Performance & Direction: I Am Legend Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is I Am Legend (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and I Am Legend features a noteworthy lineup led by Will Smith . Supported by the likes of Alice Braga and Charlie Tahan , 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 I Am Legend (2007) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: I Am Legend
Quick Plot Summary: I Am Legend is a Drama, Science Fiction, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Robert Neville is a scientist who was unable to stop the spread of the terrible virus that was incurable and man-made. Immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and perhaps the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- 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 emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: I Am Legend
Ending Breakdown: I Am Legend resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of I Am Legend reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch I Am Legend?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: I Am Legend
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $150.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $585.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
I Am Legend Budget
The estimated production budget for I Am Legend is $150.0M. 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.
Top Cast: I Am Legend
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Where to Watch I Am Legend Online?
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YouTubeI Am Legend Parents Guide & Age Rating
2007 AdvisoryWondering about I Am Legend age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of I Am Legend is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, I Am Legend stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2007 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Am Legend worth watching?
I Am Legend is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find I Am Legend parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for I Am Legend identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of I Am Legend?
The total duration of I Am Legend is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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Critic Reviews for I Am Legend
Oh this one just hurts. I mean, shout out to Will Smith. In 2022 he might be a beta fool, but he was still charming as all get out in this movie. It just wasn't what it was supposed to be. The source material was pretty amazing. Richard Matheson was on a pretty high horse when he wrote it and it came out as a pretty philosophical masterpiece in the way that only science fiction can. It examined something and then it took that examination and turned it into a story... like science fiction should. But "I Am Legend" just sort of examines Will Smith and the philosophical musings that made the source material great took a back seat to special effects and monsters and Smith. It could have been something that people are still talking about instead of something people forgot.
**I Am Legend is not a typical sci-fi action thriller but an excellent deeper story that focuses on a lonely man and the price he pays to try to save humanity.** I Am Legend follows the story of an isolated survivor still trying to find a cure to a pandemic that turned the world into crazed mutants. The movie's scale and cinematography are impressive, with large wide shots of nature slowly reclaiming the city of New York. Will Smith's performance carries the film (and kind of has to since he is alone for most of it). His emotion and conviction brilliantly convey the cost of his isolation and the toll years of suffering have taken on him. Long before John Wick had his dog, Robert Neville (Will Smith) had his dog in I Am Legend, and their relationship tugs on the heartstrings throughout the film. I Am Legend gives moments of suspense and horror, great action scenes, and psychological drama. I also enjoyed the religious references in the movie. There are really only two flaws I see in this film: > 1. The CGI is dated and disappointing by today's standards, but it wasn't all that bad when the movie was first released. > 2. The theatrical ending was decent, but if you can watch the alternate ending, do it! It is significantly better and helps fill some plot holes from earlier in the film (I believe the alternate ending was probably the original ending). I Am Legend is an excellent story of survival and the breaking of a survivor's hope and mind. Will Smith's incredible performance makes this movie one of the better survival post-apocalyptic films.
Awesome movie! See kind of what life would be if you were the last one on it. The problem is battling the evil that took over.
I wanna talk about the ending of the movie, but I won't. It would overshadow a good movie and pretty good performances. Having Will Smith in the lead of the film made the movie. He was in control of the movie, selling the hole, fear and isolation that existed. His acts largely solo and manages to make you feel the desperation. There are some super sad moments in the movie, and it looks very bleak for the second half of the film. Then, the ending. Nothing I say will be any different than any else. Not sure why they got cute and changed it from the book. That's what's holding it back from a higher score.
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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