Aquaman

  • 2018
  • PG-13
  • 143m
movieMx RATING
6.9/1014.7K
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Aquaman Review

Last updated: February 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Aquaman (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Aquaman features a noteworthy lineup led by Jason Momoa . Supported by the likes of Amber Heard and Willem Dafoe , 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 Aquaman (2018) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Aquaman stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Aquaman

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, Aquaman is a Action, Adventure, Fantasy film directed by James Wan. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jason Momoa.

Story Breakdown

In this high-octane feature, James Wan establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry is taken on the journey of his lifetime to discover if he is worth of being a king. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Jason Momoa, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Jason Momoa's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Thematic Depth

Beyond the spectacle, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cost of violence. it questions whether the ends justify the means and examines the personal toll of heroism.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Solid execution of genre conventions
  • Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
  • Competent performances from the cast

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Some narrative choices that feel predictable
  • Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act

Ending Explained: Aquaman

Ending Breakdown: Directed by James Wan, Aquaman concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Jason Momoa, 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Aquaman reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Aquaman?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Jason Momoa or the director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: Aquaman

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $160.0M
Worldwide Gross $1.2B
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Aquaman Budget

The estimated production budget for Aquaman is $160.0M. 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: Aquaman

All Cast & Crew →
Jason Momoa
Jason MomoaArthur Curry / Aquaman
Willem Dafoe
Willem DafoeNuidis Vulko
Patrick Wilson
Patrick WilsonKing Orm Marius / Ocean Master
Dolph Lundgren
Dolph LundgrenKing Nereus
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Yahya Abdul-Mateen IIDavid Kane / Black Manta
Temuera Morrison
Temuera MorrisonThomas Curry
Ludi Lin
Ludi LinCaptain Murk
Michael Beach
Michael BeachJesse Kane (Manta's Father)
Randall Park
Randall ParkDr. Stephen Shin
Graham McTavish
Graham McTavishKing Atlan
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Where to Watch Aquaman Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video
JioHotstarJioHotstar
VI movies and tvVI movies and tv
Amazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Prime Video with Ads

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Aquaman Parents Guide & Age Rating

2018 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

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

Aquaman 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 Aquaman is 143 minutes (2h 23m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Aquaman is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Aquaman. Rating: 6.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aquaman worth watching?

Aquaman is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Aquaman parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of Aquaman?

The total duration of Aquaman is 143 minutes, which is approximately 2h 23m long.

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Critic Reviews for Aquaman

🛡️

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
★ 6.9
Aquaman
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