SummaryWhen mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team is put together to investigate – including language expert Louise Banks (Amy Adams). Mankind teeters on the verge of global war as everyone scrambles for answers – and to find them, Banks will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity.
Directed By:Denis Villeneuve
Written By:Eric Heisserer, Ted Chiang
Arrival
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
81
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.2
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
81
90% Positive
47 Reviews
47 Reviews
8% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
2% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Nov 10, 2016
100
Arrival is really Adams' film, a showcase for her ability to quietly and effectively meld intelligence, empathy and reserve.
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.2
86% Positive
1845 Ratings
1845 Ratings
8% Mixed
176 Ratings
176 Ratings
6% Negative
133 Ratings
133 Ratings
Nov 29, 2025
10
One of the best movies I ever seen. Really nice topic, story and everything.
Oct 24, 2025
10
Greetings from Lithuania.
"Arrival" (2016) is without a doubt the best, most sophisticated and deepest sci-fi movie since "Interstellar" (2014). I was simply blown away first of all from the presentation (not the premise, which lets just say isn't very unique, but that is just at the beginning) and later the, well everything else. The overall story in here is very powerful, not simple by any means and the one which i confess is a bit to hard to swallow at the end. It was sad but at the same time hopeful, and the reason for the arrival itself - no spoilers here - is amazing. Finally, a great sci-fi movie not about destruction. Directing by Denis Villeneuve was amazing. What a scope and skill to show it. Like i said, presentation of this movie is amazingly good. Music was so haunting and so beautiful at the same time. Script wasn't predictable for a second. I loved each and every scene aboard the spaceship, they could have lasted longer. This is an "aliens" movie so smart and so plausible like i haven't seen since "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" - it is that good, it is not "Independence Day" by any means. Acting was also superb, with Amy Adams giving her probably the best performance yet.
Overall, i do believe that "Arrival" will be a major Oscar contender this year, because it is way to good to be ignored for its genre. It's so much more then just "aliens" movie, the one that is so sad but at the same time gives a hope and willingness to take what is the most beautiful and precious for a human being. Great movie and a pure sci-fi movie heaven.
Nov 10, 2016
88
Arrival is science fiction in the classic sense and a film of otherworldly ambition.
Nov 10, 2016
80
What’s remarkable about Arrival is its contemplative core—and, of course, Ms. Adams’s star performance, which is no less impassioned for being self-effacing.
Nov 10, 2016
75
Muted, measured and meditative, Arrival brings taste and restraint to a genre in the midst of a mini golden age: It comes in peace.
Sep 1, 2016
70
Adams gives a nicely polished, muted performance: She keeps the story grounded when the ideas Villeneuve is striving for threaten to get too lofty. And the picture is intelligently and effectively crafted, one of those enterprises where the cinematography, sound design and score, as well as the special effects, melt into a seamless, organic whole.
Nov 9, 2016
25
"Enemy" and "Sicario" were unspeakable disasters, and Arrival, the director’s latest exercise in pretentious poopery, gives me every reason to believe I have parted company with Denis Villeneuve for good.
Jun 10, 2025
10
What a great film! Excellent storyline, realistic approach and geopolitical tension. Decent acting. Fantastic CGI and sets. I loved it and would definitely watch it again!
Jan 23, 2025
6
I feel that this movie could of had a better ending About what she knows other than that’s this movie was good but if you don’t rlly pay attention you will not understand whats going on.
Jun 2, 2023
6
ok movie really boring at times. it was only interesting to see the space craft and the aliens. other then that it was pretty dumb. working together and love is something the planet will never understand. well at least our leaders wont any way.
May 7, 2024
3
Its a sci-fi film that garnered widespread acclaim upon its release, but its reception may not resonate with everyone. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film stars Amy Adams as a linguist tasked with communicating with extraterrestrial visitors who have arrived on Earth. While praised for its stunning visuals and thought-provoking premise, some viewers may find the pacing slow and the narrative overly cerebral. Despite its ambitious exploration of language, communication, and the nature of time, "Arrival" may not fully satisfy those seeking more traditional sci-fi thrills. Nevertheless, its meditative tone and Amy Adams' compelling performance offer moments of introspection and emotional resonance. Ultimately, "Arrival" may not live up to the lofty expectations set by its critical acclaim, but it remains a respectable addition to the genre, offering a unique take on humanity's encounter with the unknown. Ok, but a movie you want to watch again.
Dec 31, 2023
3
Back in 2016 when feminist plots were subtle, we see a woman above all, the voice of science, the righteousness, perfect emotions, while the men are acting against “science” rooting for conflict, demanding answers, questioning, the men are portrayed as irrational soldiers following orders. Her best friend is a supportive man with no connection with anyone but her.
Production Company:
- FilmNation Entertainment
- Lava Bear Films
- 21 Laps Entertainment
Release Date:Nov 11, 2016
Duration:1 h 56 m
Rating:PG-13
Tagline:Why are they here?
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Win & 8 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 2 Nominations
Gold Derby Awards
• 14 Nominations
