Verdict:Descendants: The Rise of Red is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.8/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Fantasy, Adventure, Family, Comedy genre.
Answer: Yes, Descendants: The Rise of Red is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2024, Descendants: The Rise of Red emerges as a significant entry in the Fantasy, Adventure, Family, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After the Queen of Hearts incites a coup on Auradon, her rebellious daughter Red and Cinderella's perfectionist daughter Chloe join forces and travel back in time to try to undo the traumatic event that set Red's mother down her villainous path. Unlike standard genre fare, Descendants: The Rise of Red attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Descendants: The Rise of Red features a noteworthy lineup led by Kylie Cantrall . Supported by the likes of Malia Baker and Ruby Rose Turner , 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.
In summary, our editorial assessment of Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Quick Plot Summary: Descendants: The Rise of Red is a Fantasy, Adventure, Family, Comedy film that transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. After the Queen of Hearts incites a coup on Auradon, her rebellious daughter Red and Cinderella's perfectionist daughter Chloe join forces and travel back in time to try to undo the traumatic event that set Red's mother down her villainous path. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Ending Breakdown: Descendants: The Rise of Red concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to fantasy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
The final moments of Descendants: The Rise of Red reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Worth Watching If You:
VI movies and tvAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Descendants: The Rise of Red stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2024 cinematic year.
Descendants: The Rise of Red has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Descendants: The Rise of Red is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Fantasy, Adventure, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Descendants: The Rise of Red is currently available for streaming on VI movies and tv. You can also check for it on platforms like VI movies and tv depending on your region.
Comfortably the best 'Descendants' movie. 'Descendants 2' is the only one of the prior three that I didn't dislike, I didn't even like that 2017 release but it is at least better than the original flick (especially!) and 'Descendants 3'. This one is a spin-off and actually loses cast members from the trilogy, which should be a negative as they were the 'best' elements of that series. However, this cast are good. Kylie Cantrall is a positive addition as Red, as is Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts. Other newcomers who are pluses are Brandy and Malia Baker, Jeremy Swift is decent too. It isn't just the onscreen talent that come out positively, the story and music (no cringe induced, miraculously) are too - they are much improved. I am surprised there weren't any major twists (unless they come in a sequel, of course), but that's not a negative. I'm also a fan of how colourful the movie looks, visually it's probably an improvement too. All in all, I'm surprised at how fairly enjoyable this was to sit through - something I hadn't yet experienced with this franchise. Based on the Letterboxd average rating that I see post-watch, it is much lower rated than the other three films. Typical! Probably explains why I liked it, perhaps what I previously found cringe is what makes 'Descendants', 'Descendants'? Each to their own and all that.
**I just watched Descendants 4 and it was an emotional rollercoaster that exceeded my expectations. As a long-time fan, it was hard not seeing the original main cast, especially Dove Cameron and the others who brought so much magic to the first three movies. I deeply felt the absence of Cameron Boyce, who played Carlos. The tribute to him at the beginning, showing his picture and seeing the tears on Uma's (China Anne McClain) face, was incredibly moving and a beautiful way to honor his memory. Despite the changes, the new characters brought fresh energy to the story. Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts was a standout with her deliciously malevolent portrayal. I loved seeing her in this role; she brought a unique flair and intensity that made her character unforgettable. Another highlight was Red (Kylie Cantrall), who added a dynamic presence to the story and felt like a natural fit in the Descendants universe. The plot was engaging, the music fantastic, and the choreography spectacular. The film stayed true to the spirit of the Descendants while exploring new directions. Overall, Descendants 4 was a satisfying continuation of the beloved series. It balanced the bittersweet emotions of missing the original cast with the excitement of new adventures. This movie is a must-watch for any Descendants fan and a beautiful tribute to Cameron Boyce's legacy.**
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise
