Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Action comedy

Shazam! (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Shazam! (2019) movie poster

Shazam! is a 2019 action comedy directed by David F. Sandberg, starring Zachary Levi as Shazam, Asher Angel and Marta Milans. It runs 2 hours 12 minutes and earned $367.8 million worldwide on a $100 million budget. It earned 3 award nominations, including Best Comic-to-Motion Picture Release at the Saturn Awards 2019. Critics gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
90%
worldwide gross
$367.8M
award nominations
3
Loading streaming availability…
Shazam! (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 12m (132 min)
Original language
English
Budget
$100M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Shazam! About?

The premise of Shazam! without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Billy Batson, a troubled 14-year-old foster kid, unexpectedly gains the power to transform into an adult superhero by uttering the magic word "Shazam!" Suddenly imbued with incredible abilities, he must learn to balance the excitement of his newfound powers with the serious responsibilities that come with them. While enjoying his abilities, he also has to confront a powerful and sinister threat that emerges to challenge his world and test his abilities.

Shazam! Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • superhero
  • dc extended universe
  • caped superhero
  • origin of hero
  • scene after end credits
  • scene during end credits
  • exclamation point in title
  • seven deadly sins
  • super villain
  • foster family
  • reference to superman
  • reference to aquaman
+38 more
  • reference to batman
  • reference to the flash
  • reference to wonder woman
  • coming of age
  • superhero action
  • abandoned by mother
  • based on comic book
  • one word title
  • reference to yoda
  • surrealism
  • young superhero
  • christmas
  • shared universe
  • foster home
  • shazam the wizard character
  • mother son reunion
  • animated credits
  • animated scene during end credits
  • punctuation in title
  • santa claus costume
  • superhero team
  • younger version of character
  • demon
  • gamer
  • social worker
  • fratricide
  • child abandonment
  • reference to mahatma gandhi
  • final battle
  • final showdown
  • misunderstanding
  • vegan food
  • overweight boy
  • psychotronic film
  • magic 8 ball
  • multiple time frames
  • no opening credits
  • superheroine
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Shazam! Cast & Characters

Zachary Levi leads the cast as Shazam, with Asher Angel as Billy Batson and Marta Milans as Rosa Vasquez. Directed by David F. Sandberg; 23 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Shazam!

· 19 more
Show all 23 cast members
From the director

More from David F. Sandberg

More films directed by David F. Sandberg, best-rated first: Annabelle: Creation, Lights Out, Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Until Dawn.

Full filmography
Ratings

Shazam! Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Shazam! 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 89/100, strongest in rewatch factor (92) and weakest in story & flow (75).

89 /100

Shazam! Echo Score Breakdown

Shazam! stands out as a buoyant addition to the superhero genre. Its tonal balance blends whimsical humor with heartfelt family themes, driven by a charismatic central performance. The film sustains momentum through energetic pacing and vibrant production design, even as some plot beats follow familiar patterns and special effects vary in polish. Overall, the movie delivers a fun and sincere experience, offering consistent entertainment across its runtime without overextending its premise.

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

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s visual presentation is one of its highlights. The direction delivers a lively and coherent color palette, and the cinematography emphasizes the vibrant superhero aesthetic. Production design complements the humorous tone with playful set pieces. Although the CGI and costume effects occasionally feel uneven, the overall editing maintains brisk momentum. The net effect is a dynamic visual style that supports the film’s comedic spirit.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, Shazam! thrives on its central performance and supporting cast. Zachary Levi brings charismatic physicality and expressive nuance, while the ensemble generates genuine warmth in family scenes. Emotional beats land through measured interactions rather than melodrama. Some dialogue occasionally lacks depth, but the chemistry among characters sustains viewer investment. Overall, the character work delivers a heartfelt anchor for the film’s action.

  • Story & Flow 75

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative maintains a playful tone but leans on predictable beats. The pacing is generally brisk, punctuating comedic set pieces with moments of heartfelt reflection. However, plot developments are often telegraphed, and the final act loses some momentum. Originality is modest, following familiar coming-of-age and superhero tropes. Despite its lack of surprises, the storyline remains engaging through steady energy.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Regarding sensory experience, the soundtrack and sound design reinforce the film’s exuberant mood with lively cues and clear mix. The visual style employs an energetic color palette that complements comedic timing. Editing sequences maintain coherent transitions between action and humor. Occasionally, CGI effects exhibit uneven polish, and some sound moments feel generic. Nonetheless, the overall sensory package sustains a cohesive and enjoyable atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 92

    On rewatch factor, Shazam! offers strong replay value through its lighthearted humor and charm. Recurring sight gags and nostalgic references invite multiple viewings, and the warm tone holds up through repeat watches. The straightforward narrative may reveal its predictability over time, but the film’s energy and central performance remain appealing. Overall, it retains a rewarding experience that encourages revisiting for its comedic and emotional moments.

Plot

Shazam! Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Shazam! from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In Winter 1974, a young Thaddeus Sivana and his older brother are headed home with their father when Thaddeus’s play with a magic 8 ball unexpectedly transports him to the Rock of Eternity. Here, he encounters a powerful wizard who introduces him to mystical statues embodying the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth. As the last member of a council of seven, the wizard has spent centuries seeking a worthy champion. During a purity test, Thaddeus attempts to touch the eye of envy but fails, resulting in his return to the car where he causes a commotion that leads to a tragic accident for his family. The magic 8 ball ominously reads “find me.”

Full summary

The whole story of Shazam!, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Shazam! Box Office & Budget

Shazam! grossed $367.8 million worldwide on a $100 million budget, 3.7 times what it cost. $140.5 million came from the US and Canada and $227.3 million (62%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$367.8M

3.7× its budget

US & Canada
$140.5M
International
$227.3M
Budget
$100M
US & Canada 38% Rest of the world 62%
Awards

Shazam! Awards & Nominations

Shazam! earned 3 award nominations, including Best Comic-to-Motion Picture Release at the Saturn Awards 2019.

3 nominations1 ceremony

Quiz

How Well Do You Know Shazam!?

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 mystical realm does Thaddeus Sivana enter as a child?

Cars

Cars in Shazam!

29 cars on screen, including the 1980 Cadillac Sedan DeVille and the 1991 GMC Rally.

All 29 cars
  • 1980 Cadillac Sedan DeVille in Shazam! 1980 Cadillac Sedan DeVille Important role
  • 1991 GMC Rally in Shazam! 1991 GMC Rally Important role
  • 1979 Cadillac Sedan DeVille in Shazam! 1979 Cadillac Sedan DeVille Minor role
  • 2016 Chevrolet Cruze in Shazam! 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Minor role
Details

Shazam! Also Known As

21 alternative titles, including “Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam!” and “שאזם! 1”.

Also known as
  • Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam!
  • שאזם! 1
  • שהאזם!
  • שאזאם!
  • Shazam 1
  • Շազամ
  • 雷霆沙赞1
  • ¡Shazam!
  • Шазам!
  • 沙贊!
  • 샤잠!
  • שהאזאם!
+9 more
  • 沙贊!神力集結
  • 雷霆沙赞!
  • ชาแซม!
  • شازام!
  • Shazam! 6 Güç
  • Šazam!
  • シャザム!
  • شزم!
  • Šezam!, შაზამი!

Seen Shazam!?

FAQ

Shazam! FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Shazam!, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Shazam!?

Shazam! runs 2 hours 12 minutes (132 minutes).

When was Shazam! released?

Shazam! was released on April 5, 2019.

Who directed Shazam!?

Shazam! was directed by David F. Sandberg.

More films by David F. Sandberg

Who is in the cast of Shazam!?

Shazam! stars Zachary Levi as Shazam, Asher Angel as Billy Batson and Marta Milans as Rosa Vasquez, among 23 credited actors.

How much did Shazam! make at the box office?

Shazam! grossed $367.8 million worldwide ($140.5 million domestic, $227.3 million international) on a budget of $100 million.

How is Shazam! rated?

Shazam! has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80% on TMDB and 3.0/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Shazam! nominated for any awards?

Shazam! received 3 nominations across 1 ceremony.

Does Shazam! have a post-credit scene?

No. Shazam! has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app