Is 51 Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, 51 is likely a skip if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
51 Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2011, 51 emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Due to political pressure from the American public, the Air Force has decided to allow two well-known reporters limited access to the most secretive base on the planet. Unlike standard genre fare, 51 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
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.
51 Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
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.
51 Ending Explained & Final Analysis
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
51 Box Office Collection
| 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of 51
- Rachel Miner – Sgt. Hannah
- Jason London – Aaron 'Shoes' Schumacher
- Bruce Boxleitner – Col. Martin
- Vanessa Branch – Claire
- Tammi Arender –
Top Highlights
Rachel MinerSgt. Hannah
Jason LondonAaron 'Shoes' Schumacher
Bruce BoxleitnerCol. Martin
Vanessa BranchClaire
Tammi Arender
John SheaSam Whitaker
Ivan ĐurovićLady Death
Where to Watch 51 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
51 is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
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.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 51 movie hit or flop?
51 is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.1/10 and lower collections.
Is 51 worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.1/10, 51 may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch 51 online?
51 may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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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 analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
