Arrival (2016)
An expert linguist races to understand an alien language, navigating a suspenseful, melancholy, and cerebral mystery.
Taking place after alien crafts land around the world, an expert linguist is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat.
How intense is Arrival?
Arrival has no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.
What Arrival feels like
- Tone
- cerebralsuspensefulmelancholyatmosphericearnest
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Arrival
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 12, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Arrival for you?
Is Arrival scary?
No. Arrival is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Arrival gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Arrival sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Arrival OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is Arrival?
Arrival runs 1h 56m.
Where can I stream Arrival?
Arrival is streaming on Paramount+, Kanopy and Hoopla.
Does Arrival have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves the ending open to interpretation.
Cast and crew
More like Arrival
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