Wish Upon
Performance & Direction: Wish Upon Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Wish Upon features a noteworthy lineup led by Joey King . Supported by the likes of Ki Hong Lee and Sydney Park , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Wish Upon
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, Wish Upon is a Horror, Thriller, Fantasy film directed by John R. Leonetti. 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 Joey King.
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, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- 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 characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Wish Upon
Ending Breakdown: Directed by John R. Leonetti, Wish Upon attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Joey King, 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 Wish Upon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Wish Upon?
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.
Top Cast: Wish Upon
All Cast & Crew →
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 is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
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 total runtime of Wish Upon?
The total duration of Wish Upon is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.
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How Wish Upon Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Wish Upon
Wish Upon is laughably fuckin' stupid. But there's some value in the "laughable" aspect of that. You know, in a "laughing **at**" kind of way. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
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.
