Pacific Rim Uprising is available on Netflix as of June 7, 2026. Directed by Steven S. DeKnight, this 2018 science-fiction adventure continues the clash between the Kaiju, giant extraterrestrial monsters, and the Jaegers, human-piloted giant robots.
Pacific Rim Uprising
Film | 2018
Available on Netflix since June 7, 2026
Action, Adventure, Science Fiction | Runtime: 1h 51m
Directed by Steven S. DeKnight
Starring John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Rinko Kikuchi, Jing Tian and Charlie Day
Original title: Pacific Rim Uprising
Countries: United States, China
In this second installment, the war against the Kaiju is only the opening act in a broader onslaught against humanity. John Boyega stars as Jake Pentecost, the son of Stacker Pentecost—the hero of the first film whose sacrifice helped turn back the threat.
Jake has given up his Jaeger-pilot training and now lives on the fringes, until a new threat compels him to reclaim his place. He then joins a new generation of pilots within the Pan Pacific Defense Corps, alongside Nate Lambert, portrayed by Scott Eastwood, and Amara Namani, a young Jaeger hacker played by Cailee Spaeny.
The film also reunites Rinko Kikuchi in the role of Mako Mori, while Jing Tian, Burn Gorman, Adria Arjona and Charlie Day round out the cast. Steven S. DeKnight, known for his work on Daredevil and Spartacus, steps in to direct, taking the helm from Guillermo del Toro.
Our take on Pacific Rim Uprising
In Pacific Rim Uprising, everything seems engineered to recapture the simple thrill of a colossal showdown: giant robots, alien monsters, cities turned into battlegrounds, and a staging that aims first at grandeur. Steven S. DeKnight’s film, released in theaters on March 21, 2018, expands the universe introduced in Pacific Rim by betting on a new generation of pilots led by Jake Pentecost, played by John Boyega.
The film first delivers on its promise of spectacle. The action scenes are legible, generous, and powered by convincing special effects. When the Jaegers move, Pacific Rim Uprising recaptures what made the franchise alluring: a sense of mass, the thrill of impact, the mechanical fantasy, and the playful idea of humans melding with gigantic machines to stand up to an enemy beyond their reach.
The result shines most in the fight sequences. The movie embraces a brighter, more colorful aesthetic than the first installment, with a sleeker, almost teenage futurism that gives the whole thing immediate energy. This direction makes the experience more accessible and quicker to grasp, but also less mysterious. Where the original Pacific Rim impressed with its atmosphere, its sense of weight, and a distinctly defined universe, this sequel leans more on speed, momentum, and visual impact.
That’s also where the limits show. The plot, a touch uneven, struggles to recapture the dramatic tension of the first film. The stakes are clear, but their progression can feel predictable and lacking in intensity. Some characters seem primarily there to spur the plot forward or to set up the next big set piece, without always receiving enough development to forge lasting attachment. The film stays more thrilling in its clashes than in its human arcs.
That said, Pacific Rim Uprising is not merely a string of digital effects. The narrative retains a straightforward yet sincere thread about legacy, self-belief, and collective hope. Jake Pentecost carries the burden of a heroic father, while younger pilots must learn to turn fear into shared strength. The idea of transmission works well within the Jaeger universe, since piloting hinges on connection, synchronization, and trusting one another.
The film will likely appeal more to viewers chasing a spectacular sci‑fi blockbuster—fast-paced, visually rich, and generously filled with battles. Fans of giant robots, alien monsters, and futuristic action should find plenty to enjoy, especially if they’re willing to prize energy over narrative nuance. John Boyega fans will also appreciate his presence, which brings a laid-back vitality to the project.
Conversely, those hoping for a sequel as inhabited, expansive, and singular as the first Pacific Rim may find themselves at a remove. It won’t satisfy viewers seeking a tightly woven plot, deeply developed characters, or continuous dramatic tension. The ride is enjoyable, but it loses some momentum when it steps away from the fighting to chase emotional stakes.
Pacific Rim Uprising remains a solid, entertaining blockbuster, buoyed by impressive action scenes and successful effects. Not as striking as its predecessor, it still carries enough energy, color, and optimism to deliver an effective cinema experience for science‑fiction blockbuster fans.
Pacific Rim Uprising could appeal to Netflix subscribers looking for a science-fiction blockbuster built on giant-robot battles, monstrous creatures, and high-octane action. The film isn’t as geared toward viewers who prefer a sequel that stays closer to the tone of Guillermo del Toro’s original Pacific Rim.
The trailer for Pacific Rim Uprising spotlights a new generation of pilots, puts the Jaegers back in action, and brings the Kaiju threat back onto the global stage.
To go further, also check out our picks of Netflix’s new releases for the month of June, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s pick: What to watch on streaming today.
