Death Wish

  • 2018
  • R
  • 107m
movieMx RATING
6.2/102.7K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Death Wish Review

Last updated: January 26, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 26, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Death Wish (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Death Wish features a noteworthy lineup led by Bruce Willis . Supported by the likes of Vincent D'Onofrio and Dean Norris , 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 Death Wish (2018) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Death Wish stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Death Wish

Quick Plot Summary: Death Wish is a Action, Crime, Thriller, Drama film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding 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. A mild-mannered father is transformed into a killing machine after his family is torn apart by a violent act. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.

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.

Ending Explained: Death Wish

Ending Breakdown: Death Wish 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 Death Wish reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Death Wish Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Death Wish incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, thriller, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Death Wish adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Death Wish?

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

Box Office Collection: Death Wish

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $30.0M
Worldwide Gross $34.0M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Death Wish Budget

The estimated production budget for Death Wish is $30.0M. 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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Top Cast: Death Wish

All Cast & Crew →
Bruce Willis
Bruce WillisPaul Kersey
Vincent D'Onofrio
Vincent D'OnofrioFrank Kersey
Dean Norris
Dean NorrisDetective Rains
Elisabeth Shue
Elisabeth ShueLucy Kersey
Camila Morrone
Camila MorroneJordan Kersey
Kimberly Elise
Kimberly EliseDetective Jackson
Jack Kesy
Jack KesyThe Fish
Mike Epps
Mike EppsDr. Chris Salgado
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Where to Watch Death Wish Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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Death Wish Parents Guide & Age Rating

2018 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Death Wish age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Death Wish is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Death Wish is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Death Wish is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Death Wish. Rating: 6.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Death Wish worth watching?

Death Wish is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Death Wish parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Death Wish identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Death Wish?

The total duration of Death Wish is 107 minutes, which is approximately 1h 47m long.

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Critic Reviews for Death Wish

🛡️

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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
Death Wish
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/death-wish-395990" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.2</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Death Wish</div></div></a>

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