The 5th Wave (2016)
A young woman navigates a devastated Earth, fighting for survival against an alien invasion's relentless waves.
16-year-old Cassie Sullivan tries to survive in a world devastated by the waves of an alien invasion that has already decimated the population and knocked mankind back to the Stone Age.
How intense is The 5th Wave?
The 5th Wave is mildly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is brisk, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.
What The 5th Wave feels like
- Tone
- suspensefulgrittyepic
- Pace
- Brisk
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The 5th Wave
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The 5th Wave for you?
Is The 5th Wave scary?
Only a little. The 5th Wave has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The 5th Wave gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The 5th Wave sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The 5th Wave OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 1, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is The 5th Wave?
The 5th Wave runs 1h 52m.
Where can I stream The 5th Wave?
The 5th Wave is streaming on Netflix and Starz.
Does The 5th Wave have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves things open rather than tying them up.
Cast and crew
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