Malignant

  • 2021
  • R
  • 111m
movieMx RATING
6.8/102.5K
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Malignant 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 Malignant (2021) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. 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 Malignant features a noteworthy lineup led by Annabelle Wallis . Supported by the likes of Maddie Hasson and George Young , 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 Malignant (2021) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Malignant stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Malignant

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2021, Malignant is a Horror, Mystery film directed by James Wan. 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 Annabelle Wallis.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Madison is paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, and her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities with a mysterious tie to her past. Director James Wan 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. Annabelle Wallis'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: Malignant

Ending Breakdown: Directed by James Wan, Malignant 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 Annabelle Wallis, 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 Malignant reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Malignant?

Worth Watching If You:

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

Box Office Collection: Malignant

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $40.0M
Worldwide Gross $34.9M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Malignant Budget

The estimated production budget for Malignant is $40.0M. 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: Malignant

All Cast & Crew →
Annabelle Wallis
Annabelle WallisMadison Mitchell
Maddie Hasson
Maddie HassonSydney Lake
George Young
George YoungDetective Kekoa Shaw
Michole Briana White
Michole Briana WhiteDetective Regina Moss
Jake Abel
Jake AbelDerek Mitchell
Jacqueline McKenzie
Jacqueline McKenzieDr. Florence Weaver
Christian Clemenson
Christian ClemensonDr. Victor Fields
Amir Aboulela
Amir AboulelaDr. Gregory
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Where to Watch Malignant Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Malignant Parents Guide & Age Rating

2021 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

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

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

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Malignant is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Malignant is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2021 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Malignant. Rating: 6.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malignant worth watching?

Malignant is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Malignant parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of Malignant?

The total duration of Malignant is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.

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Critic Reviews for Malignant

🛡️

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
★ 6.8
Malignant
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/malignant-619778" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.8</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Malignant</div></div></a>

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