Is The Arrival Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Arrival is likely a skip if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 103 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 1991, The Arrival emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Action, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An old man, who has been near a fallen meteor, starts to get younger and younger, with a terrible thirst for blood. 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 John Saxon . Supported by the likes of Joseph Culp and Robin Frates , 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 (1991) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.1/10, 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, Action, 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.
The Arrival Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Arrival attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, 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?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Science Fiction films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Arrival
- John Saxon – Agent Miils
- Joseph Culp – Young Max Page
- Robin Frates – Connie
- Robert Sampson – Max Page
- Geoff Hansen – Clark
Top Highlights
John SaxonAgent Miils
Joseph CulpYoung Max Page
Robin FratesConnie
Robert SampsonMax Page
Geoff HansenClark
Danna GarenSuzan
Danny FendleyJeff
Kim DawsonLeslie
Stuart GordonBiker
Bill BrochtrupAce
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Arrival is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, violence, action sequences. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Arrival stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1991 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Arrival movie hit or flop?
The Arrival is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.1/10 and lower collections.
Is The Arrival worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.1/10, The Arrival may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
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
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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.
