Is Once Upon a Time Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Once Upon a Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Once Upon a Time Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Once Upon a Time emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Fantasy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Bai Qian, a goddess and monarch from the Heavenly Realms, is sent to the mortal world to undergo a trial to become a High Goddess. Unlike standard genre fare, Once Upon a Time attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Once Upon a Time features a noteworthy lineup led by Liu Yifei . Supported by the likes of Yang Yang and Luo Jin , 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 Once Upon a Time (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Once Upon a Time Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Once Upon a Time is a Drama, Fantasy, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Once Upon a Time Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Once Upon a Time concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Once Upon a Time reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Once Upon a Time?
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
Once Upon a Time Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $22.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Once Upon a Time Budget
The estimated production budget for Once Upon a Time is $22.0M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Once Upon a Time
- Liu Yifei – Bai Qian / Si Yin / Su Su
- Yang Yang – Ye Hua / Mo Yuan
- Luo Jin – Zhe Yan
- Kevin Yan – Qing Cang
- Li Chun – Su Jin
Top Highlights
Liu YifeiBai Qian / Si Yin / Su Su
Yang YangYe Hua / Mo Yuan
Luo JinZhe Yan
Kevin YanQing Cang
Li ChunSu Jin
Xuan GuXuan Nu
Zhang YaqinNai Nai
Huang XiaogePink Fairy
Chen Peisi
Heming Zhang
Where to Watch Once Upon a Time Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Once Upon a Time has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Fantasy, Romance), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Once Upon a Time stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Once Upon a Time movie hit or flop?
Once Upon a Time has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Once Upon a Time worth watching?
Once Upon a Time is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Fantasy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Once Upon a Time online?
Once Upon a Time may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Once Upon a Time
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
