Is Wish Upon Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Wish Upon is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Wish Upon Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Wish Upon emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A teenage girl discovers a box with magical powers, but those powers comes with a deadly price. Unlike standard genre fare, Wish Upon attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Wish Upon features a noteworthy lineup led by Joey King . Supported by the likes of Ki Hong Lee and Sydney Park , 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 Wish Upon (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Wish Upon Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Wish Upon is a Horror, Thriller, Fantasy film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A teenage girl discovers a box with magical powers, but those powers comes with a deadly price. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Wish Upon Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Wish Upon attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Wish Upon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Wish Upon?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Wish Upon Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Wish Upon Budget
The estimated production budget for Wish Upon is $12.0M. 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 Wish Upon
- Joey King – Clare Shannon
- Ki Hong Lee – Ryan Hui
- Sydney Park – Meredith McNeil
- Shannon Purser – June Acosta
- Sherilyn Fenn – Mrs. Deluca
Top Highlights
Joey KingClare Shannon
Ki Hong LeeRyan Hui
Sydney ParkMeredith McNeil
Shannon PurserJune Acosta
Sherilyn FennMrs. Deluca
Elisabeth RöhmJohanna Shannon
Ryan PhillippeJonathan Shannon
Mitchell SlaggertPaul Middlebrook
Josephine LangfordDarcie Chapman
Alice LeeGina
Where to Watch Wish Upon Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Wish Upon 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 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Wish Upon stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wish Upon movie hit or flop?
Wish Upon has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Wish Upon worth watching?
Wish Upon is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Wish Upon online?
Wish Upon 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 Wish Upon Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Wish Upon
Wish Upon is laughably fuckin' stupid. But there's some value in the "laughable" aspect of that. You know, in a "laughing **at**" kind of way. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
