I Am Number Four
Performance & Direction: I Am Number Four Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is I Am Number Four (2011) 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 I Am Number Four features a noteworthy lineup led by Alex Pettyfer . Supported by the likes of Dianna Agron and Teresa Palmer , 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 Number Four (2011) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: I Am Number Four
Quick Plot Summary: I Am Number Four is a Action, Thriller, Science Fiction, Adventure 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 teenage fugitive with an incredible secret races to stay one step ahead of the mysterious forces seeking destroy him in this sci-fi action thriller. With three dead and one on the run, the race to find the elusive Number Four begins. Outwardly normal teen John Smith never gets too comfortable in the same identity, and along with his guardian, Henri, he is constantly moving from town to town. With each passing day, John gains a stronger grasp on his extraordinary new powers, and his bond to the beings that share his fantastic fate grows stronger. 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: I Am Number Four
Ending Breakdown: I Am Number Four 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 I Am Number Four reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch I Am Number Four?
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: I Am Number Four
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $149.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
I Am Number Four Budget
The estimated production budget for I Am Number Four is $50.0M. 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 Number Four
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch I Am Number Four Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeI Am Number Four Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about I Am Number Four age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of I Am Number Four is 109 minutes (1h 49m). 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, I Am Number Four is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Am Number Four worth watching?
I Am Number Four 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 I Am Number Four parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for I Am Number Four identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of I Am Number Four?
The total duration of I Am Number Four is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.
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How I Am Number Four Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for I Am Number Four
_**“I am not a number; I’m a free man”**_ John is a very gifted teen (Alex Pettyfer) who keeps having to move from town to town with his guardian (Timothy Olyphant) because they’re actually alien fugitives on the run from malevolent extraterrestrials called Mogs. They start over in southwestern Ohio and John insists on going to high school where he meets a special girl (Dianna Agron). Callan McAuliffe is on hand as a notorious geek at school while Teresa Palmer plays a mystery woman whose identity is revealed in the last act. “I Am Number Four” (2011) was based on the book by Pittacus Lore (aka James Frey & Jobie Hughes). I never heard of the flick until stumbling upon it on streaming. It turns out that this was a fairly big production, costing $60 million and being produced by Michael Bay. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the film starts out too busy, like it’s in a rush, not to mention there’s zero subtlety about the nature of the protagonists and their extraterrestrial-oriented dilemma. But the flick soon finds its footing once the setting switches to Ohio and John goes to school. This, of course, brings to mind “Twilight” (2008), but “I Am Number Four” is way more ballsy. Yes, it’s comic booky, but who cares? It delivers the goods as sci-fi drama/action. The creativity turned my head on a few occasions and when Teresa Palmer shows up in the final act, it’s all the better. Then there’s the cute dog with a revelation. Unfortunately, there was never a sequel even though the ending lays the groundwork. While the movie made $55 million domestically and $150 million worldwide, it was considered a disappointment. The fools. The film runs 1 hour, 51 minutes, and was shot in southwestern Pennsylvania as follows: Monaca (Sam’s house), Murrysville (high school), Beaver & Beaver Falls (the falls, etc.), McKeesport (house party & police car scenes), Vandergrift (street light explodes), Harmony (cemetery scene) and Pittsburgh. The opening was shot in Islamorada, Florida, with a scene or two done in Santa Clarita, California. GRADE: A-
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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.
