Is The Great Buddha Arrival Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Great Buddha Arrival is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies.
It features a runtime of 60 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Great Buddha Arrival Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2018, The Great Buddha Arrival enters the Fantasy genre with a narrative focused on An all-star reboot of the lost classic 1934 film, The Giant Buddha Statue's Travel Through The Country, made with the cooperation of director Yoshiro Edamasa's grandson. Under the direction of Hiroto Yokokawa, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Akira Takarada. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Great Buddha Arrival 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, The Great Buddha Arrival resonates with current cultural themes in the Fantasy 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, The Great Buddha Arrival is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It is also featured on platforms like Amazon Prime Video with Ads and Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Great Buddha Arrival centers on a unique premise within the Fantasy landscape. An all-star reboot of the lost classic 1934 film, The Giant Buddha Statue's Travel Through The Country, made with the cooperation of director Yoshiro Edamasa's grandson. From Japan, a modern kaiju story based on what may be the first kaiju film. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2018 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Great Buddha Arrival 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 The Great Buddha Arrival sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Great Buddha Arrival (2018): with an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Fantasy, Science Fiction cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch The Great Buddha Arrival Online?
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Great Buddha Arrival has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, The Great Buddha Arrival stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Buddha Arrival movie hit or flop?
The Great Buddha Arrival has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Great Buddha Arrival worth watching?
The Great Buddha Arrival is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Fantasy, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Great Buddha Arrival online?
The Great Buddha Arrival is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Great Buddha Arrival movie hit or flop?
The Great Buddha Arrival has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Great Buddha Arrival worth watching?
The Great Buddha Arrival is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Fantasy, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Great Buddha Arrival online?
The Great Buddha Arrival is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of The Great Buddha Arrival?
The Great Buddha Arrival is a Fantasy, Science Fiction movie that follows: An all-star reboot of the lost classic 1934 film, The Giant Buddha Statue's Travel Through The Country, made with the cooperation of director Yoshiro Edamasa's grandson. From Japan, a modern kaiju sto...
Is The Great Buddha Arrival family friendly?
The Great Buddha Arrival is classified as Fantasy, Science Fiction. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is The Great Buddha Arrival available in?
The Great Buddha Arrival is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
An all-star reboot of the lost classic 1934 film, The Giant Buddha Statue's Travel Through The Country, made with the cooperation of director Yoshiro Edamasa's grandson. From Japan, a modern kaiju story based on what may be the first kaiju film.
Critic Reviews
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