Is Broken Arrow Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Broken Arrow is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Broken Arrow Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1996, Broken Arrow emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When rogue stealth-fighter pilot Vic Deakins deliberately drops off the radar while on maneuvers, the Air Force ends up with two stolen nuclear warheads -- and Deakins's co-pilot, Riley Hale, is the military's only hope for getting them back. Unlike standard genre fare, Broken Arrow attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Broken Arrow features a noteworthy lineup led by John Travolta . Supported by the likes of Christian Slater and Samantha Mathis , 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 Broken Arrow (1996) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Broken Arrow Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Broken Arrow is a Action, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. When rogue stealth-fighter pilot Vic Deakins deliberately drops off the radar while on maneuvers, the Air Force ends up with two stolen nuclear warheads -- and Deakins's co-pilot, Riley Hale, is the military's only hope for getting them back. Traversing the deserted canyons of Utah, Hale teams with park ranger Terry Carmichael to put Deakins back in his box. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Broken Arrow Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Broken Arrow concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Broken Arrow reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Broken Arrow?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Broken Arrow Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $150.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Broken Arrow Budget
The estimated production budget for Broken Arrow is $50.0M. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Broken Arrow
- John Travolta – Vic Deakins
- Christian Slater – Riley Hale
- Samantha Mathis – Terry Carmichael
- Delroy Lindo – Colonel Max Wilkins
- Frank Whaley – Giles Prentice
Top Highlights
John TravoltaVic Deakins
Christian SlaterRiley Hale
Samantha MathisTerry Carmichael
Delroy LindoColonel Max Wilkins
Frank WhaleyGiles Prentice
Bob GuntonPritchett
Howie LongKelly
Jack ThompsonChairman, Joint Chief of Staff
Kurtwood SmithSecretary of Defense Baird
Vondie Curtis-HallLt. Colonel Sam Rhodes
Where to Watch Broken Arrow Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Broken Arrow is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Broken Arrow stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Broken Arrow movie hit or flop?
Broken Arrow has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Broken Arrow worth watching?
Broken Arrow is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Broken Arrow online?
Broken Arrow 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.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Broken Arrow
How Broken Arrow Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Broken Arrow
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
