The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Kernel Score: 79% · 765 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller
Released: 1971-03-12
Runtime: 131 minutes
Where to watch The Andromeda Strain
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When virtually all of the residents of Piedmont, New Mexico, are found dead after the return to Earth of a space satellite, the head of the US Air Force's Project Scoop declares an emergency. A group of eminent scientists led by Dr. Jeremy Stone scramble to a secure laboratory and try to first isolate the life form while determining why two people from Piedmont - an old alcoholic and a six-month-old baby - survived. The scientists methodically study the alien life form unaware that it has already mutated and presents a far greater danger in the lab, which is equipped with a nuclear self-destruct device designed to prevent the escape of dangerous biological agents.
The Andromeda Strain parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Andromeda Strain is a 1971 sci-fi thriller about a deadly extraterrestrial pathogen; it features tense scientific peril but no graphic gore or sex.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts mass death from a mysterious pathogen and a nuclear self-destruct threat, but violence is largely clinical/off-screen rather than graphic.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — A survivor is noted as an alcoholic; drinking is referenced but not shown in detail.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Andromeda Strain
If you liked The Andromeda Strain, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- War of the Worlds (2005) — 70%
- Disclosure Day (2026) — 79%
- Contact (1997) — 84%
- The Thirteenth Floor (1999) — 78%
- Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970) — 74%
- The Flu (2013) — 85%
- Minority Report (2002) — 83%
- Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Arthur Hill as Dr. Jeremy Stone
- David Wayne as Dr. Charles Dutton
- James Olson as Dr. Mark Hall
- Kate Reid as Dr. Ruth Leavitt
- Paula Kelly as Karen Anson
- George Mitchell as Jackson
- Ramon Bieri as Major Manchek
- Peter Hobbs as General Sparks
- Kermit Murdock as Dr. Robertson
- Richard O'Brien as Grimes
The Andromeda Strain FAQ
Is The Andromeda Strain good?
The Andromeda Strain has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 765 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Andromeda Strain?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Andromeda Strain OK for kids?
The Andromeda Strain is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Andromeda Strain is a 1971 sci-fi thriller about a deadly extraterrestrial pathogen; it features tense scientific peril but no graphic gore or sex.
What movies are like The Andromeda Strain?
If you liked The Andromeda Strain, try War of the Worlds, Disclosure Day, Contact and The Thirteenth Floor.