Wish Upon
Wish Upon Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Wish Upon
| Movie | Wish Upon |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | John R. Leonetti |
| Genre | Horror / Thriller / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 91 minutes (1h 31m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Wish Upon (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. 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 Wish Upon are led by Joey King . The supporting cast, including Ki Hong Lee and Sydney Park , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Wish Upon does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Wish Upon 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: Wish Upon
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, Wish Upon is a Horror, Thriller, Fantasy film directed by John R. Leonetti, written by Barbara Marshall. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Joey King as Clare Shannon.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A teenage girl discovers a box with magical powers, but those powers comes with a deadly price. Director John R. Leonetti 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 Wish Upon, hinting at the terror to come. John R. Leonetti establishes the rules of this world before introducing Joey King as Clare Shannon to its dangers.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing Joey King to confront the source of horror directly. John R. Leonetti's resolution falls somewhat short of expectations.
Ending Explained: Wish Upon
Wish Upon Ending Explained: Directed by John R. Leonetti, Wish Upon attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. 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 Joey King. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Wish Upon reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Wish Upon?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Wish Upon
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Wish Upon Budget
The estimated production budget for Wish Upon is $12.0M. 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 Wish Upon Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreWish Upon Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about Wish Upon age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Wish Upon (2017) is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Directed by John R. Leonetti, the film runs for 91 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, Wish Upon is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wish Upon worth watching?
Wish Upon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Wish Upon parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Wish Upon identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Wish Upon (2017)?
The runtime of Wish Upon (2017) is 91 minutes (approximately 1h 31m).
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.
