Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

In the 28th century, Valerian and Laureline are special operatives charged with keeping order throughout the human territories. On assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two undertake a mission to Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis where species from across the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence, and cultures. At the center of Alpha is a mysterious dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.

Critics found the film a visually dazzling, kinetic spectacle whose sprawling story and stiff romantic subplot undercut its considerable visual ambition.

• Alpha is depicted as a city where beings from many planets live together and trade knowledge and culture
• Reviewers praise the eye-popping visuals and note the adaptation of a French 1970s comic

• The Fifth Elementshared visual spectacle, space opera scale, and quirky alien worlds with a playful tone
• Guardians of the Galaxyshared space opera adventure with buddy partnership and alien-filled cityscape
• Avatarshared sprawling alien metropolis and bold, eye-popping production design

Director

Luc Besson

Release Date

2017-07-19

Runtime

137 min

Rating

6.7 / 10 (8300)

What is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets about?

A pair of intergalactic agents race to uncover a dark secret threatening a sprawling multispecies space station.

What is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets as moderate.

What did critics think of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

Critics found the film a visually dazzling, kinetic spectacle whose sprawling story and stiff romantic subplot undercut its considerable visual ambition.

Which films are like Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

Films with a similar feel include The Fifth Element, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avatar.

How long is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets runs 137 minutes.

Where can I watch Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

In United States, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets streams on Hulu, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, Cinemax Apple TV channel.