---
title: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"
year: 2023
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3"
fi1m_id: "guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3"
imdb_id: "tt6791350"
tmdb_id: 447365
wikidata_id: "Q29226331"
fi1m_score: 71
critics_score: 70
critics_reviews: 16
published: "2026-09-10"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:08.558858+00:00"
region: "ID"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Directed by James Gunn · 2h 30m · LSF 13+ · Science Fiction, Adventure, Action

## Identity

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3
- **IMDb ID:** tt6791350
- **TMDB ID:** 447365
- **Wikidata ID:** Q29226331
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6791350/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/447365, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29226331

**Fi1m score: 71** · Critics 70 from 16 reviews

*In a sentence:* A 12A about animal experimentation, and the animal experimentation is the best thing in it

> James Gunn’s farewell to the Guardians gives Rocket a past so cruel it stopped us cold, then builds a loud, funny, overlong rescue around it. The villain shouts and the middle sags, but the raccoon earns every minute he is given.

## Synopsis

The Guardians have settled on Knowhere, which they now run as a town of sorts. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is drinking and grieving a Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) who, in this version of her, has never met him and does not care to. Then a golden being called Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) drops out of the sky, sent by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), and leaves Rocket (Bradley Cooper) close to death. A device in Rocket’s chest makes surgery impossible, so Nebula (Karen Gillan), Drax (Dave Bautista), Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Groot (Vin Diesel) set out to find the override code, a search that leads towards the man who made him, the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji).

## Review

James Gunn ends his trilogy by taking the joke seriously. Rocket, the raccoon with the guns and the mouth, has been the punchline since 2014; this film asks where he came from and answers in detail, and the answer is not a kind one. Around that it wraps a rescue mission, a golden idiot, a shouting scientist and 150 minutes, which is a good half hour more than the story needs. It is the best of the three and it is also the longest, and the length costs it.

Here is what we felt. The first time the film cut away to Rocket’s past, a small animal in a cage in a bright room, we stopped laughing and did not start again for some minutes. We had not expected a Marvel film to upset us, and it did, and we were slightly resentful about it. Gunn shoots these scenes without decoration: white light, steel, animals talking to each other in the dark after the men have gone. Sean Gunn voices the young Rocket and Bradley Cooper the grown one, and neither plays it for pity. Cooper’s work here is the best acting in the series, done by a man we never see.

Chukwudi Iwuji plays the High Evolutionary at full volume from his first scene, a man who builds worlds, judges them imperfect and burns them, and who wants nothing except to be right. It is one note, but the note is hateful, and the film needs him hated more than it needs him understood. Beth Mickle’s production design gives him places to be hateful in: an orbiting headquarters built of flesh, with corridors like intestines and doors that pucker instead of opening, and a suburb where animal-human hybrids drive estate cars and watch television. Henry Braham lights it in hot pinks and sick yellows, and the crew go in wearing Judianna Makovsky’s padded, sweet-wrapper spacesuits, so the frame looks like a bag of pick-and-mix dropped in an abattoir. We mean that as praise.

The cutting is the trouble. Three editors are credited, Fred Raskin, Tatiana S. Riegel and Greg D’Auria, and the film moves like something settled at a meeting. The flashbacks land exactly where they should; the present-day plot between them doubles back, stops for fights nobody asked for, and in the middle hour repeatedly reaches the end of a scene and then carries on. Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock, a golden man-child who hits first and thinks never, is funny in every scene he has and has hardly any, and the film keeps mislaying him in a way that suggests he is here because a contract said so. John Murphy’s score is capable and mostly buried under the pop songs, which are, as before, the film’s real music; only in Rocket’s past does a quiet piano line get room to work.

Chris Pratt’s Quill is drunk, sad and less funny than before, and that is the point. His scenes with Zoe Saldaña, playing a Gamora who owes him nothing and says so, are the most grown-up writing in the film: a man trying to pick up a relationship with a woman who was never in it. Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff are the double act, Drax’s cheerful literalism against Mantis’s worn-out patience, and whenever the plot stalls Gunn sends them off together to be stupid, and it works every time. Karen Gillan’s Nebula spends the film as the only adult aboard, snapping at everyone. There is a corridor fight late on, staged as one long moving shot with the whole team in it, that is the best piece of action the series has managed, and we grinned through all of it.

The first [*Guardians of the Galaxy*](https://film.one/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy) (2014) got away with its sentiment by never resting on it. *Vol. 2* (2017) rested on it and went sticky. This one earns its sentiment and then keeps asking for more: the closing stretch goes on well past the point it has made, and somewhere in it we were looking at our watch, and felt rotten about it, given what the film had done to us an hour earlier.

The reviews have mostly been warm, and we are with them on the raccoon and against them on the length. See it, and if you have children, or a dog, know that the flashbacks are harder than a 12A usually allows. At home you can pause it, which helps, both for the length and for the flashbacks. It runs 150 minutes.

*Fi1m score 71, published 10 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics are pleased with this third and final Guardians film, and the praise clusters in the same places. Rocket’s backstory is the element named again and again: several reviews call it the emotional core, and a few find it moving to the point of distress. Dave Bautista’s Drax is the performance singled out most often, with Mantis, Groot and newcomer Will Poulter close behind. James Gunn’s creature and production design is credited with keeping the film distinct from the run of comic-book films around it.

The reservations cluster on length. Even warm reviews call it overlong, and a few think the emotion is laid on too thick and the tone lurches between quips and gore. The spread is wide: alongside a cluster of raves sit two firm dissents. The Telegraph finds the heroes a spent force in a messy plot, and The New Yorker thinks it visually dull, simulating feeling rather than earning it.

## Straight answers

**Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 worth watching?**

*Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* is worth watching, and we scored it 71, the best of James Gunn's three but also the longest and looser for it. Rocket's past is the reason to see it: the flashbacks upset us more than we expected a Marvel film to manage. The villain shouts and the middle hour sags, so it suits fans of the series more than newcomers wanting a quick evening.

**How long is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and what is it rated?**

*Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* runs 2h 30m and is rated 13+ by the LSF in Indonesia. It is a science fiction and adventure film.

**Where can I watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in Indonesia?**

*Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* is not on any streaming or rental service in Indonesia at the moment. It is available in 45 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and is it suitable for children?**

*Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* is a 12A, but the flashbacks to Rocket's past, a small animal in a cage in a bright laboratory, are harder than that certificate usually allows. There is plenty of loud comic action, a villain who burns whole worlds and a headquarters built of flesh. Older children who know the series should cope; younger ones, and anyone tender about animals, may not.

**How does Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 compare to Paddington 2?**

*Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* and [*Paddington 2*](https://film.one/film/paddington-2) both hang a story on a small animal, a found family and a villain enjoying himself, but the Paddington film is kinder, shorter and the tighter of the two. Gunn's film hits harder, with Rocket's origin doing things a family comedy would never attempt, and then outstays its point. For a family evening, Paddington; for a proper wallop, the raccoon.

**What should I watch after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?**

After *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*, try [*Paddington 2*](https://film.one/film/paddington-2) (2017, Fi1m 91): A small animal, a found family and a villain having enormous fun; kinder, and shorter. Then [*Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind*](https://film.one/film/warriors-of-the-wind) (1984, Fi1m 85): Miyazaki’s giant insects are more sympathetic than most of his people, and he means it.

### Reviews we read (20)

- **The Independent**, Clarisse Loughrey (90/100, inferred): The critic calls it the best Marvel movie in years and a reminder that the Guardians represent some of the very best the MCU has to offer. She singles out the well-drawn, textured characters and the care with which their story is told. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-review-vol-3-b2329335.html)
- **Empire**, Helen O'Hara (85/100, inferred): The critic hails it as a triumph that closes out the trilogy with a big, scrappy mix of humour and terror boasting a heart as big as Drax. She singles out the emotionally resonant storytelling and the way it allows the characters to face their fears and grow. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3/)
- **Radio Times** (4/5): The critic deems it a fitting conclusion to the saga that wraps things up nicely despite some narrative sags and over-egged emotion. Standout elements include the scene-stealing performances from Drax, Mantis and Groot alongside strong additions like Will Poulter. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/scifi/guardians-galaxy-vol-3-review/)
- **Screen Daily** (80/100, inferred): James Gunn delivers a satisfying send-off in this final Guardians chapter that feels refreshingly vivid and distinct amid formulaic comic-book films. The review highlights the moving backstory for Rocket and the film's emotional wallop alongside its gorgeous spectacle. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review/5181476.article)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the dramatically focused threequel with a dark and demented heart that hits just enough Guardians beats to please the faithful without the self-referential excess of Vol 2. Rocket's storyline and the structure of heist and rescues are highlighted positively. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/books/article/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-a-racoon-rescue-caper-with-soul-93sw8zn3t)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Brian Tallerico (3/4): The critic praises Gunn for balancing corporate demands with personal filmmaking and highlights the creativity, dialogue, and performances that set it apart from other superhero movies. Rocket's origin story and the film's messier, weirder elements are singled out as particularly appealing. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-volume-3-2023)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (75/100, inferred): The critic finds it spectacular, spirited and often funny despite being overlong and reaching for emotional closure it does not fully achieve. Dave Bautista's Drax is singled out as the scene-stealer for his comedy chops and heartwarming rapport with children. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/apr/28/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-james-gunns-fun-and-energetic-threequel)
- **The i Paper**, Christina Newland (65/100, inferred): The critic describes it as an enjoyable if overlong escapade that mixes quippy adventure with surprisingly harrowing moments of peril and gore. She praises the convincing sense of friendship and camaraderie that gives the finale some gravitas. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-a-surprisingly-harrowing-final-instalment-2313419)
- **Little White Lies** (2/3/3): The critic finds the film a fitting finale for Marvel's most affable heroes but notes it is bloated with a noticeable runtime. Praise goes to James Gunn's distinct vision and Will Poulter's standout performance as Adam Warlock. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3)
- **Time Out**, Michael Juliano (3/5): The review calls it an unexpectedly bleak but big-hearted finale that gets surprisingly dark for the franchise. It singles out the improved visual effects and wonderfully weird production design for praise. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-2023)
- **The Telegraph** (40/100, inferred): The critic concludes that the once-perkiest heroes now look like a spent force, with a messy plot, irritable tone and overlong flashbacks. Gunn's flashes of brilliance in creature and set design are praised but do not salvage the whole. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-marvel/)
- **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the film visually uninteresting and overly reliant on script at the expense of cinematic imagination, criticizing its simulation of emotion and action without genuine impact. The production design's biomorphic elements are noted as one of the few authentic inspirations. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-reviewed-whos-restraining-whom)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck: The film is an overstuffed but satisfying trilogy capper that achieves its goal of delivering a stirring finale to the franchise. It succeeds thanks to the strong ensemble chemistry, particularly between Mantis and Drax, and its inventive action sequences set to memorable music. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-james-gunn-chris-pratt-1235403892/)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (Critic's Pick): The critic calls it a satisfying close to the trilogy that repositions Rocket as the emotional core while deepening the ensemble. The inventive environments, emotional investment in the characters, and Gunn's ability to balance humor and sentiment are highlighted. [Read](https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-chris-pratt-1235597519/)
- **The Ringer**, Miles Surrey (85/100, inferred): Gunn's final MCU entry succeeds through charm, sincerity, and irreverence while centering Rocket's traumatic origins and the team's found-family bonds. It stands out for its self-contained story, visual appeal, and genuine sense of finality amid the franchise's larger issues. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2023/05/05/marvel/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-james-gunn-marvel-dc)
- **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (B+): The film serves as a heartfelt and humorous sendoff for the team under James Gunn, delivering fun and moving moments after recent MCU disappointments. It singles out Rocket's heartbreaking backstory for effective emotional impact despite its unusual premise. [Read](https://collider.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-3-review/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Linda Marric (4/5): The critic calls the film a big, silly and disarmingly big-hearted farewell to the team that makes the most of what made the series one of the most loved in the franchise. They single out the coherent storytelling and expanded soundtrack for praise while noting the runtime feels slightly unnecessary. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review/)
- **NME**, Olly Richards (70/100, inferred): The review describes the film as an odd, dark goodbye with grim scenes of animal torture but effective focus on Rocket and a strong emotional finale. It notes tonal imbalance and odd pacing but praises the meaningful character time and fan appeal. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-volume-3-review-james-gunn-3437058)
- **Deadline**, Damon Wise: The critic finds no sign of burnout in this third Guardians film, which feels like a continuum rather than a true ending for the franchise. They single out the strong ensemble cast, especially Dave Bautista as Drax, and the thoughtful origins story for Rocket that raises ideas about mortality and genetic engineering. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/04/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-no-sign-of-burnout-in-the-adventures-of-star-lord-1235340889/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (4 out of 5): The critic praises James Gunn's return and the film's focus on Rocket's character and backstory, noting its emotional depth and balance of darkness with humor. Some franchise obligations like Adam Warlock are criticized, but the story of the team saving one of their own is found compelling. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-james-gunn-marvel-formula-problems/)

## Details

- **Director:** James Gunn
- **Director:** James Gunn
- **Writer:** James Gunn
- **Cinematography:** Henry Braham
- **Editor:** Fred Raskin, Greg D'Auria, Tatiana S. Riegel
- **Music:** John Murphy
- **Production design:** Beth Mickle
- **Costume design:** Judianna Makovsky
- **Producer:** Kevin Feige
- **Cast:** Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord; Zoe Saldaña as Gamora; Dave Bautista as Drax; Karen Gillan as Nebula; Pom Klementieff as Mantis; Vin Diesel as Groot (voice); Bradley Cooper as Rocket (voice); Sean Gunn as Kraglin / Young Rocket (voice)
- **Runtime:** 2h 30m
- **Certificate (LSF):** 13+
- **Release (Indonesia):** 3 May 2023
- **Genres:** Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
- **Budget:** $250 million
- **Box office:** $846 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqcncLPi9zw

## Where to watch in Indonesia

Not streaming, renting or buying in Indonesia at the last check.

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2024: Best Visual Effects (nominated)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2024: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *The Plague Dogs* (1982): Two dogs escape a laboratory; the film Rocket’s flashbacks most resemble, and far bleaker.
- *Paddington 2* (2017), Fi1m 91: A small animal, a found family and a villain having enormous fun; kinder, and shorter. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paddington-2.md)
- *Galaxy Quest* (1999): A crew of misfits mistaken for heroes; the jokes land first and the feeling follows.
- *Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind* (1984), Fi1m 85: Miyazaki’s giant insects are more sympathetic than most of his people, and he means it. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/warriors-of-the-wind.md)
- *The Suicide Squad* (2021): Gunn’s other team of expendables: nastier, funnier and mercifully briefer than this one.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3