Is Daybreakers Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Daybreakers is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Daybreakers Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2010, Daybreakers emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In the year 2019, a plague has transformed almost every human into a vampire. Unlike standard genre fare, Daybreakers 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 Daybreakers features a noteworthy lineup led by Ethan Hawke . Supported by the likes of Sam Neill and Willem Dafoe , 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 Daybreakers (2010) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Daybreakers Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Daybreakers is a Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction 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. In the year 2019, a plague has transformed almost every human into a vampire. Faced with a dwindling blood supply, the fractured dominant race plots their survival; meanwhile, a researcher works with a covert band of vampires on a way to save humankind. 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.
Daybreakers Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Daybreakers concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, 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 Daybreakers reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Daybreakers?
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
Daybreakers Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $51.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Daybreakers Budget
The estimated production budget for Daybreakers is $20.0M. 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 Daybreakers
- Ethan Hawke – Edward Dalton
- Sam Neill – Charles Bromley
- Willem Dafoe – Lionel 'Elvis' Cormac
- Claudia Karvan – Audrey Bennett
- Isabel Lucas – Alison Bromley
Top Highlights
Ethan HawkeEdward Dalton
Sam NeillCharles Bromley
Willem DafoeLionel 'Elvis' Cormac
Claudia KarvanAudrey Bennett
Isabel LucasAlison Bromley
Vince ColosimoChristopher Caruso
Jay Laga'aiaSenator Turner
Michael DormanFrankie Dalton
Harriet Minto-DayLisa Barrett
Tiffany LambNews Reader
Where to Watch Daybreakers Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Daybreakers is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Daybreakers stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2010 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daybreakers movie hit or flop?
Daybreakers has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Daybreakers worth watching?
Daybreakers is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Daybreakers online?
Daybreakers 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 Daybreakers Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Daybreakers
Not great but still entertaining vampire movie with a fun twist at the end. I'm not usually the biggest fan of vampire films, or zombie ones for that matter (I'm more a fan of classic slashers like Halloween and Friday the 13th) but this one wasn't too bad, aside from the occasional terrible CGI blood. Also helped that the film has Willem Dafoe in it, who I wish was the central character (though Hawke was by no means bad).
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
