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Arrival

2016·Movie
1h 56min·PG-13
83
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.9Metacritic818.2Rotten Tomatoes94%83%
IMDb7.9Metacritic818.2Rotten Tomatoes94%83%

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Paramount+KanopyHooplaFree

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Arrival fingerprint

Masterful craft, stunning style, no humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension6
  • Spectacle5
  • Fast Pace3

Heart

Deeply moving and cathartic

Much of it is about family.

  • Pathos9
  • Catharsis8
  • Wonder8

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy0
  • Physical Comedy0

World

The mind, the future, and mystery

Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.

  • World Immersion9
  • Rewatchability9
  • Novelty8

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and storytelling

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Direction9
  • Acting9
  • Narrative Structure9

Style

Standout score, cinematography, and editing

  • Music Composition10
  • Cinematography9
  • Editing9

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

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Suspense moviesPsychological moviesBittersweet moviesMind-Bending moviesAtmospheric movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Why are they here?

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.
Intellectual Sci-FiLinguistic PuzzleEmotional GriefNon-Linear StructureAtmospheric TensionAlien CommunicationPhilosophical DeterminismStunning ScoreQuiet IntensityTime Perception

Crew

Directed by:
Denis Villeneuve, Donald Sparks, Marie-Julie Dallaire
Written by:
Eric Heisserer, Ted Chiang, Jessica Coon
Produced by:
Shawn Levy, Eric Heisserer, Francine Maisler
Composed by:
Jóhann Jóhannsson, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Jóhann Jóhannsson

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Arrival

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Arrival legally?

Paramount+KanopyHoopla

Arrival is included with a subscription to Paramount+ in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Arrival worth watching?

83
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Arrival rated?

PG-13Disturbing imagery

It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.

How long is Arrival?

1 h 56 min

Arrival runs 1 h 56 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Arrival?

Critics88
Audiences81

Yes. Critics average 88 and audiences 81 out of 100, so both groups see Arrival much the same way.

Was Arrival a box office hit?

Budget$47 million
Box office$203 million

Yes. It cost about $47 million to make and earned $203 million worldwide, 4.3 times its budget.

What language is Arrival in?

EnglishChineseRussian

It was made in English, with some Chinese, Russian. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Arrival?

108ADAEAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBG+94

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Arrival in 108 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Arrival use?

Scenery PornTroubled Backstory FlashbackTitle DropChekhov's GunmanWhat Happened to the Mouse?Creepy GoodTouched by VorlonsOpening MonologueArtistic License – LinguisticsCut Phone LinesWhite-and-Grey MoralityOminous Fogand 122 more

TV Tropes lists 134 storytelling tropes for Arrival, including Scenery Porn, Troubled Backstory Flashback, Title Drop.