The Arrival

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2:02

The Arrival

PG-13

1996

1h 49m

Sci-Fi

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

66%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

44%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

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.

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Critics Consensus

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

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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

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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

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Daniel N

Looked this up after hearing Charlie talk about it on Joe Rogan but was very disappointed. Awesome concept but clearly low budget and with really bad acting.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/23/25

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Spike D

It's like a really, really crap Contact.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/24/25

Full Review

Korra N

An odd but strangely compelling sci-fi thriller with some bold choices, fun sequences & wild character beats.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/17/25

Full Review

Robert M

I really liked it I thought it was very good

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/26/25

Full Review

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

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Audience Member

Underrated 90s sci-fi flick. This movie definitely deserves more recognition. Dated cgi is the negative part but besides that it’s awesome.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/05/25

Full Review

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David Twohy

Director

Charlie Sheen

Zane Zaminsky

Ron Silver

Phil Gordian

Lindsay Crouse

Ilana Green

Teri Polo

Char

Richard Schiff

Calvin

The Arrival: Official Clip - Foot Chase in Mexico

2:11

The Arrival: Official Clip - Right Behind You

2:47

The Arrival: Official Clip - What Do They Look Like?

1:24

The Arrival: Official Clip - Problems Here on Earth

2:13

The Arrival: Official Clip - Tell Them That I Know

1:57

The Arrival: Official Clip - Alien Secrets

2:51

The Arrival: Official Clip - You Don't Deserve to Live Here

2:06

The Arrival: Official Clip - Portable Black Hole

2:11

The Arrival: Official Clip - Underground Secrets

2:08

The Arrival: Official Clip - Human Disguise

2:14

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The Arrival: Trailer 1

2:02

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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
Producer: Thomas G. Smith, David Twohy, Jim Steele, Melissa Cira Taylor
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
Runtime: 1h 49m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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