Ghost Ship

  • 2002
  • R
  • 91m
movieMx RATING
6.0/102.6K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Ghost Ship Review

Last updated: February 16, 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 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Ghost Ship (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ghost Ship features a noteworthy lineup led by Gabriel Byrne . Supported by the likes of Julianna Margulies and Desmond Harrington , 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 Ghost Ship (2002) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Ghost Ship stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Ghost Ship

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2002, Ghost Ship is a Horror, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Steve Beck. The narrative 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 involving Gabriel Byrne.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. After discovering a passenger ship missing since 1962 floating adrift on the Bering Sea, salvagers claim the vessel as their own. Once they begin towing the ghost ship towards harbor, a series of bizarre occurrences happen and the group becomes trapped inside the ship, which they soon learn is inhabited by a demonic creature. Director Steve Beck 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: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Gabriel Byrne's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Ending Explained: Ghost Ship

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Steve Beck, Ghost Ship concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Gabriel Byrne, 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 Ghost Ship reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Ghost Ship?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Gabriel Byrne or the director
  • Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere

Box Office Collection: Ghost Ship

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $35.0M
Worldwide Gross $71.1M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Ghost Ship Budget

The estimated production budget for Ghost Ship is $35.0M. 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: Ghost Ship

All Cast & Crew →
Gabriel Byrne
Gabriel ByrneCaptain Sean Murphy
Julianna Margulies
Julianna MarguliesMaureen Epps
Desmond Harrington
Desmond HarringtonJack Ferriman
Emily Browning
Emily BrowningKatie Harwood
Jamie Giddens
Jamie GiddensFriendly Officer
Boris Brkic
Boris BrkicChief Steward
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Where to Watch Ghost Ship Online?

Streaming Hub

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Ghost Ship Parents Guide & Age Rating

2002 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

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

Ghost Ship is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Ghost Ship is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Ghost Ship is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Ghost Ship. Rating: 6.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ghost Ship worth watching?

Ghost Ship is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Ghost Ship parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Ghost Ship identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Ghost Ship?

The total duration of Ghost Ship is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.

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Critic Reviews for Ghost Ship

🛡️

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
★ 6.0
Ghost Ship
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