
Paul Birch
Paul Birch
Jim Madison
Mike Connors
Mike Connors
Tony Lamont
Adele Jergens
Adele Jergens
Ruby
Raymond Hatton
Raymond Hatton
Pete
Paul Dubov
Paul Dubov
Radek
Jonathan Haze
Jonathan Haze
Contaminated Man
Paul Blaisdell
Paul Blaisdell
Mutant
Roger Corman
Roger Corman
Nelson - Louise's Fiancée in Framed Photograph (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Day the World Ended (1955) about?

*Day the World Ended* follows a group of survivors fleeing a nuclear apocalypse, only to discover that radiation has unleashed terrifying mutations on the local wildlife. What begins as a desperate quest for safety quickly spirals into a fight for survival against both nature and their own fraying sanity. The film explores themes of isolation, mutation, and the cost of human folly.

Who directed Day the World Ended?

Roger Corman directed *Day the World Ended*. Known for his prolific output and knack for blending low-budget ingenuity with high-energy storytelling, Corman became synonymous with 1950s sci-fi and horror films.

Who stars in Day the World Ended?

The film features Richard Denning as the geologist, Lori Nelson as the survivalist's daughter, and Paul Birch as the stranded crook, alongside Mike Connors and Adele Jergens in key roles.

Is Day the World Ended (1955) worth watching?

*Day the World Ended* is a short but punchy entry in 1950s sci-fi horror, offering more atmosphere than polish. While it won't appeal to modern audiences seeking high-end effects, its tight runtime, eerie premise, and Corman's signature pacing make it a fun, if flawed, cult pick for fans of vintage creature features.

How long is Day the World Ended?

*Day the World Ended* runs for 79 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Day the World Ended (1955) — A Post-Nuclear Survival Horror Classic by Roger Corman

In *Day the World Ended (1955)*, director Roger Corman crafts a tense, low-budget thriller that blends post-apocalyptic dread with classic monster-movie thrills. When a nuclear strike devastates civilization, a ragtag group of survivors—including a skeptical geologist (Richard Denning), a stranded crook and his glamorous companion, a grizzled prospector, and a mysterious survivalist—seeks refuge in a secluded valley home. But their fragile sanctuary spirals into chaos as radiation mutates local wildlife into grotesque, deadly creatures. Corman's film thrives on atmosphere, using the isolation of the valley and the creeping horror of mutation to explore themes of survival, paranoia, and the unintended consequences of human hubris.

With its black-and-white cinematography and claustrophobic setting, *Day the World Ended* delivers a raw, energetic take on 1950s sci-fi horror. The cast, led by Denning and Lori Nelson, grounds the absurd premise in earnest performances, while Paul Birch and Mike Connors add layers of grit and desperation. The film's brevity—just 79 minutes—keeps the tension tight, making it a cult favorite for fans of vintage creature features and Roger Corman's signature style.