RATING★ 5.6/10
VERDICT ABOVE AVERAGE
Friend Request (2016) movie backdrop
Friend Request (2016) movie poster

Friend Request Hit or Flop?

Rating
5.6/10
🎯Verdict
ABOVE AVERAGE
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
201692 minHorror, Thriller
Audience VerdictABOVE AVERAGE
Box Office ClassStandard

Friend Request

Friend Request Movie Hit or Flop?

ABOVE AVERAGE

Verdict:Friend Request is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.6/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Horror, Thriller genre.

Is Friend Request Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Friend Request is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.

It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

5.6/10 1,296 votes
92Minutes
2016Release Year
Visual Story
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Friend Request Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2016, Friend Request emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Enjoying college life as a popular student, Laura shares everything with her more than 800 friends on Facebook. Unlike standard genre fare, Friend Request 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 Friend Request features a noteworthy lineup led by Alycia Debnam-Carey . Supported by the likes of Connor Paolo and William Moseley , 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 Friend Request (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Friend Request Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: Friend Request is a Horror, Thriller 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. Enjoying college life as a popular student, Laura shares everything with her more than 800 friends on Facebook. But one day, after accepting a friend request from a social outcast named Marina, Laura’s life is cursed... 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.

Friend Request Ending Explained & Final Analysis

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

Who Should Watch Friend Request?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Friend Request Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $9.9M
Worldwide Gross $11.0M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Friend Request Budget

The estimated production budget for Friend Request is $9.9M. 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 Friend Request

  • Alycia Debnam-Carey – Laura
  • Connor Paolo – Kobe
  • William Moseley – Tyler
  • Brit Morgan – Olivia
  • Brooke Markham – Isabel

Top Highlights

Alycia Debnam-Carey
Alycia Debnam-CareyLaura
Connor Paolo
Connor PaoloKobe
William Moseley
William MoseleyTyler
Brit Morgan
Brit MorganOlivia
Brooke Markham
Brooke MarkhamIsabel
Sean Marquette
Sean MarquetteGustavo
Liesl Ahlers
Liesl AhlersMarina
Nicholas Pauling
Nicholas PaulingOfficer Dempsey
Shashawnee Hall
Shashawnee HallDet. Cameron
Susan Danford
Susan DanfordCaroline

Where to Watch Friend Request Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video
VI movies and tvVI movies and tv
Amazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Prime Video with Ads

🎟️ Rent on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

🏷️ Buy on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
Friend Request is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Friend Request stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2016 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Friend Request movie hit or flop?

Friend Request has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Friend Request worth watching?

Friend Request is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Friend Request online?

Friend Request is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, VI movies and tv, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Friend Request

How Friend Request Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Friend Request

🛡️

movieMx Verified

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
★ 5.6
Friend Request
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/friend-request-368031" 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;">★ 5.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Friend Request</div></div></a>

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