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The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

Cult Classics

The Man Who Fell to Earth

Sci-Fi

|

1976

|

United Kingdom / United States

A $1.5 M surreal sci-fi odyssey starring David Bowie that blurred the line between fame and alienation.

Production Facts

Director:

Nicolas Roeg

Starring:

David Bowie, Rip Torn, Candy Clark, Buck Henry

Distribution:

British Lion Films / Cinema 5 Distributing

Platform:

Criterion Channel, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Budget:

$1,495,000

Gross:

$3,395,000

ROI:

Key Lesson:

You don’t need big stars or gear — you need tension, timing, and a story people talk about. Peli shot this entirely in his home with a consumer camcorder and built terror from atmosphere. The film’s viral word-of-mouth campaign redefined how indie horror could reach audiences.

Legacy:

Spawned a billion-dollar franchise, revived found-footage horror, and proved that creative storytelling can outperform CGI-heavy blockbusters. A landmark example for filmmakers on how to leverage simplicity and authenticity into massive profit.

IMDB:

/ 10

📊

+

Audience Ratings

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did The Man Who Fell to Earth become a cult classic?

Its hypnotic visuals, philosophical themes, and David Bowie’s haunting performance turned it into a symbol of artistic sci-fi.

How much did The Man Who Fell to Earth cost to make?

Around $1.5 million — it grossed $3.4 million and became a long-term arthouse success through decades of re-releases.

Where can I watch The Man Who Fell to Earth?

It’s available on the Criterion Channel, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.