Is Rocket Ship Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Rocket Ship is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 82 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Rocket Ship Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1938, Rocket Ship enters the Action genre with a narrative focused on A heavy condensation of the 1936 serial Flash Gordon, with altered musical score. Under the direction of Frederick Stephani, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Buster Crabbe. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Rocket Ship offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Rocket Ship resonates with current cultural themes in the Action space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Rocket Ship is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Rocket Ship centers on a unique premise within the Action landscape. A heavy condensation of the 1936 serial Flash Gordon, with altered musical score. Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1938 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Rocket Ship has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Rocket Ship sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Rocket Ship (1938): with an audience rating of 4.8/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Action, Adventure, Science Fiction cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Rocket Ship Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $350,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Rocket Ship Budget
The estimated production budget for Rocket Ship is $350,000. 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 Rocket Ship Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Rocket Ship is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.8/10, and global collection metrics, Rocket Ship stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1938 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rocket Ship movie hit or flop?
Rocket Ship is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.8/10 and lower collections.
Is Rocket Ship worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.8/10, Rocket Ship may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Rocket Ship online?
Rocket Ship may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
More with Buster Crabbe
Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
Batman and Robin and Other Super Heroes
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Rocket Ship movie hit or flop?
Rocket Ship is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.8/10 and lower collections.
Is Rocket Ship worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.8/10, Rocket Ship may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Rocket Ship online?
Rocket Ship may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of Rocket Ship?
Rocket Ship is a Action, Adventure, Science Fiction movie that follows: A heavy condensation of the 1936 serial Flash Gordon, with altered musical score. Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Mer...
Is Rocket Ship family friendly?
Rocket Ship is classified as Action, Adventure, Science Fiction. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Rocket Ship available in?
Rocket Ship is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A heavy condensation of the 1936 serial Flash Gordon, with altered musical score. Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth.
Critic Reviews
I loved these sci-fi escapades years ago when I was a kid and the serials were shown at dinner-time by the BBC. I haven't seen them since, and to be honest was rather disappointed by the way in which the episodes had been rather clumsily butchered into 75 minutes. Not that there ever was much jeopardy with the plot: "Flash" (Buster Crabbe) has to defeat the devious plots of "Ming" (Charles Middleton) with the aid of his allies Barin (Richard Alexander) and "Vultan" (Tiny Lipson) whilst juggling the attentions of "Dale Arden" (Jean Rogers) and the duplicitous "Princess Aura" (Priscilla Lawson) but surely someone could have shown just a touch of professionalism with the basic editing process? That said, it is still a fun watch with the phut-phut rocket ships, melting rays, winged-men and a hero quite literally straight out of the comic books - decent, but as thick as two short planks. The story doesn't really matter (Ming has plonked his planet "Mongo" on a collision course with the pesky third planet) - it's just a daft adventure story with an evil cloak-wearing baddie and a couple of very pretty dames indulging in a bit of cat-fighting over their handsome beefcake hero. It's nostalgia and can be enjoyed as such....