The Dark Tower

  • 2017
  • PG-13
  • 95m
movieMx RATING
5.8
5.5K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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The Dark Tower Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 10, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 10, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: The Dark Tower

MovieThe Dark Tower
Release Year2017
DirectorNikolaj Arcel
GenreFantasy / Action / Science Fiction
Runtime95 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Dark Tower (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in The Dark Tower are led by Idris Elba . The supporting cast, including Matthew McConaughey and Tom Taylor , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of The Dark Tower (2017) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.8/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While The Dark Tower does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Fantasy films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, The Dark Tower has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Fantasy fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: The Dark Tower

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, The Dark Tower is a Fantasy, Action, Science Fiction film directed by Nikolaj Arcel. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Idris Elba.

Story Breakdown

The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A boy haunted by visions of a parallel world aids its disillusioned guardian in preventing the destruction of the nexus of universes known as the Dark Tower. 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: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
  • Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Thematic Depth

The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Attempts to bring fresh ideas to the genre
  • Some memorable individual scenes or performances

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Pacing issues that affect narrative flow
  • Underdeveloped characters or predictable plot points
  • Reliance on genre clichés without adding fresh perspective

Ending Explained: The Dark Tower

The Dark Tower Ending Explained: Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, The Dark Tower attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core fantasy themes developed throughout the film.

The climax builds toward a high-stakes confrontation that resolves the main conflict, particularly in scenes involving Idris Elba. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of The Dark Tower reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch The Dark Tower?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Fantasy films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Dark Tower

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $60.0M
Worldwide Gross $113.2M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Dark Tower Budget

The estimated production budget for The Dark Tower is $60.0M. 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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Top Cast: The Dark Tower

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Where to Watch The Dark Tower Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

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Amazon VideoAmazon Video

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The Dark Tower Parents Guide & Age Rating

2017 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Dark Tower age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Dark Tower is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Dark Tower is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Dark Tower is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Dark Tower. Rating: 5.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Dark Tower worth watching?

The Dark Tower is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Dark Tower parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Dark Tower identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Dark Tower?

The total duration of The Dark Tower is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.

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How The Dark Tower Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Dark Tower

🛡️

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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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.8
The Dark Tower
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