Area 51 poster

Area 51

"They're Here."

Movie R 2015 1h 31m 4.9 /10
Directed by Oren Peli

Three young conspiracy theorists set out to crack the mysteries surrounding Area 51, the government site surrounded by whispers of alien encounters. They film their fieldwork as they hunt for clues, hoping to assemble undeniable proof. As the trio digs deeper, their theories collide with a colder... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 07, 2026

About Area 51

Three young conspiracy theorists set out to crack the mysteries surrounding Area 51, the government site surrounded by whispers of alien encounters. They film their fieldwork as they hunt for clues, hoping to assemble undeniable proof. As the trio digs deeper, their theories collide with a colder reality than they anticipated, and the trail leads them to a hidden layer of information that tests their trust in each other. The more they uncover, the heavier the sense of danger becomes, turning a dare into a reckoning. The film blends tension and a claustrophobic atmosphere without revealing every twist, keeping some discoveries off screen. The found footage feel adds immediacy making the questions feel personal and the danger tangible for viewers.

Directed by Oren Peli, Area 51 released in 2015 as an original screenplay project. Made on a modest budget, the film aims to mix horror and mystery with sci fi through a lean production approach, leaning on practical effects.

The film drew mixed reactions, with a modest band of viewers rating it around 4.9 out of 10 from 625 votes. It grapples with curiosity and secrecy, portraying the lure and cost of chasing forbidden knowledge as the stakes rise. Their camaraderie is tested as curiosity erodes into danger.

There are no major awards or nominations credited to Area 51. The film sits with limited festival attention and a niche audience, reflecting its indie status rather than a splash at the ceremony circuit. That said, genre outlets highlight its ambition and the risk of stepping into Area 51 mythos.

Its cultural footprint is modest outside genre circles. Area 51 has not spawned iconic quotes or repeated scenes, and its influence is mostly as part of the ongoing Area 51 mythos rather than a standout meme or reference. Fans who hunt for Area 51 related projects might notice its contributions.

Details

Release Date
May 15, 2015
Runtime
1h 31m
Rating
R
User Ratings
625 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction
Country
United States
Studio
Insurge Pictures +4 more
Budget
$5,000,000
Box Office
$7,556
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Frank Novak

Frank Novak

Frank Novak

Reid Warner

Reid Warner

Reid

Darrin Bragg

Darrin Bragg

Darrin

Ben Rovner

Ben Rovner

Ben

Jelena Nik

Jelena Nik

Jelena

D

David Thornsberry

Employee

A

Amelia Thornsberry

Employee Daughter

Jennefer Folsom

Jennefer Folsom

Jennefer Ludwigsen

Roy Abramsohn

Roy Abramsohn

Jim Nelson

G

Glenn Campbell

Glenn Campbell

Director: Oren Peli

Frequently Asked Questions

Area 51 is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 4.9/10 from 625 viewers, Area 51 is divisive among viewers - your mileage may vary. It's a good pick if you enjoy horror, mystery, and science fiction stories.

Three young conspiracy theorists set out to crack the mysteries surrounding Area 51, the government site surrounded by whispers of alien encounters. They film their fieldwork as they hunt for clues, hoping to assemble undeniable proof. As the trio digs deeper, their theories collide with a colder...

Frank Novak plays a character named Frank Novak in Area 51. The film's top cast also features Reid Warner as Reid, Darrin Bragg as Darrin, Ben Rovner as Ben, and Jelena Nik as Jelena.

Yes, Area 51 blends horror with mystery and science fiction, and it's rated R. The film uses suspense and frightening imagery that may be intense for some viewers.