Encounter with the Unknown (1972): cast, story & where to watch
1972 · Film · ★ 4
Released in 1972, Encounter with the Unknown is a horror and mystery film directed by Harry Thomason, running about 90 minutes. “An incredible journey into the supernatural.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Three eerie tales based on actual events are enacted in this film. First, three college students play a prank on a geeky classmate, who is accidentally shot and killed. His vengeful mother forecasts the deaths of the three young men she holds responsible, on 7, 14, and 21 days hence. And, one by one, her grim predictions come true. Next, a ghoulish sound emanates from a mist-shrouded hole in the Earth near where a Missouri boy has lost his dog. The boy's father is lowered into the hole and lets out an agonizing scream! Finally, a senator returning home from a party finds a lost girl on a bridge and learns from her father that she died years earlier
Who’s in it. Encounter with the Unknown stars Rod Serling as Narrator (voice), Robert Ginnaven as Father Duane, Gary Brockette as Frank Cameron and John Leslie as Randy Powell, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.0/10, Encounter with the Unknown has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Bloodstream and rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Encounter with the Unknown page.
If you liked it. Fans of Encounter with the Unknown tend to enjoy Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, The Shining and Alien.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Encounter with the Unknown (1972)?
- In US, Encounter with the Unknown is available to stream on Bloodstream, and rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Encounter with the Unknown worth watching?
- Encounter with the Unknown holds an audience score of 4.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy horror and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Encounter with the Unknown?
- Encounter with the Unknown stars Rod Serling, Robert Ginnaven, Gary Brockette, John Leslie and Tom Haywood.
- When was Encounter with the Unknown released?
- Encounter with the Unknown was released in 1972, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.