Performance & Direction: 51 Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is 51 (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and 51 features a noteworthy lineup led by Rachel Miner . Supported by the likes of Jason London and Bruce Boxleitner , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of 51 (2011) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: 51
Quick Plot Summary: 51 is a Science Fiction, Horror film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: 51
Ending Breakdown: 51 attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of 51 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch 51?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Science Fiction films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: 51
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
51 Budget
The estimated production budget for 51 is $1.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: 51
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch 51 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVYouTubeFandango At Home51 Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about 51 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of 51 is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.1/10, and global collection metrics, 51 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 51 worth watching?
51 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 4.1/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find 51 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for 51 identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of 51?
The total duration of 51 is 87 minutes, which is approximately 1h 27m long.
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How 51 Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for 51
What on planet Earth did I just watch?! I feel like a fool now watching the full entirety of this film, it's just stupid as hell. The acting was dreadful and the story just made no sense at all. A few News people are publicly allowed into the secretive Area 51 for the first time and then all a sudden without proper control from the military some aliens break out loose on a killing spree. One of the aliens has the ability to mimic people and how that one escaped is probably the stupidest thing to happen in the movie as it fools people in thinking they are the real person and the soldiers keep shooting at the wrong thing, accidentally killing the real person. The other aliens they just didn't show or explained how they got out, and they usually kill people using a tail which is obviously ripping off from Alien. Oh and there's a friendly telekinetic alien that talks like a computer... What?!!! This film is garbage, it's like the movie was made by aliens from the planet Stupid. Avoid this movie at all costs!
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
