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Action adventure film

Aquaman (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Aquaman (2018) movie poster

Aquaman is a 2018 action adventure film directed by James Wan, starring Patrick Wilson as King Orm, Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman. It is partly based on Aquaman by Geoff Johns Omnibus by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. It runs 2 hours 23 minutes and earned $1.15 billion worldwide on a $160 million budget. It earned 7 award nominations, including Best Comic-to-Motion Picture Release at the Saturn Awards 2019. Critics gave it 66% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
66%
worldwide gross
$1.2B
award nominations
7
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Aquaman (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 23m (143 min)
Director
James Wan
Original language
English
Budget
$160M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Aquaman About?

The premise of Aquaman without spoilers, adapted from Aquaman by Geoff Johns Omnibus by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, the power-hungry King Orm plots to control the ocean's inhabitants and ultimately conquer the surface world. Standing against him is Aquaman, the rightful heir to the throne and a being of both human and Atlantean heritage. Guided by the counsel of Vulko, Aquaman must embrace his destiny, locate the legendary Trident of Atlan, and unlock his full potential to defend the depths and thwart Orm's ambitions.

Aquaman Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • aquaman character
  • based on comic book
  • ocean
  • king
  • showdown
  • mother son relationship
  • dc extended universe
  • atlantis
  • superhero
  • hand to hand combat
  • fight to the death
  • hero
+38 more
  • army
  • pirate
  • supernatural power
  • mixed martial arts
  • altered version of studio logo
  • hope
  • woman fights a man
  • rescue
  • arena
  • underwater battle
  • desert
  • submarine
  • origin of hero
  • revenge
  • black manta character
  • beefcake
  • blonde woman
  • dry for wet
  • half brother half brother relationship
  • one word title
  • action heroine
  • female warrior
  • female fighter
  • warrior princess
  • queen
  • martial arts
  • shared universe
  • action hero
  • younger version of character
  • father son relationship
  • costume
  • year 1985
  • unlikely hero
  • reluctant hero
  • prince
  • princess
  • heir
  • heiress
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Cast & crew

Aquaman Cast & Characters

Patrick Wilson leads the cast as King Orm, with Willem Dafoe as Vulko and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna. Directed by James Wan; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Aquaman

· 13 more
Ratings

Aquaman Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Aquaman 66% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (45).

68 /100

Aquaman Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Aquaman delivers a visually ambitious adventure that is tempered by uneven narrative and character development. It consistently impresses with its imaginative production design and immersive spectacle, though the pacing and plot coherence often falter under the weight of exposition. While many viewers will appreciate the bold stylistic choices and charismatic lead performance, the disjointed story and variable emotional engagement limit its broader impact. The film leaves a lasting visual imprint even as its structural weaknesses remain apparent.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, Aquaman showcases an ambitious visual palette and dynamic direction. Reviews routinely highlight imaginative production design, sweeping cinematography, and striking color compositions. Its immersive underwater sequences and bold set pieces demonstrate a clear visual identity, though occasional overindulgence in spectacle and uneven editing prevent sustained cohesion. The film ultimately impresses through its visual flair.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, Aquaman benefits from Jason Momoa’s charismatic presence and strong supporting visuals. Performances infuse energy into key moments, though relational chemistry and depth remain uneven, particularly in the central romance. While some roles resonate, inconsistent dialogue and shallow arcs limit the film’s emotional reach.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of story and flow, Aquaman presents a familiar origin arc that struggles with originality and pacing. Plot progression is frequently interrupted by heavy exposition, leading to disjointed narrative shifts and logic gaps. While the film occasionally achieves thematic levity, its uneven structure and predictability undermine sustained engagement and dramatic coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    When it comes to sensory experience, Aquaman offers an immersive soundstage and vibrant score that accentuate its visual ambition. Extensive sound design and a dynamic soundtrack heighten key action sequences, while cohesive visual effects and color grading reinforce the film’s fantastical tone. These elements combine to deliver a transportive cinematic sensation.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of rewatch factor, Aquaman’s spectacle and charismatic moments encourage repeat viewing among fans of visual excess. Its bold underwater vistas and action set pieces remain entertaining, yet the film’s length, narrative inconsistencies, and uneven character arcs may deter broader replay. Overall, rewatch appeal depends on tolerance for spectacle over substance.

Plot

Aquaman Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Aquaman from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1985 Maine, during a fierce storm, lighthouse keeper Thomas Curry comes to the aid of Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), the princess of Atlantis. After rescuing her, he brings her into his home and cares for her injuries. Atlanna, fleeing an undesired arranged marriage, regains consciousness days later, and the two soon develop a deep love, resulting in the birth of their son, Arthur (Jason Momoa), who possesses the unique ability to communicate with sea creatures.

Full summary

The whole story of Aquaman, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Aquaman Box Office & Budget

Aquaman grossed $1.15 billion worldwide on a $160 million budget, 7.2 times what it cost. $335.1 million came from the US and Canada and $816.9 million (71%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.2B

7.2× its budget

US & Canada
$335.1M
International
$816.9M
Budget
$160M
US & Canada 29% Rest of the world 71%
Awards

Aquaman Awards & Nominations

Aquaman earned 7 award nominations, including Best Comic-to-Motion Picture Release at the Saturn Awards 2019. The 7 nominations come from 2 ceremonies, the most at the Saturn Awards 2019.

7 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

Aquaman Trailers & Videos

13 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser, 7 clips and 3 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 13 videos
Official Trailer #1
  • Trailer Final Trailer
  • Teaser :30 “Waves” TV Spot
  • Clip Full Movie Preview
  • Clip DC Super Scenes: Aquaman vs. King Orm
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Aquaman?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the relationship between Arthur and Atlanna?

Cars

Cars in Aquaman

7 cars on screen, including the 1983 Chevrolet C/K-Series and the 1979 Suzuki Carry.

All 7 cars
  • 1983 Chevrolet C/K-Series in Aquaman 1983 Chevrolet C/K-Series Important role
  • 1979 Suzuki Carry in Aquaman 1979 Suzuki Carry Minor role
  • Aprilia Scarabeo in Aquaman Aprilia Scarabeo Background role
  • 1979 Chevrolet C-Series in Aquaman 1979 Chevrolet C-Series Background role
Details

Aquaman Also Known As

20 alternative titles, including “Ahab” and “Аквамeн”.

Also known as
  • Ahab
  • Аквамeн
  • 水行俠
  • أكوامان
  • اكوامان
  • Aquaman: Povratak kući
  • Аквамен
  • 아쿠아맨
  • 海王
  • אקוומן
  • Akvamen
  • الرجل المائي, აქვამენი
+8 more
  • アクアマン
  • അക്വാമാന്‍
  • أكوا مان
  • Aquaman: Đế Vương Atlantis
  • Akvamenas
  • อควาแมน เจ้าสมุทร
  • Akvamens
  • آکوامن

Seen Aquaman?

FAQ

Aquaman FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Aquaman, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Aquaman?

Aquaman runs 2 hours 23 minutes (143 minutes).

When was Aquaman released?

Aquaman was released on December 21, 2018.

Who directed Aquaman?

Aquaman was directed by James Wan.

More films by James Wan

Who is in the cast of Aquaman?

Aquaman stars Patrick Wilson as King Orm, Willem Dafoe as Vulko and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, among 17 credited actors.

How much did Aquaman make at the box office?

Aquaman grossed $1.15 billion worldwide ($335.1 million domestic, $816.9 million international) on a budget of $160 million.

How is Aquaman rated?

Aquaman has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 66% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.

Is Aquaman based on a book?

Yes. Aquaman is partly adapted from Aquaman by Geoff Johns Omnibus by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Paul Pelletier and Joe Prado.

Was Aquaman nominated for any awards?

Aquaman received 7 nominations across 2 ceremonies.

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