The Story of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom picks up years after the events of the first film, with Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) now settled into domestic life as both a father and king of Atlantis. Peace, however, doesn't suit the ocean's most dangerous enemies. Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) has been plotting his return, fueled by the desire to avenge his father's death and seize the legendary Black Trident—a weapon of mythic power that could reshape the world itself. When Manta's plans threaten not just Arthur's family but the very survival of the surface world, Arthur finds himself forced into an unlikely alliance with his estranged half-brother Orm, the former Ocean Master now imprisoned for his crimes. The two must navigate their fractured relationship while racing to locate the lost seventh kingdom of the seas before Manta's vengeance spirals into global catastrophe. It's a premise that promises both spectacle and character drama—one that director James Wan clearly intended to deliver on both fronts.
Behind the Making of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
James Wan, the director behind the first Aquaman's $1.1 billion global success, returned to helm this 2023 sequel with a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. The film represents the 15th and final installment in the DC Extended Universe, marking a symbolic endpoint for a franchise that launched in 2013 with Man of Steel. With a runtime of 124 minutes, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom doesn't skimp on ambition—Wan and his creative team assembled an ensemble cast that includes returning stars Jason Momoa and Amber Heard alongside Patrick Wilson reprising his role as Orm, along with supporting performances from Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Randall Park, and others. The production was rated PG-13, keeping the film accessible to younger audiences while maintaining the action-adventure tone fans expected. Financially, the film grossed $124.5 million worldwide, a respectable haul for a theatrical release but notably softer than its predecessor—a sign, perhaps, of franchise fatigue or shifting audience priorities. The film earned six nominations and one win across various award bodies, though critical accolades remained sparse compared to the blockbuster recognition the first film enjoyed.
What Makes Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Stand Out
Here's what's genuinely striking about this film: the chemistry between Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson. Their dynamic—part antagonistic, part begrudging brotherhood—becomes the thematic spine that holds the narrative together, and both actors lean into the comedic and emotional potential of their fractured relationship with surprising commitment. Momoa brings his trademark charisma and humor to Arthur, while Wilson's Orm evolves from one-note villain to a character with actual depth and conflicting loyalties. The visual design, too, doesn't disappoint. Wan's underwater sequences showcase elaborate production design and creature work that's genuinely impressive—the bioluminescent environments and mythological set pieces feel expansive and lived-in, even when the plot around them starts to falter. That said, critics weren't kind to the film overall. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 33%, a Metascore of 42, and an IMDb rating of 5.8 out of 10, audiences and reviewers alike seemed to agree that something wasn't clicking. The script, despite its high-stakes premise, struggles with pacing and coherence—there's a disconnect between the intimate character work (the brother-versus-brother tension) and the bombastic, world-ending stakes that feel grafted on rather than earned. What's striking is how the film wants to be both a intimate family drama and a globe-threatening superhero epic, and it doesn't quite manage either convincingly.
Where to Stream Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Online
If you're ready to dive in, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is currently available to stream on Netflix, making it easily accessible for subscribers looking to catch up on the DCEU's final chapter. Movie OTT tracks where every title streams in real time, so you can check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page to confirm current availability on your preferred platform. Netflix's library is constantly shifting, so if you've been meaning to watch this one, now's the moment—especially if you're planning to revisit the first film beforehand to refresh yourself on the mythology and relationships that drive this sequel. The streaming availability makes this a low-friction way to experience the film without the theatrical commitment, which honestly feels appropriate for a movie that's entertaining but uneven.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom worth watching?
If you enjoyed the first Aquaman or are a DC Extended Universe completist, it's worth your time—the visual spectacle and Momoa-Wilson dynamic deliver entertainment value. However, if you're looking for a tightly plotted, critically acclaimed superhero film, you might find it frustrating.
Q: Who directed Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
James Wan directed the film from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. Wan also produced the film alongside Peter Safran and Rob Cowan for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Q: Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom the last DCEU film?
Yes, this 2023 film is the 15th and final installment in the DC Extended Universe, marking the end of an era that began with Man of Steel in 2013.
Q: What's the runtime of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
The film runs 124 minutes and is rated PG-13, making it accessible to younger audiences while maintaining action-adventure intensity.
Q: What is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom about?
Arthur Curry must ally with his imprisoned half-brother Orm to stop Black Manta from using the cursed Black Trident to destroy the world, forcing the two to confront their complicated relationship while facing apocalyptic stakes.
Final Thoughts on Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a fascinating case study in a franchise that never quite found its identity. It's visually ambitious, anchored by two leads who clearly enjoy working together, yet hamstrung by a script that can't decide whether it wants intimacy or spectacle. Don't go in expecting a masterpiece—go in for the underwater world-building, the humor, and the genuine entertainment value of watching Momoa and Wilson navigate their characters' messy brotherhood. It's a fitting, if imperfect, goodbye to the DCEU.
