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Arrival

Arrival

Why are they here?

2016116 minPG-13Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Denis Villeneuve
Starring
Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg

Taking place after alien crafts land around the world, an expert linguist is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Arrival?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Arrival streaming on Paramount+, Peacock and Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Arrival?

Arrival earns 11 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Arrival worth watching?

Arrival's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 3.7M ratings across 6 sources. 87% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

98th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)96th

80 /100

96th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2010s

Critics 81 · Audience 80

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

87% liked it

96th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2010s
87% rated it 7–1013% rated it 1–6

Critics 94% · Audience 83%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 15 wins / 84 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Original Score - Motion Picture
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama

99th percentile

3.7M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 40 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$47M
Opening weekend$24M
Domestic gross$101M
Worldwide gross$214M

Returned 4.5× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a slow-burn, dialogue-driven sci-fi drama that prioritizes ideas and atmosphere over action.

Fans praised

  • Amy Adams anchors the film with a subtle, emotionally rich lead performance
  • Thoughtful, intelligent script that explores language, time, and emotion without exposition
  • Haunting score and stunning cinematography that create an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere

Detractors panned

  • The linguistics is pseudo-scientific and the deciphering process is arbitrary and unrealistic
  • Supporting characters are hollow, with the physicist and military reduced to clichés and plot devices
  • Lazy writing, including a contrived romance and predictable twists

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Amy Adams's performance is lauded as subtle and emotionally deep; detractors find supporting cast weak

OriginalityDivisive85

Fans laud its fresh take on alien contact, while detractors call it derivative of other sci-fi

Cinematography85

Stunning visuals, atmospheric lighting, and elegant framing widely praised

AtmosphereDivisive85

Immersion and tone praised as otherworldly and absorbing, but detractors find it pretentious

Emotional impactDivisive75

Deeply moving for fans, but detractors feel it's manipulative and unearned

Plot and storyDivisive70

Praised for its intelligence and emotional payoff, but detractors see it as nonsensical and lazy

PacingDivisive65

Slow-burn pacing praised for building tension, but some find it dragging and boring

CharactersDivisive60

Louise is praised as a compelling protagonist, but secondary characters are called underdeveloped and hollow

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Arrival like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Mind-bender: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a puzzle and can give it your full attention.

It takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Mind-bender.

Moods
ContemplativeBittersweetDreadHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Dreamlike · 2% of films: Logic gives way to atmosphere and association.
The answer rests on this: Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film maintains a solemn, contemplative sincerity, never undercutting its emotional or philosophical weight while treating the alien encounter with grounded, thoughtful gravity.
The rideThe film sustains a hushed, contemplative dread from the opening moments, interspersed with bursts of tension, but the emotional and philosophical weight remains steady from start to finish.
StructureThe story intercuts scenes that initially appear as flashbacks but are later revealed to be flash-forwards, deliberately misleading the audience through Louise's perspective.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's emotional revelation about choice and fate leaves a lingering bittersweetness and prompts deep reflection on language, time, and love.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MysteryEnigma
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2% (this title)
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film is driven by the question of why the aliens have come, with the answer reshaping the protagonist's perception of time; the enigma of their language and purpose is the central mystery.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsHope · 5% of filmsGrief · 6% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates how language shapes identity and perception of time, while weaving through themes of grief and the hopeful choice to embrace life despite knowing its full arc.
StanceThe film questions how language and perception shape reality and identity, especially through the lens of time, without settling on a single answer.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientForeground music · original score
SettingA secluded military base in Montana and various global cities where alien ships have landed.
MusicJóhannsson's score uses processed strings and wordless vocals to create an otherworldly, emotionally resonant atmosphere that mirrors the film's themes of time and connection.

Content guide

Is Arrival okay for kids?

PG-13

Arrival is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for brief strong language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (20/100), sexual content at minimal (8/100), language at mild (31/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (5/100) and frightening material at moderate (41/100). Overall it is heavier than 6% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 32 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil10
  • Belgium14
  • BGC
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ
  • Hungary12
  • IndiaUA
  • IsraelPG-13
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • Russia16+
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan6+
  • THG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 8% of all filmsHeavier than 6% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 15%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 7%
Profanity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 23%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 4%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 44%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 44% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Arrival have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Arrival?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Amy Adams
as Louise Banks
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - DramaTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeremy Renner
as Ian Donnelly
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Forest Whitaker
as Colonel Weber
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michael Stuhlbarg
as Agent Halpern
Mark O'Brien
as Captain Marks
Tzi Ma
as General Shang
Abigail Pniowsky
as 8-Year-Old-Hannah
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Julia Scarlett Dan
as 12-Year-Old-Hannah
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jadyn Malone
as 6-Year-Old-Hannah
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Frank Schorpion
as Dr. Kettler
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Arrival?

Movies like Arrival include Enemy (2013), The Endless (2017) and The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008). Of the 12 closest matches, several are alien-contact stories, and most are films set in academia.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its subject: identity. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Arrival?

257 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: first contact. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.