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Action thriller

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

Skyscraper (2018) movie poster

Skyscraper is a 2018 action thriller directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, starring Chin Han as Zhao Long Ji, Dwayne Johnson and McKenna Roberts. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $304.9 million worldwide on a $125 million budget. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Action / Adventure Film Release at the Saturn Awards 2019. Critics gave it 48% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
48%
worldwide gross
$304.9M
award nomination
1
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Skyscraper (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Genres
Action , Drama , Thriller , Crime
Original language
English
Budget
$125M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Skyscraper About?

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

Framed for arson, former FBI agent Will Ford must clear his name and rescue his family after a massive fire engulfs a skyscraper. Navigating dangerous situations in Chinese streets, he races against time to uncover the truth behind the blaze and escape the collapsing tower, all while evading those who set him up.

Skyscraper Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • skyscraper
  • fire
  • terrorism
  • prosthetic leg
  • evil man
  • mirror
  • billionaire
  • hall of mirrors
  • disaster
  • hero
  • towering inferno
  • die hard scenario
+38 more
  • disability
  • woman fights a woman
  • violence
  • chinese billionaire
  • panic room
  • safe room
  • prosthesis
  • world's tallest building
  • penthouse suite
  • hostage
  • siege
  • high tech
  • technology
  • helicopter
  • kidnapping
  • betrayal
  • duct tape
  • courage
  • female assassin
  • female sociopath
  • bald man
  • biracial
  • interracial family
  • woman taking control
  • woman murders a man
  • female versus female
  • snow adventure
  • surprise ending
  • war veteran
  • rescue team
  • frame up
  • one word title
  • amputated leg
  • artificial limb
  • chinese
  • jumping from height
  • fight
  • chinese woman
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Cast & crew

Skyscraper Cast & Characters

Chin Han leads the cast as Zhao Long Ji, with Dwayne Johnson as Will Sawyer and McKenna Roberts as Georgia Sawyer. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber; 24 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Skyscraper

· 20 more
Show all 24 cast members
From the director

More from Rawson Marshall Thurber

More films directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, best-rated first: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, We're the Millers, Central Intelligence and Red Notice.

Full filmography
Ratings

Skyscraper Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Skyscraper 48% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 49/100, strongest in art & craft (60) and weakest in story & flow (35).

49 /100

Skyscraper Echo Score Breakdown

Skyscraper delivers a mixed viewing experience marked by energetic action sequences and a familiar narrative framework. While Dwayne Johnson’s reliable screen presence injects vigor, the predictable plot and inconsistent pacing undermine sustained engagement. Visually, the film oscillates between impressive computer-generated spectacle and murky effects that detract from immersion. Ultimately, Skyscraper functions as lightweight summer entertainment with uneven execution rather than a standout thriller.

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

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, Skyscraper exhibits moments of striking visual design alongside uneven execution. The computer-generated set pieces showcase polished detail, yet some special effects appear murky, particularly in standard presentation. Direction maintains a clear focus on spectacle, but editing choices sometimes hinder narrative clarity. Overall, the film’s aesthetic ambition is apparent but inconsistently realized.

  • Character & Emotion 45

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film leans heavily on Dwayne Johnson’s assured performance while offering limited depth elsewhere. Supporting roles often feel underwritten, with peripheral figures lacking clear motivations or emotional range. Familial stakes are articulated but seldom felt due to stoic portrayals. Consequently, the emotional resonance is constrained by uneven characterization.

  • Story & Flow 35

    In terms of story and flow, Skyscraper follows a formulaic trajectory reminiscent of its genre forebears. The narrative progression is predictable, and cyclical setbacks diminish tension. Pacing accelerates during action beats but slows around exposition, contributing to an uneven rhythm. Despite a few inventive set pieces, the central plot lacks originality, resulting in an underwhelming arc.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    Regarding sensory experience, the film offers sufficiently dynamic sound design and a pulsating soundtrack that underscore key action moments. Visual style combines sleek digital environments with kinetic camerawork, though occasional clarity issues in effects reduce impact. The overall cohesion of audio and imagery delivers a serviceable thrill but stops short of immersive intensity.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    When evaluating rewatch factor, Skyscraper provides moderate replay value rooted in its action-oriented set pieces. The straightforward premise and reliable lead performance may prompt viewers to revisit select sequences, yet the lack of narrative depth limits sustained interest. Its status as casual summer popcorn fare ensures short-term enjoyment without fostering long-term attachment.

Plot

Skyscraper Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Skyscraper 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

Wealthy Chinese financier and entrepreneur Zhao Long Ji has taken a monumental step by investing in the construction of the world’s tallest skyscraper, dubbed The Pearl. Standing at a staggering 3,500 feet (1,100 m) with a towering height of 225 stories in Hong Kong, the building is indeed a marvel, but its path to completion has been fraught with challenges as it remains closed to the public. Meanwhile, former Marine war veteran and ex-FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader, Will Sawyer, has transitioned into a role where he assesses the security of skyscrapers. Despite having lost one leg in a previous mission, now fitted with a state-of-the-art prosthetic, he showcases his courage and resilience.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Skyscraper Box Office & Budget

Skyscraper grossed $304.9 million worldwide on a $125 million budget, 2.4 times what it cost. $68.4 million came from the US and Canada and $236.4 million (78%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$304.9M

2.4× its budget

US & Canada
$68.4M
International
$236.4M
Budget
$125M
US & Canada 22% Rest of the world 78%
Awards

Skyscraper Awards & Nominations

Skyscraper earned 1 award nomination, including Best Action / Adventure Film Release at the Saturn Awards 2019.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Skyscraper Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 2 trailers and 3 clips.

Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Clip Fire Breaks Out At The Pearl - Extended Preview
  • Clip A $6.5 Billion Chimney - Extended Preview
  • Clip Dwayne Johnson Hangs For Dear Life in 4K HDR
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Skyscraper?

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

Who is the main character in Skyscraper?

Cars

Cars in Skyscraper

33 cars on screen, including the 2016 Mercedes-AMG G 63 W463 and the 2018 Kawasaki Versys 650.

All 33 cars
  • 2016 Mercedes-AMG G 63 W463 in Skyscraper 2016 Mercedes-AMG G 63 W463 Important role
  • 2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 in Skyscraper 2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 Minor role
  • 2001 Nissan Skyline in Skyscraper 2001 Nissan Skyline Minor role
  • 1997 Toyota Aristo in Skyscraper 1997 Toyota Aristo Minor role
Details

Skyscraper Also Known As

33 alternative titles, including “Rascacielos: rescate en las alturas” and “Небоскрёб”.

Also known as
  • Rascacielos: rescate en las alturas
  • Небоскрёб
  • Arranha-Céu - Coragem Sem Limite
  • Gratte-ciel
  • El rascacielos 2018
  • 高凶浩劫
  • גורד שחקים
  • Небоскреб
  • Felhőkarcoló
  • Ουρανοξύστης
  • Хмарочос
  • Небостъргачът
+21 more
  • Arranha-Céus
  • El rascacielos
  • Arranha-Céu: Coragem Sem Limite
  • Gökdelen
  • 摩天营救
  • 스카이스크래퍼
  • Mrakodrap
  • 摩天大樓
  • Небодер
  • Drapacz Chmur
  • Infernul din zgârie-nori
  • Dangoraižis
  • スカイスクレイパー, ცათამბჯენი
  • ระห่ำตึกเสียดฟ้า
  • Debesskrāpis
  • Nebotičnik
  • Tòa Tháp Chọc Trời
  • Neboder
  • ناطحة سحاب
  • آسمان‌خراش
  • El gratacel

Seen Skyscraper?

FAQ

Skyscraper FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

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

How long is Skyscraper?

Skyscraper runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was Skyscraper released?

Skyscraper was released on July 13, 2018.

Who directed Skyscraper?

Skyscraper was directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber.

More films by Rawson Marshall Thurber

Who is in the cast of Skyscraper?

Skyscraper stars Chin Han as Zhao Long Ji, Dwayne Johnson as Will Sawyer and McKenna Roberts as Georgia Sawyer, among 24 credited actors.

How much did Skyscraper make at the box office?

Skyscraper grossed $304.9 million worldwide ($68.4 million domestic, $236.4 million international) on a budget of $125 million.

How is Skyscraper rated?

Skyscraper has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.

Was Skyscraper nominated for any awards?

Skyscraper received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Skyscraper have a post-credit scene?

No. Skyscraper has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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