The 5th Wave

Directed by J Blakeson
PG-13
2016    1h 52mAction, Adventure
5.216%38%5.9
Four waves of increasingly-deadly attacks have left most of Earth in ruins. Against a backdrop of fear and distrust, Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother. As she prepares for the inevitable and lethal fifth wave, Cassie teams up with a young man who may become her final hope--if she can only trust him.
  • Chloë Grace MoretzCassiopeia "Cassie" Sullivan
  • Nick RobinsonBen "Zombie" Parish
  • Ron LivingstonOliver Sullivan
  • Maggie SiffLisa Sullivan
  • Alex RoeEvan Walker
  • Maria BelloSergeant Reznik
  • Maika MonroeMarika "Ringer" Kimura
  • Zackary ArthurSammy "Nugget" Sullivan
  • Liev SchreiberLieutenant Colonel Alexander Vosch
  • Tony RevoloriDumbo
  • Talitha Eliana BatemanAllison / "Teacup"
  • Nadji JeterPoundcake
  • Alex MacNicollFlintstone
  • Matthew ZukWounded Man with Crucifix
  • Gabriela LopezLizbeth Morgan
  • Bailey Anne BordersJulia
  • Dave MaldonadoSoccer Coach
  • Paul RydenTV News Anchor
  • E. Roger MitchellWhite House Spokesman
  • Charmin LeeMs. Paulson
  • Macaroni_noodlez5d ago
    It wasn't to my liking.
  • MeghannBNovember 17, 2025
    This movie was so corny, but that's why I watched it. If you're into unrealistic, silly alien takeover movies, then add this to your list. It's got a couple of familiar faces (Chloë Grace Moretz, Liev Schreiber), so it feels a little higher quality than flicks of similar substance. Think of it as a great choice for a rainy Saturday movie at home...or if you're hungover and might nap throughout.
  • Trevor Stuart7d ago
    It's ok.
  • keithy077April 12, 2026
    Think most other reviews nailed it. Had potential but fell flat. Literally can take or leave this movie, watch it or don't, has no lasting impact.
  • dragonaiFebruary 1, 2026
    It had a good premise and, somewhat, executed it okay, however the 3rd act fell flat. I'm guessing they were hoping for a sequel?
  • Julie JonesJanuary 12, 2026
    I would recommend this film to anyone seeking adventure, drama, and action in a film! This movie have a lot of similarities with the film "Divergent". Both movies have been based on a society that is divided into different groups. The movie so realistic with what is going on in the world today, Would 100% recommend for ages 12 and above and I really hope there's a second one!
  • ZokkiieJanuary 9, 2026
    The premise is actually pretty interesting, with aliens and survival stakes, but the whole Twilight-style romance and melodrama really pull it down. Could’ve been a solid sci‑fi thriller if it focused more on the action and less on the cheesy love stuff.
  • ርልዪረFebruary 7, 2025
    Spoilers..... Alien invasion movie - so there have been many of them, what to do that's different? The aliens don't attack and destroy everything outright with killer bombs of doom, they want the planet when we're all dead, so they use different styles of attack, which are the waves referred to in the title. The film follows the journey of our young hero, from a normal high school teen existence through to a knarled survivalist resistance fighter. There is an occasional narrative voiceover to explain some aspects of what's happening, I always prefer this method to those awful exposition scenes that a lot of films have (where one character explains something to another character for the benefit of the watching audience). The idea of using child soldiers is not a new one, it's been done many times by us humans and in the film it is justified & explained by the dialogue between some of the characters - we are like cockroaches, the aliens know that they won't be able to kill us all with area weapons, better to get the younger ones to kill the older ones then use the implanted trackers to round up and destroy the children. The revelation that the children have can be seen coming, but it's enjoyable to watch the characters catch up as it dawns on them what is happening. And finally, what I really applaud is that this film hasn't fallen prey to the tired woke preaching agenda that so many have recently. This is what equality actually looks like - our hero just gets on with it, they are smart, tough, loyal, hard as nails, resourceful ...and female.
  • flavo43December 11, 2025
    The 5th Wave had the potential to stand out in a crowded wave of YA sci-fi adaptations, but instead it feels like a collage of familiar tropes and déjà vu moments. From alien invasions to undercover threats to teen romance amid disaster, the film echoes countless titles that came before it—unfortunately without adding much originality. The cast is solid, with several talented young actors who clearly have bright futures, but they’re held back by a script that never fully commits to its ideas. During the mid-2010s, Hollywood churned out numerous teen-centered sci-fi and dystopian films, and The 5th Wave struggles to rise above them. Rather than focusing on one strong concept, it tries to combine every sci-fi angle at once—survival thriller, alien infiltration, military conspiracy, coming-of-age journey—and ends up delivering none of them particularly well. It reminded me more of a Syfy Channel low-budget mashup than a polished blockbuster. Despite some promising elements, it simply couldn’t deliver a memorable or cohesive experience.
  • Dominic SelvaggioNovember 3, 2025
    2 hours I'll never get back, Twilight but for aliens where the main threat tries to cosplay as the facehuggers from alien in a stupendously dumb way. Chloe Grace Moretz deserves better.
  • jorge.slbSeptember 20, 2025
    Its OK, but...
  • Eric WidderJune 28, 2025
    2 hours you'll wish you got back, and I say that as a giant sci-fi alien fan. The story is terrible, the acting is terrible, it's your quintessential B sci-fi movie where it looks like they ran out of time or money and decided to call it a wash.
  • jakob.la7March 1, 2025
    I've read the Books before the Film. They are way better (as always). The Film had a very weird pace, and not very good storytelling.
  • Mister ArnOctober 12, 2024
    Nothing connects me to the story, there are many places I should feel emotion, but it never happens. Even the action scenes with their special effects are a boor. The ending is awkward and stilted, too much talent for such weak film.

Watch The 5th Wave Videos

  • The 5th Wave
    The 5th WaveTrailer
  • The 5th Wave (Blu-ray/DVD Trailer)
    The 5th Wave (Blu-ray/DVD Trailer)Trailer
  • The 5th Wave (International Trailer)
    The 5th Wave (International Trailer)Trailer
  • Alex Roe On The Story
    Alex Roe On The StoryBehind the Scenes
  • Alex MacNicoll On Squad 53
    Alex MacNicoll On Squad 53Behind the Scenes
  • Ron Livingston On The Story
    Ron Livingston On The StoryBehind the Scenes
  • Nadji Jeter On His Character
    Nadji Jeter On His CharacterBehind the Scenes
  • Maika Monroe On Her Character
    Maika Monroe On Her CharacterBehind the Scenes
  • Nick Robinson On His Character
    Nick Robinson On His CharacterBehind the Scenes
  • Tony Revolori On His Character
    Tony Revolori On His CharacterBehind the Scenes
  • Zackary Arthur On His Character
    Zackary Arthur On His CharacterBehind the Scenes
  • Cade Canon Ball On His Character
    Cade Canon Ball On His CharacterBehind the Scenes
  • Terry Serpico On Hutchfield's Camp
    Terry Serpico On Hutchfield's CampBehind the Scenes
  • Rick Yancey On His First Image Of The Story
    Rick Yancey On His First Image Of The StoryBehind the Scenes
  • Lynn Harris On What Attracted Her To The Project
    Lynn Harris On What Attracted Her To The ProjectBehind the Scenes
  • J Blakeson On What Appealed To Him About The Story
    J Blakeson On What Appealed To Him About The StoryBehind the Scenes
  • Maria Bello On What Appealed To Her About The Role
    Maria Bello On What Appealed To Her About The RoleBehind the Scenes
  • Matthew Plouffe On What Appealed To Him About The Story
    Matthew Plouffe On What Appealed To Him About The StoryBehind the Scenes
  • Liev Schreiber On What Appealed To Him About The Project
    Liev Schreiber On What Appealed To Him About The ProjectBehind the Scenes
  • Chloe Grace Moretz On What Appealed To Her About The Role
    Chloe Grace Moretz On What Appealed To Her About The RoleBehind the Scenes

The 5th Wave Trivia

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