It Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: It
| Movie | It |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Andy Muschietti |
| Genre | Horror / Thriller / Drama |
| Runtime | 135 minutes (2h 15m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is It (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in It are led by Jaeden Martell . The supporting cast, including Jeremy Ray Taylor and Sophia Lillis , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
It stands out as a strong entry in the Horror genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Horror narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, It 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 Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: It
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, It is a Horror, Thriller, Drama film directed by Andy Muschietti, written by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. As part of the It Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. In a small town in Maine, seven children known as The Losers Club come face to face with life problems, bullies and a monster that takes the shape of a clown called Pennywise. Director Andy Muschietti 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 of It, hinting at the terror to come. Andy Muschietti establishes the rules of this world before introducing Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough to its dangers.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Jaeden Martell's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing Jaeden Martell to confront the source of horror directly. Andy Muschietti's resolution provides adequate resolution.
Thematic Depth
Beneath the scares lies commentary on deeper fears like loss of control, the unknown, or societal anxieties manifested as literal monsters.
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: It
It Ending Explained: Directed by Andy Muschietti, It resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Jaeden Martell. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of It reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch It?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jaeden Martell or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: It
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $719.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
It Budget
The estimated production budget for It 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.
Where to Watch It Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreIt Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about It age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of It (2017) is 135 minutes (2h 15m). Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film runs for 135 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, It is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It worth watching?
It is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find It parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for It identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of It (2017)?
The runtime of It (2017) is 135 minutes (approximately 2h 15m).
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.
Useful Links
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View full filmographyPart of the It Collection
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