Is Apollo 18 Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Apollo 18 is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Apollo 18 Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2011, Apollo 18 emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Officially, Apollo 17 was the last manned mission to the moon. Unlike standard genre fare, Apollo 18 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Apollo 18 features a noteworthy lineup led by Ryan Robbins . Supported by the likes of Warren Christie and Lloyd Owen , 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 Apollo 18 (2011) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Apollo 18 Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Apollo 18 is a Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Officially, Apollo 17 was the last manned mission to the moon. But a year later in 1973, three American astronauts were sent on a secret mission to the moon funded by the US Department of Defense. What you are about to see is the actual footage which the astronauts captured on that mission. While NASA denies its authenticity, others say it's the real reason we've never gone back to the moon. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Apollo 18 Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Apollo 18 attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Apollo 18 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Apollo 18?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Apollo 18 Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $25.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Apollo 18 Budget
The estimated production budget for Apollo 18 is $5.0M. 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 Apollo 18
- Ryan Robbins – Lt. Col. John Grey
- Warren Christie – Capt. Benjamin Anderson
- Lloyd Owen – Cdr. Nathan Walker
- Andrew Airlie – Mission Control
- Michael Kopsa – Deputy Secretary of Defense
Top Highlights
Ryan RobbinsLt. Col. John Grey
Warren ChristieCapt. Benjamin Anderson
Lloyd OwenCdr. Nathan Walker
Andrew AirlieMission Control
Michael KopsaDeputy Secretary of Defense
Ali LiebertNate's Girlfriend
Kurt Max RunteLab Tech
Kim WylieLaura Anderson
Noah WylieRyan Anderson
Erica CarrollJohn's Fiancée
Where to Watch Apollo 18 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Apollo 18 is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Apollo 18 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apollo 18 movie hit or flop?
Apollo 18 has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Apollo 18 worth watching?
Apollo 18 is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Apollo 18 online?
Apollo 18 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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Critic Reviews for Apollo 18
Close up, intense and extremely claustrophobic. It's the type of horror mockumentry that I love. If you're not into old style blackbox film, don't watch it. If you're the type to not watch slower intro sequences maybe skip this one.
71/100 Presented as the unauthorized release of footage of the top secret Apollo 18 mission to the moon that didn't go very well. Being as this had low ratings, I wasn't expecting much and I was pleasantly surprised. This is an anxious little creepfest that had some truly tense and shocking moments. I think they effectively made it look like footage from 1973 and it felt very authentic right down to the equipment, the cinematography and the manner of conversation. And when panic starts to set in, it felt personal, genuine and you really cared about these guys. Good film! -- DrNostromo.com
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
