Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Performance & Direction: Maze Runner: The Death Cure Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Maze Runner: The Death Cure features a noteworthy lineup led by Dylan O'Brien . Supported by the likes of Kaya Scodelario and Thomas Brodie-Sangster , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Quick Plot Summary: Maze Runner: The Death Cure is a Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary Last City, a WCKD-controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- 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 climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The sci-fi elements serve as a lens to examine contemporary issues such as technology's impact on humanity, the nature of consciousness, and our place in the universe.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Ending Breakdown: Maze Runner: The Death Cure resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to science fiction 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 science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Maze Runner: The Death Cure reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Maze Runner: The Death Cure?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Maze Runner: The Death Cure
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $62.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $288.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Maze Runner: The Death Cure Budget
The estimated production budget for Maze Runner: The Death Cure is $62.0M. 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: Maze Runner: The Death Cure
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YouTubeMaze Runner: The Death Cure Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about Maze Runner: The Death Cure age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Maze Runner: The Death Cure is 143 minutes (2h 23m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Maze Runner: The Death Cure is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maze Runner: The Death Cure worth watching?
Maze Runner: The Death Cure is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Maze Runner: The Death Cure parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Maze Runner: The Death Cure identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Maze Runner: The Death Cure?
The total duration of Maze Runner: The Death Cure is 143 minutes, which is approximately 2h 23m long.
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How Maze Runner: The Death Cure Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Good movie!
Thank you very much for not splitting this movie into two parts. As a member of _The Death Cure's_ audience I do genuinely appreciate that. I am less appreciative however of the movie itself. It doesn't at all pay off the confusion I suffered at the hands of the franchise. My opinion on the _Maze Runner_ series has been mixed, but I feel certain that this one is the worst, and not only that, but it kind of retroactively made me appreciate the first two less. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
With the main characters already introduced in the first two movies, The Death Cure skips over character reintroductions and dives straight into the action from the very first scene. While this fast-paced start keeps the energy high, it feels like a missed opportunity for the director to focus more on story growth and deepening character attachments in the opening act. That said, character buildup throughout the movie is an improvement over The Scorch Trials. There are several emotional scenes that add weight to the story and allow viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The production quality remains on par with the previous films, featuring impressive cinematography and solid visuals that capture the scale and intensity of the narrative. The film is packed with action sequences, which deliver plenty of excitement but ultimately lack depth. While the stakes are clear, the story misses an opportunity to create a more engaging conflict that keeps viewers on edge and conflicted about the central themes, such as the cure and its implications. The finale, while emotional, feels somewhat underwhelming. It hints at resolution but lacks the sense of closure expected from the conclusion of a trilogy. Despite its strong visuals and emotional moments, the film falls short of fully delivering on the promise of its story. The Death Cure delivers thrilling action and improved character moments but struggles to provide the narrative depth and satisfying closure that could have elevated the trilogy's conclusion.
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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