Is Sphinx Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Sphinx is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 118 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Sphinx Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, Sphinx emerges as a significant entry in the Adventure, Mystery, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Egyptologist Erica Baron finds more than she bargained for during her long-planned trip to The Land of the Pharoahs - murder, theft, betrayal, love, and a mummy's curse!. Unlike standard genre fare, Sphinx attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sphinx features a noteworthy lineup led by Lesley-Anne Down . Supported by the likes of Frank Langella and Maurice Ronet , 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 Sphinx (1981) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Sphinx Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Sphinx is a Adventure, Mystery, Thriller film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Sphinx Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Sphinx attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to adventure 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 adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Sphinx reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Sphinx?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Adventure films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Sphinx Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $14.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Sphinx Budget
The estimated production budget for Sphinx is $14.0M. 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 Sphinx
- Lesley-Anne Down – Erica Baron
- Frank Langella – Akmed Khazzan
- Maurice Ronet – Yvon Mageot
- John Gielgud – Abdu-Hamdi
- Vic Tablian – Khalifa
Top Highlights
Lesley-Anne DownErica Baron
Frank LangellaAkmed Khazzan
Maurice RonetYvon Mageot
John GielgudAbdu-Hamdi
Vic TablianKhalifa
Martin BensonMohammed
John Rhys-DaviesStephanos Markoulis
Nadim SawalhaGamal
Saeed JaffreySelim
William HootkinsDon, Tour Guide
Where to Watch Sphinx Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Sphinx is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Sphinx stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sphinx movie hit or flop?
Sphinx has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Sphinx worth watching?
Sphinx is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure, Mystery, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Sphinx online?
Sphinx 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 Sphinx
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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.
