---
title: "The 5th Wave"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-5th-wave-2016"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 299687
imdb_id: "tt2304933"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 112
community_rating: 5.9
vote_count: 6077
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# The 5th Wave (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-5th-wave-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film "The 5th Wave" is a science fiction story set in a world that has been devastated by an alien invasion. The invasion has already had a profound impact on the planet and its inhabitants, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The story follows a 16-year-old girl as she attempts to survive in this harsh new environment. The aliens have launched a series of attacks on Earth, referred to as the "waves," which have significantly reduced the human population and pushed society back to a primitive state, akin to the Stone Age. The protagonist's goal is to stay alive in this treacherous world, where the rules of society no longer apply. The film depicts a desperate struggle for survival in a world that has been turned upside down by the alien invasion.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A teen fights to survive after humanity’s collapse from alien attacks."

### Why Watch
- High-octane sci-fi action
- Young protagonist’s survival journey
- Adaptation of a popular YA novel

### Caveats & Content Note
- Violence and intense themes may not suit all viewers
- Tone & Suitability: The PG-13 film contains moderate violence and thematic elements, suitable for teens and adults.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: action, science-fiction, adventure

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, Starz Apple TV Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Crave Amazon Channel, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: J Blakeson
- **Networks / Studios**: LStar Capital, Columbia Pictures, GK Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Chloë Grace Moretz** as *Cassie Sullivan*
- **Nick Robinson** as *Ben Parish / Zombie*
- **Ron Livingston** as *Oliver Sullivan*
- **Maggie Siff** as *Lisa Sullivan*
- **Alex Roe** as *Evan Walker*
- **Maria Bello** as *Sergeant Reznik*
- **Maika Monroe** as *Ringer*
- **Zackary Arthur** as *Sam Sullivan*
- **Liev Schreiber** as *Colonel Vosch*
- **Tony Revolori** as *Dumbo*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the basic premise?
Sixteen-year-old Cassie Sullivan tries to survive in a world devastated by alien invasion waves.

### Q: Who directed The 5th Wave?
It was directed by J Blakeson.

### Q: Is the film based on existing material?
Yes, it is based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Rick Yancey.

### Q: When was the movie released?
It was released in the United States on January 15, 2016.

### Q: What rating and runtime does the film have?
The film is rated PG-13 and runs for 1 hour 52 minutes.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*