The Arrival

PG-13

1996

1 hr. 49 min.

Sci-Fi

Mystery & Thriller

TRAILER

for The Arrival: Trailer 1

List

66%

35 Reviews

Tomatometer

44%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

After astronomer Zane Zaminski (Charlie Sheen) discovers a radio transmission that originated from space, he tells his boss, Phil (Ron Silver), who ignores him. Zane is promptly fired, and decides to investigate the signal himself. When he discovers a return radio transmission from Mexico, he goes to explore. There he meets climate scientist Ilana Green (Lindsay Crouse), who is studying anomalies in gases in the area. Zane soon makes a shocking finding that puts him in great danger.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered May 07

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Rent The Arrival on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

Stylish and inventive, The Arrival offers a surprisingly smart spin on the alien invasion genre.

Read Critics Reviews

gary s

One of my favorite movies, watched it like 4 times in the last two weeks, watched it at the theaters many years ago!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/23/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Underrated flick with a unique premise

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/25/23

Full Review

Connor A

This film is bad. Charlie Sheen tries his best with what he's given and he does make the film watchable, but the bad script, mediocre acting and poor effects make this far less entertaining than it could have been. Give this one a skip.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/19/23

Full Review

David W

This film plays out a bit like an episode of South Park. It's entertaining and trying to contemplate Charlie Sheen's very 90s-futuristic outfits will keep you occupied. I would watch this again if there were nothing else to choose from.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/24/24

Full Review

Andrew E

I have seen tons of science fiction movies. In my opinion the Arrival movie was able to hold my attention. It was ingenious, with a good enough plot to introduce curiosity in the potential outcome. Also, Sheen's acting was good and natural. Overall, I would have given a higher score to this movie than what it was given by RT.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It's started a bit meh but improves the way it goes which keep me interested.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

David Twohy

Director

Charlie Sheen

Zane Zaminsky

Ron Silver

Phil Gordian

Lindsay Crouse

Ilana Green

Teri Polo

Char

Richard Schiff

Calvin

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

20%

40%

The Invasion

38%

45%

Project Almanac

81%

75%

Super 8

TRAILER

for Super 8

35%

42%

Knowing

83%

67%

Midnight Special

TRAILER

for Midnight Special

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The Arrival: Trailer 1

2:02

View more videos

View more photos

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

What it lacks in sophistication (everything), it partly makes up for in sheer gall.

Feb 9, 2006

Full Review

Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

It's a strong, lean piece of writing that moves quickly. Nothing is wasted, and nothing happens the way you'd expect.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 18, 2002

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

The movie is as smart as ``Mission: Impossible'' is dumb.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

E.T. would find it false propaganda, but for fans of the genre, it's standard sci-fi with all the needed ingredients.

Rated: 2.5/4

Feb 25, 2022

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The film starts to fall apart at the introduction of the aliens themselves, which suffer from dated special effects and an immediate aura of disbelief.

Rated: 6/10

Sep 9, 2020

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

The CGI alien special effects are only so-so, but the film is rich in ideas, well-executed and is pleasingly entertaining even if silly.

Rated: B

Feb 13, 2017

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

After astronomer Zane Zaminski (Charlie Sheen) discovers a radio transmission that originated from space, he tells his boss, Phil (Ron Silver), who ignores him. Zane is promptly fired, and decides to investigate the signal himself. When he discovers a return radio transmission from Mexico, he goes to explore. There he meets climate scientist Ilana Green (Lindsay Crouse), who is studying anomalies in gases in the area. Zane soon makes a shocking finding that puts him in great danger.

Director: David Twohy
Executive Producer: Brad Lewis, Robert W. Cort, Ted Field, Mark Galvin
Screenwriter: David Twohy
Production Co: Live Entertainment, Mediaworks, Steelwork Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $14.1M
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

Most Popular at Home Now