Is City of Dreams Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, City of Dreams is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 114 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
City of Dreams Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2024, City of Dreams enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A Mexican teenager whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are disrupted when his mother dies. Under the direction of Mohit Ramchandani, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Ari Lopez, Renata Vaca, Andrés Delgado. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, City of Dreams offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, City of Dreams is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Drama, Thriller, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
City of Dreams Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1,662,854 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Cast of City of Dreams
- Ari Lopez – Jesús
- Renata Vaca – Elena
- Andrés Delgado – Cesar
- Diego Calva – Carlitos
- Tatiana del Real – Marcela
Top Highlights
Ari LopezJesús
Renata VacaElena
Andrés DelgadoCesar
Diego CalvaCarlitos
Tatiana del RealMarcela
Karla Rodríguez CoronadoNadia
Jorge Antonio GuerreroJosé
Hrach TitizianAram
Jason PatricStevens
Paulina GaitánMaria
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, City of Dreams stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2024 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City of Dreams movie hit or flop?
City of Dreams has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is City of Dreams worth watching?
City of Dreams is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is City of Dreams?
City of Dreams is a Drama, Thriller movie that A Mexican teenager whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are disrupted when his mother dies. He's smuggled across the border with the promise of a be...
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Critic Reviews
#MovieReview #CityOfDreams #CityOfDreamsFilm #CityOfDreamsMovie Let me begin by sharing that my review of the movie "City of Dreams" might contain spoilers, not because I want to ruin the experience for you, but because this film impacted me so deeply that I was physically affected while watching it. Tears streamed down my face, and I felt nauseous throughout the entire movie. The storyline follows Jesus, a 15-year-old boy who is sold into modern slavery to work in a factory in the United States, where he is subjected to trafficking, labor exploitation, and sexual abuse. Witnessing his journey of being beaten, slashed, and punched without speaking a word throughout the film is heart-wrenching. The actor, Ari Lopez, portrays this role with such intensity and skill that it is truly commendable. This film gripped me so tightly that I found myself wanting to reach out and protect Jesus from the horrors he endured. Despite knowing it was just a movie, I couldn't help but feel a strong emotional connection to the character. The content may be disturbing, but the movie itself, including the acting and storytelling, is exceptional and ranks among the best I have seen. Watching two impactful films in one day, both centered around different interpretations of Jesus, left me in awe of the power of cinema. These were movies I initially overlooked but am grateful I gave them a chance. "City of Dreams" takes viewers on an intense emotional journey, prompting reflection on the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals like Jesus. The film sheds light on the atrocities of child and human trafficking, highlighting the importance of standing up against such injustices. It's a stark reminder that abuse and exploitation have no place in society, and it is our duty to protect those who are vulnerable. If you are sensitive to heavy themes or graphic content, "City of Dreams" may not be suitable for you unless you have someone to share the emotional weight with. Personally, I don't think I could watch it again alone due to its intense nature, but I recognize the value of experiencing it with a supportive group.