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Action comedy

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) movie poster

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a 2017 action comedy directed by James Gunn, starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista. It brings to the screen characters from Guardians of the Galaxy Modern Era Epic Collection: Somebody's Got to Do It by Keith Giffen and Dan Abnett. It runs 2 hours 16 minutes and earned $863.8 million worldwide on a $200 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
85%
worldwide gross
$863.8M
award nominations
2
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 16m (136 min)
Director
James Gunn
Genres
Action , Adventure , Sci-Fi , Comedy
Original language
English
Budget
$200M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 About?

The premise of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

While listening to Awesome Mixtape #2, the Guardians of the Galaxy confront a significant threat and Peter Quill embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his father. This quest leads them into a cosmic adventure, forcing them to confront old adversaries and forge new alliances. Along the way, familiar comic book characters join their ranks, as the team works to protect their fragile family dynamic and face an unknown enemy.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • demi god
  • sarcasm
  • alien creature
  • sister sister relationship
  • father son reunion
  • patricide
  • anti hero
  • celestial
  • crash landing
  • blue skin
  • green skin
  • good versus evil
+38 more
  • walkman
  • father son fight
  • father son relationship
  • raccoon
  • marvel cinematic universe
  • mixtape
  • bipedal alien
  • terraforming
  • funeral pyre
  • superhero team
  • estranged sister
  • final showdown
  • megalomaniac
  • self sacrifice
  • audio cassette
  • reference to pac man
  • immortality
  • evil god
  • mechanical hand
  • space fleet
  • tree like humanoid
  • fictional planet
  • alien spaceship
  • based on comic book
  • superhero
  • reference to david hasselhoff
  • bare chested male
  • strip club
  • sensitive nipple
  • mixed tape
  • listening to music
  • listening to music in a car
  • superhero action
  • galaxy
  • part computer animation
  • pregnancy
  • father figure
  • skull
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Cast & crew

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Cast

Chris Pratt leads the cast, with Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista. Directed by James Gunn; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

· 5 more
From the director

More from James Gunn

More films directed by James Gunn, best-rated first: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Suicide Squad and Superman.

Full filmography
Ratings

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (65).

85 /100

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Echo Score Breakdown

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 delivers a vibrant continuation of the franchise, balancing strong technical craftsmanship and character-driven moments with occasional narrative unevenness. Direction and visual design largely match or surpass the first film in color and scale. Character chemistry and emotional resonance anchor the sequel, even as the plot occasionally feels overstuffed and derivative in places. The soundtrack and sound design reinforce the film’s spirited tone. Overall, it remains a lively, enjoyable entry that builds positively on its predecessor.

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

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates strong direction and polished visual design throughout. Cinematography captures vibrant color palettes and dynamic set pieces, and production design offers richly detailed environments from ice brothels to living planetary landscapes. Editing keeps sequences coherent despite rapid pacing. Overall, the film’s craft work is impressive and engaging.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, the sequel excels in chemistry and depth among the core ensemble. Performances by Pratt, Saldana, Bautista, and newcomer Russell deliver nuanced emotional beats and comedic timing. Support characters receive memorable moments, and the theme of chosen family resonates strongly. Overall, the film offers compelling character-driven appeal.

  • Story & Flow 65

    In terms of story and flow, the film presents uneven pacing and a cluttered narrative structure. The first act’s subplot lacks clear focus, while the second half increases engagement with heightened stakes. Moments of originality coexist with familiar franchise beats, leading to mixed coherence. Overall, the plot teeters between compelling emotional arcs and overstuffed exposition.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack and sound design significantly enhance its energy. A groovy, nostalgic score underpins action set pieces, and sound effects lend weight to cosmic environments. Visual style remains cohesive through vibrant colors and detailed effects. Overall, the audio and visual elements combine to create an immersive, high-impact presentation.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    In terms of rewatch factor, the sequel maintains high replay value through its blend of humor, character moments, and visual flair. Recurring jokes, emotional beats, and dynamic action hold interest on repeat viewings. The soundtrack cues and Easter eggs reward attentive audiences over multiple watches. Overall, the film offers lasting appeal that encourages revisiting the experience.

Plot

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 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 1980, Peter’s father, Ego, made his way to Earth and fell deeply in love with Peter’s mother. Fast forward to 2014, we find Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt), the half-human, half-Celestial leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Abducted from Earth as a child, he was raised by a band of alien thieves known as the Ravagers. Alongside him are Gamora (portrayed by Zoe Saldana), an orphaned assassin seeking redemption, Drax (played by Dave Bautista), a vengeful warrior hunting for justice after losing his family to Thanos, Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), a genetically altered raccoon with a knack for weaponry, and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), a diminutive tree-like creature aiding Rocket.

Full summary

The whole story of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Box Office & Budget

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 grossed $863.8 million worldwide on a $200 million budget, 4.3 times what it cost. $389.8 million came from the US and Canada and $473.9 million (55%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$863.8M

4.3× its budget

US & Canada
$389.8M
International
$473.9M
Budget
$200M
US & Canada 45% Rest of the world 55%
Awards

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Awards & Nominations

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 2 nominations come from 2 ceremonies.

2 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser, 1 clip and 1 featurette.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Trailer 3 (Official)
  • Teaser
  • Clip Some things are better left unsaid
  • Featurette "Guardians' Inferno"
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

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 year and planet does the opening scene of the movie take place?

Cars

Cars in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

14 cars on screen, including the 2018 Ford EcoSport and the 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra.

All 14 cars
  • 2018 Ford EcoSport in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 2018 Ford EcoSport Minor role
  • 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra Minor role
  • 1978 AMC Concord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 1978 AMC Concord Background role
  • 1973 Chevrolet C-Series in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 1973 Chevrolet C-Series Background role

Seen Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

FAQ

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 runs 2 hours 16 minutes (136 minutes).

When was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 released?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was released on May 5, 2017.

Who directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was directed by James Gunn.

More films by James Gunn

Who is in the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista, among 9 credited actors.

How much did Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 make at the box office?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 grossed $863.8 million worldwide ($389.8 million domestic, $473.9 million international) on a budget of $200 million.

How is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 rated?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic and 76% on TMDB.

Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 nominated for any awards?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 received 2 nominations across 2 ceremonies.

Does Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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