Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

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Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

PG

2010

1h 59m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

48%

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150 Reviews

53%

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250,000+ Ratings

Always trouble-prone, the life of teenager Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) gets a lot more complicated when he learns he's the son of the Greek god Poseidon. At a training ground for the children of deities, Percy learns to harness his divine powers and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime: he must prevent a feud among the Olympians from erupting into a devastating war on Earth, and rescue his mother from the clutches of Hades, god of the underworld.

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Critics Consensus

Though it may seem like just another Harry Potter knockoff, Percy Jackson benefits from a strong supporting cast, a speedy plot, and plenty of fun with Greek mythology.

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Amy Nicholson

I.E. Weekly

Feb 18, 2010

C

The Greek gods had outsized powers and petty grievances. These Gen-Y demigods are no different - it's a whole generation of kids with daddy issues

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A.O. Scott

At the Movies

Feb 16, 2010

I thought it was mischievous and witty and amusing and I was just sort of drawn into it.

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Time Out

Feb 16, 2010

2/5

It's not enough to compensate for the computer-game-style plotting, which is largely based on us picking up narrative nuggets that mechanically slot into place later on.

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Justin Kim

Loud and Clear Reviews

Jan 6, 2025

Though its infamy may be overblown, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is still an unimpressive film that more than justifies the book fans’ outcry for a better adaptation.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Aug 22, 2023

1.5/4

This is a by-the-numbers fantasy adventure that merges the modern world with a magical one.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Oct 19, 2022

The Lightning Thief is good juvenile entertainment. [Full review in Spanish]

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 3, 2026

Frankly I enjoyed this movie and the second one too!

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Eli M

@stupid_worm Sep 1, 2026

No. This movie is absolutely horrible compared to the books. I watched this with my partner, they haven’t read the books, and I have. They STILL thought it was bad. Also, I get that they needed more ‘experienced actors’ but you could at least have tried to get some that look close to 12 years old. I know that Grover is (SPOILERS) actually like 29 in the movies and books, but he still looks 12 and he looks at least in his late 20’s in the movie.

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Olivia S

@RT18438227 Aug 31, 2026

okay so they're supposed to be 12. Where is Ares and Clarisse. Why is Persephone in the underworld that's mythologically inaccurate. The hydra shouldn't be there. Hades isn't evil, just in a bad mood. The Underworld is undergrown in an oversized cavern, not a firescape. I could go on like this for hours...

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KerryWhite's S

@KerryWhite77 Aug 7, 2026

As a Child: 7/10. 75/100 Now: 7/10. 70/100 With Chloe Lainhart at home, Chloe: 8.3/10

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diogo13 T

@Tua_mera Jul 12, 2026

Um filme de fantasia mediano e esquecível que diverte pelas cenas de ação mitológicas.

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Mickey B

@Mickerdoo Jul 1, 2026

Should definitely be PG13. Probably makes a better young teen book than movie. Comes off cheesy despite decent effects.

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Chris Columbus

Director

Logan Lerman

Percy Jackson

Brandon T. Jackson

Grover

Alexandra Daddario

Annabeth

Jake Abel

Luke

Sean Bean

Zeus

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Synopsis

Always trouble-prone, the life of teenager Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) gets a lot more complicated when he learns he's the son of the Greek god Poseidon. At a training ground for the children of deities, Percy learns to harness his divine powers and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime: he must prevent a feud among the Olympians from erupting into a devastating war on Earth, and rescue his mother from the clutches of Hades, god of the underworld.

Director: Chris Columbus
Producer: Karen Rosenfelt, Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan, Mark Radcliffe
Screenwriter: Craig Titley
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Phoenix Film Partners, Dune, Sunswept Entertainment, 1492 Pictures
Rating: PG (Mild Language|Action/Violence|Peril|Some Scary Images|Suggestive Material)
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 12, 2010, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $88.8M
Runtime: 1h 59m

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