London Has Fallen

London Has Fallen

movie

R, 2016, Action, Thriller

WISE
18%

WISE Score

28

Avg. Tomatometer

Gratuitously violent action sequel that critics hated and even audiences found meh—basically two hours of xenophobic revenge fantasy.

IMDb5.9
RT Critics28%
MC28
TMDB6.2
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this movie is bad. Not 'so bad it's good' bad, just... bad.

The critics gave it 28%, audiences were lukewarm at 51%, and Letterboxd users rated it 2.6 out of 5. That's a lot of people saying 'meh' or worse. It's a formulaic, gratuitously violent action sequel that trades any semblance of nuance for explosions and xenophobic stereotypes.

Even if you're looking for mindless action entertainment for adults, there are dozens of better options. The violence crosses from 'action movie' into 'torture porn' territory at times, and the geopolitical messaging is both simplistic and offensive.

Is it watchable? Technically. Should you watch it? Probably not. Your time is valuable, and this ain't it.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults 18+, and even then, it's hard to recommend given the poor critical reception and problematic content. The violence is extreme, the stereotypes are offensive, and there's literally nothing here for anyone under 18. Common Sense Media's 17+ rating is generous.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
15

This is an ultra-violent action thriller with gratuitous killing, torture, and aggressive nationalism. The tone is dark and vengeful, with the protagonist brutally dispatching enemies. It models aggression and revenge over cooperation or emotional intelligence. Common Sense Media rated it 17+ for good reason—there's nothing emotionally healthy here for younger viewers.

Imaginative
25

A formulaic action sequel that follows every predictable beat: terrorist attack, lone hero saves the day, explosions galore. No creative exploration, no curiosity, no invitation to build or think differently. The Letterboxd 2.6/5 and 28% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes reflect a movie that's paint-by-numbers at best. It's a rehash of the first film with a different city.

Safe
20

Extremely violent with graphic deaths, torture scenes, and intense action throughout. The film includes stabbing, shooting, explosions, and a particularly brutal sequence where the protagonist tortures a terrorist. There's strong language and xenophobic undertones. For movies, 'Safe' means no surprise inappropriate content—but this IS the content. It's rated for 17+ and delivers exactly what that implies: not safe for younger viewers at all.

Enriching
20

Offers minimal cognitive or ethical growth. The film presents a simplistic good-vs-evil narrative with troubling geopolitical stereotypes. No meaningful character development, no nuanced exploration of terrorism or international relations. The entertainment value exists purely in action sequences, but the critical consensus (28% on both RT and Metacritic) suggests even that falls flat. It's mindless rather than thought-provoking.

Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great

  • If you're an adult who genuinely enjoyed the first Olympus Has Fallen and want more of the exact same thing but in London
  • Gerard Butler delivers his signature gruff action-hero performance for fans of that specific vibe
  • The action sequences are competently shot, even if they're morally questionable and repetitive
  • Available on multiple free streaming platforms if you're really bored and have exhausted all other options
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What to Watch For

  • Extreme violence including graphic deaths, stabbing, shooting, and an extended torture scene
  • Strong language throughout
  • Troubling xenophobic stereotypes and a simplistic 'us vs. them' worldview that presents Middle Eastern characters as one-dimensional villains
  • Zero educational value—this is purely violence-as-entertainment
  • The critical consensus is brutal: 28% on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic means even action fans found it lacking

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think critics and audiences responded so negatively to this movie compared to other action films?"
  • "How does this film portray terrorism and international conflict? What's missing from that portrayal?"
  • "What's the difference between action movies that are fun escapism versus ones that feel gratuitous or problematic?"
  • "Can we talk about why revenge fantasies are appealing but also potentially harmful?"
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