8.1
Where can I stream arrival legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for arrival in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
arrival
2025·Movie
·6min·PG-13·
arrival fingerprint
Strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Scare4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Romantic and wondrous
- Romance8
- Wonder8
- Pathos6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
The mind and mystery
- Ambiguity8
- World Immersion7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
arrival is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumRomantic and wondrous
Emotionally, it's romantic and wondrous.
All heart traits
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumThe mind and mystery
Its world is built around the mind and mystery. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Tech & Humanity5Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A psychological sci-fi drama about love, identity, and the unknown. After a mysterious encounter with an otherworldly light, Mia wakes up feeling unfamiliar in her own body and life. As she pieces together the events of the night before, she faces her partner, Haley, with a newfound sense of self—and a secret hidden behind glowing eyes. Is she still the same person, or has something else arrived in her place?
Psychological Sci-Fi ThrillerEerie Domestic MysteryIdentity & TransformationUncanny Valley HorrorRomantic DramaAtmospheric TensionPhilosophical InquirySlow-Burn NarrativeAmbiguous Ending
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about arrival
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is arrival worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 8.1 and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is arrival rated?
PG-13
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is arrival?
0 h 6 min
arrival runs 0 h 6 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on arrival?
Critics81
Audiences81
Yes. Critics average 81 and audiences 81 out of 100, so both groups see arrival much the same way.
What language is arrival in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does arrival use?
Poor Communication KillsTouched by VorlonsWham ShotThe Main Characters Do Everything"Eureka!" MomentNo Flow in CGINever Give the Captain a Straight AnswerConveniently Precise TranslationRecurring Camera ShotImported Alien PhlebotinumFirst-Contact MathThe Power of Languageand 122 more
TV Tropes lists 134 storytelling tropes for arrival, including Poor Communication Kills, Touched by Vorlons, Wham Shot.