Is The Arrival Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Arrival is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Arrival Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1996, The Arrival emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Thriller, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Zane Ziminski is an astrophysicist who receives a message that seems to have extraterrestrial origins. Unlike standard genre fare, The Arrival attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Arrival features a noteworthy lineup led by Charlie Sheen . Supported by the likes of Lindsay Crouse and Richard Schiff , 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 The Arrival (1996) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Arrival Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Arrival is a Science Fiction, Thriller, Horror 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. Zane Ziminski is an astrophysicist who receives a message that seems to have extraterrestrial origins. Eerily soon after his discovery, Zane is fired. He then embarks on a search to determine the origins of the transmission that leads him into a Hitchcockian labyrinth of paranoia and intrigue. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film 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.
The Arrival Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Arrival concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents 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 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 science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Arrival reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Arrival?
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
The Arrival Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Arrival Budget
The estimated production budget for The Arrival is $25.0M. 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 The Arrival
- Charlie Sheen – Zane Zaminski
- Lindsay Crouse – Ilana Green
- Richard Schiff – Calvin
- Ron Silver – Gordian
- Teri Polo – Char
Top Highlights
Charlie SheenZane Zaminski
Lindsay CrouseIlana Green
Richard SchiffCalvin
Ron SilverGordian
Teri PoloChar
Phyllis ApplegateMrs. Roosevelt
Tony T. JohnsonKiki
Alan CoatesTerraformer
Leon RippyDOD #1
Buddy Joe HookerDOD #2
Where to Watch The Arrival Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Arrival is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, The Arrival stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Arrival movie hit or flop?
The Arrival has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Arrival worth watching?
The Arrival is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Thriller, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Arrival online?
The Arrival 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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How The Arrival Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Arrival
Charlie Sheen channels his inner Kevin Smith in this unique take on the genre. Sure it's a little X-Files-y, and a lot of the twists are either glaringly obvious or make zero sense, but by and large it's pretty original. The climate-change message does beat you over the head a little, but only gently, which I can handle. Obviously it didn't take anyway, considering we're here twenty years later and the problem's only gotten worse. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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