The Man from Earth (2007)
Kernel Score: 85% · 2,831 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Science Fiction, Drama
Released: 2007-06-10
Runtime: 87 minutes
Is The Man from Earth worth watching?
Worth watching. A small, clever film that takes place in one room and rests entirely on a conversation. It's low-budget and talky, but the idea is strong enough to carry it, and viewers love it.
Watch it if you
- like big ideas in small packages
- enjoy talky science fiction
- want a film that makes you think
Skip it if you
- need action or effects
- dislike stage-like films
Best for: Quiet thinking night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Man from Earth
- Stream: Prime Video, Philo, Fandor
- Free with ads: The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Fandango at Home
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A departing professor gathers his closest colleagues for an intimate farewell, but the night takes an unexpected turn when he shares a stunning secret about his past. As the conversation unfolds, skepticism and curiosity collide, challenging everything they thought they knew about history, science, and belief.
The Man from Earth parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Man from Earth is an NR sci-fi drama built around philosophical and religious debate rather than action or objectionable content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Man from Earth
If you liked The Man from Earth, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Mr. Nobody (2009) — 88%: Mind-bending film about choices and time
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) — 90%: Romantic sci-fi about memory
- The Age of Adaline (2015) — 84%: Romantic fantasy about living a very long time
- Her (2013) — 94%: Thoughtful sci-fi about connection
- Solaris (1972) — 89%: Slow, thoughtful science fiction
- Stranger Than Fiction (2006) — 81%: Quirky comedy-drama with a strong central idea
Director
Richard Schenkman
Cast
- David Lee Smith as John Oldman
- Tony Todd as Dan
- John Billingsley as Harry
- Ellen Crawford as Edith
- Annika Peterson as Sandy
- Alexis Thorpe as Linda Murphy
- William Katt as Art
- Richard Riehle as Dr. Will Gruber
- Steven Littles as Moving Man #1
- Chase Sprague as Moving Man #2
The Man from Earth FAQ
Is The Man from Earth worth watching?
Worth watching. A small, clever film that takes place in one room and rests entirely on a conversation. It's low-budget and talky, but the idea is strong enough to carry it, and viewers love it.
Where can I watch The Man from Earth?
In the US you can stream The Man from Earth on Prime Video, Philo and Fandor, watch it free with ads on The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome and Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Man from Earth OK for kids?
The Man from Earth is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Man from Earth is an NR sci-fi drama built around philosophical and religious debate rather than action or objectionable content.
What movies are like The Man from Earth?
If you liked The Man from Earth, try Mr. Nobody, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Age of Adaline and Her.