Aquaman

Aquaman

Year: 2018

Runtime: 143 min

Language: English

Director: James Wan

Echo Score: 68

Budget: $160M

ActionAdventureSci-FiFantasy

In the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, the power-hungry King Orm plots to control the ocean's inhabitants and ultimately conquer the surface world. Standing against him is Aquaman, the rightful heir to the throne and a being of both human and Atlantean heritage. Guided by the counsel of Vulko, Aquaman must embrace his destiny, locate the legendary Trident of Atlan, and unlock his full potential to defend the depths and thwart Orm's ambitions.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Aquaman yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Aquaman (2018)

Trace every key event in Aquaman (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Atlanna's Shipwreck

In 1985 Maine, during a fierce storm, the lighthouse keeper, Thomas Curry, discovers the shipwreck of Atlanna, the princess of Atlantis. He bravely helps her, bringing her into his home and caring for her injuries, setting the stage for an unexpected love story.

1985 Maine
2

The Birth of Arthur

As Thomas and Atlanna's bond deepens, they welcome the birth of their son, Arthur. Unbeknownst to them, Arthur possesses a unique ability to communicate with sea creatures, hinting at his extraordinary destiny.

3

Atlanna's Departure

The peace is short-lived when Atlanna must return to Atlantis, leaving Arthur in the care of her loyal advisor, Nuidis Vulko. This departure instills in Arthur a sense of longing and loss, shaping his future adventures.

Atlantis
4

Training Under Vulko

Under Vulko's watchful eye, Arthur undergoes rigorous training to harness his abilities. As he grows, he faces the harsh reality of being rejected by the Atlanteans for being a half-breed, leading him to abandon Atlantis altogether.

Atlantis
5

Rescue of the Submarine

Years later, Arthur intervenes when pirates attack a Russian Naval nuclear submarine. Displaying great courage, he brings the submarine to the surface, saving the trapped sailors from certain death at the hands of the pirates.

Russian waters
6

Death of Jessie Kane

During the tumultuous rescue, pirate leader Jessie Kane meets a tragic end, leaving his son David with a burning desire for vengeance against Arthur. This event ignites a fuel for future conflict between the two.

7

David's Revenge Plot

Driven by his grandfather's legacy, David plots against Atlantis, motivated by resentment towards Arthur. With the influence of Orm, his newly crowned half-brother, David targets Atlantis as a means to wage war against surface dwellers.

Atlantis
8

Mera Seeks Arthur's Help

Mera, the daughter of King Nereus, seeks Arthur's aid to avert impending conflict as Orm prepares for war. She escapes to the surface and warns him of the tidal wave approaching, signaling the imminent threat from Atlantis.

Surface world
9

Quest for Atlan's Trident

Joined by Mera, Arthur embarks on a quest to find Atlan's Trident, the legendary artifact to prove his right to the throne. Their journey quickly takes a perilous turn when they encounter Orm's forces, leading to a fierce confrontation.

10

Oracle of the Sahara

The duo's search leads them to the Sahara Desert, where they uncover significant revelations regarding the trident. This crucial moment redefines Arthur's destiny and prepares him for the challenges ahead.

Sahara Desert
11

Encounter with Black Manta

While on their journey in Sicily, Arthur and Mera face off against David, who has transformed into the formidable Black Manta. He now has advanced battle armor, making him an even deadlier adversary as he seeks vengeance.

Sicily
12

The Battle Against The Trench

Arthur and Mera brave the depths of the ocean, confronted by monstrous beings known as The Trench. Their victory over these fearsome creatures proves their resolve and further solidifies Arthur's place in the battle for Atlantis.

Uncharted sea
13

Discovery of Queen Atlanna

In a shocking turn, Arthur discovers his mother, Queen Atlanna, alive in a hidden underwater realm. This emotional reunion leads Arthur to uncover more about his lineage and legacy, empowering him for the impending war.

Uncharted sea
14

The Climactic Duel

As tensions rise, Arthur confronts Orm in a climactic duel, challenging the oppressive reign of his half-brother. With the aid of Karathen and marine allies, Arthur shows mercy instead of vengeance, transforming the future of Atlantis.

Atlantis
15

David's New Alliance

In a mid-credits twist, David is rescued by Dr. Stephen Shin, igniting a new alliance fueled by revenge against Arthur. Their partnership hints at future conflicts and sets the stage for Arthur's continued challenges ahead.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:41

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Grand Fantasy Adventures of Reluctant Heirs like Aquaman

Spectacular journeys where an outcast must embrace their royal destiny to save the world.If you liked Aquaman's story of a half-human heir embracing his throne, explore more movies like it. These films feature spectacular fantasy worlds, reluctant heroes on epic quests, and grand battles for destiny, blending high-stakes action with a hopeful journey of self-discovery.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a classic 'reluctant heir' arc: a character, often an outcast or half-breed, learns of their royal lineage and is thrust into a conflict for a hidden kingdom's throne. Their journey involves a quest for a symbolic artifact or power, a confrontation with a power-hungry rival (often a family member), and a massive final battle where they must fully accept their destiny to become a benevolent ruler.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here by their shared focus on a specific heroic archetype—the reluctant royal heir—and the grand, high-energy adventure that surrounds their ascent. They blend spectacular visual scale, fast-paced action, and a fundamentally hopeful tone centered on embracing one's identity and responsibility.

Spectacular World-Building Action Fantasies like Aquaman

Visually stunning journeys that immerse you in a fully realized, extraordinary new world.Love the immersive underwater world and visual spectacle of Aquaman? Discover similar movies that transport you to breathtaking fantasy realms. These films prioritize grand-scale world-building, fast-paced adventure, and spectacular action set-pieces that make the setting itself a central character in the story.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative is often straightforward, serving as a vehicle to showcase a fantastical world. The plot typically involves a clear conflict that threatens the stability of this unique setting, driving the hero on a tour through its wonders and dangers. The story structure is built around showcasing spectacular set-pieces and locations, making the exploration of the world a key part of the experience.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared emphasis on visual spectacle and immersive setting. The defining similarity is the feeling of being transported to a grand, fully realized world, accompanied by a fast-paced, high-intensity adventure that makes the environment as memorable as the characters.

Unlock the Full Story of Aquaman

Don't stop at just watching — explore Aquaman in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Aquaman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Aquaman Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Aquaman, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Aquaman Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Aquaman

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Aquaman. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Aquaman

Aquaman Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Aquaman that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Aquaman Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Aquaman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Aquaman: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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