Aquaman (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 23m (143 min)
- Director
- James Wan
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Warner Bros.
- Budget
- $160M
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
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Director James Wan
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Patrick Wilson as King Orm -
Willem Dafoe as Vulko -
Nicole Kidman as Atlanna -
Jason Momoa as Arthur
Also Starring in Aquaman
· 13 more- Michael Beach Jesse (Manta's Father)
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Manta
- Amber Heard Mera
- Dolph Lundgren King Nereus
- Julie Andrews Karathen
- Randall Park Dr. Stephen Shin
- Temuera Morrison Tom Curry
- Graham McTavish King Atlan
- Djimon Hounsou
- Leigh Whannell Cargo Pilot
- Ludi Lin Captain Murk
- Patrick Cox
- Tahlia Jade
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).
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.
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IMDb 6.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 66% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 72%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 55 Metascore
User score 6.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.8 /5
438 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.3 /5
See on Movie Insider
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
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.
Worldwide gross
$1.2B
7.2× its budget
- US & Canada
- $335.1M
- International
- $816.9M
- Budget
- $160M
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
-
Saturn Awards 2019 6 nominations- Nominated Best Comic-to-Motion Picture Release
- Nominated Best Film Costume Design
- Nominated Best Film Director – James Wan
- Nominated Best Film Editing
- Nominated Best Film Music
-
AACTA Awards 2019 1 nomination- Nominated Best Visual Effects or Animation
Aquaman Trailers & Videos
13 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser, 7 clips and 3 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Trailer Final Trailer
- Teaser :30 “Waves” TV Spot
- Clip Full Movie Preview
- Clip DC Super Scenes: Aquaman vs. King Orm
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the relationship between Arthur and Atlanna?
Cars in Aquaman
7 cars on screen, including the 1983 Chevrolet C/K-Series and the 1979 Suzuki Carry.
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1983 Chevrolet C/K-Series Important role -
1979 Suzuki Carry Minor role -
Aprilia Scarabeo Background role -
1979 Chevrolet C-Series Background role
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
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- アクアマン
- അക്വാമാന്
- أكوا مان
- Aquaman: Đế Vương Atlantis
- Akvamenas
- อควาแมน เจ้าสมุทร
- Akvamens
- آکوامن
Seen Aquaman?
Movies Like Aquaman
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, Aquaman: King of Atlantis and LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman - Rage of Atlantis.
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Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom 2023 -
Aquaman: King of Atlantis 2021 -
LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman - Rage of Atlantis 2018 -
Aquaman: The Cast of the Angler 1984 -
Triton of the Sea 1972 -
Triton of the Sea 1979 -
Justice League 2017 -
Black Adam 2022 -
The Aquanauts 1980 -
Warlords of Atlantis 1978 -
Zack Snyder's Justice League 2021 -
DC Super Hero Girls: Legends of Atlantis 2018
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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