Year: 1958
Runtime: 70 mins
Language: English
Director: Robert J. Gurney Jr.
Erling and investor Victor build a time‑machine to steal objects from the past. Their find, a statuette dated to 5200 AD, draws colleague Richard Hedges to their lab. Erling says 20th‑c. items sent through device are exchanged for artifacts, while Victor hopes to bring a living being through. The film asks if future needs help or present is in danger.
Get a spoiler-free look at Terror from the Year 5000 (1958) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
On a remote Florida island, a clandestine laboratory hums with the promise—and peril—of a breakthrough that could rewrite history. Visionary scientist Howard Erling has assembled a team around his ambitious time‑machine, a device capable of reaching across centuries. With the help of his eager investor, Victor, they begin to test the limits of physics, sending objects forward and back in time in hopes of harvesting treasures from eras long past.
Their first extraordinary find is a small, metallic statuette that bears the unmistakable markings of a future date: the year 5200 AD. The artifact’s unexpected origin ignites both awe and anxiety, prompting Erling to propose a daring exchange—modern 20th‑century items sent through the machine could be swapped for even more valuable relics from an unknown future. Victor, however, is drawn to a darker possibility: the chance to retrieve a living being, a step that could change humanity’s understanding of existence itself.
When renowned archaeologist Richard Hedges is invited to examine the enigmatic statue, the laboratory’s fragile balance shifts. Hedges brings a scholarly curiosity that clashes with Erling’s optimism and Victor’s restless ambition, creating a tense dynamic that underpins every conversation. Adding to the mix is Claire, Erling’s daughter, whose personal ties to the project deepen the emotional stakes without yet revealing the true cost of their experiments.
The film settles into a mood of quiet dread and cerebral suspense, blending sleek scientific wonder with a lingering sense that tampering with time may awaken forces beyond anyone’s control. As the team wrestles with ethical questions—whether the future needs their aid or the present is in jeopardy—the island becomes a crucible where curiosity, hubris, and the unknown converge, leaving the audience to wonder how far humanity should reach when the line between discovery and danger blurs.
Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 17:49
Don't stop at just watching — explore Terror from the Year 5000 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Terror from the Year 5000 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Terror from the Year 5000, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Terror from the Year 5000 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Terror from the Year 5000 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Terror from the Year 5000 (1958) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Terror from the Year 5000 (1958) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Terror from the Year 5000 (1958) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Terror from the Year 5000 – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Parasite (1982) Full Movie Breakdown
Exterminators of the Year 3000 (1983) Movie Recap & Themes
TerrorVision (1986) Film Overview & Timeline
The Terror Within (1989) Film Overview & Timeline
Assignment Terror (1970) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Creeping Terror (1964) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Journey to the Center of Time (1967) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Phantom from 10,000 Leagues (1955) Detailed Story Recap
Terror Inside (2008) Movie Recap & Themes
Not of This Earth (1957) Full Movie Breakdown
Terror (1978) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958) Story Summary & Characters
Project: Metalbeast (1995) Detailed Story Recap
The Terror (1963) Movie Recap & Themes
In the Year 2889 (1969) Detailed Story Recap