🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: D.J. Caruso
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Release year: 2011
- Runtime (length): 1h 51min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (250K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 33%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
An alien, disguised as a hot high schooler, learns about friendship and punching bad guys really hard, all while navigating the treacherous waters of first love and trigonometry!
🍿 I Am Number Four: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Last of Lorien
John Smith, or Number Four, is one of the last surviving members of the planet Lorien. Lorien was destroyed by the Mogadorians, a ruthless alien race. Nine Lorien children escaped to Earth, each protected by a Cepân (guardian). They can only be killed in numerical order.

Paradise, Ohio
John and his guardian, Henri, arrive in Paradise, Ohio, seeking a low profile. John enrolls in high school, befriends Sam Goode, a conspiracy theorist, and falls for Sarah Hart, an aspiring photographer. However, keeping a low profile proves difficult as John begins developing his Legacies (powers).

The Mogadorian Threat
The Mogadorians, led by a ruthless Commander, track John to Paradise. They manipulate local conspiracy theorists and use them to locate Henri. John must learn to control his powers and protect himself and those he cares about from the impending danger.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John (Alex Pettyfer): A Lorien alien hiding on Earth as a teenager, John is Number Four and next on the Mogadorians’ hit list, developing powers as he tries to live a normal life.
- Henri (Timothy Olyphant): Henri is John’s guardian and protector, guiding him while trying to keep their Lorien identities secret from the dangerous Mogadorians.
- Sarah (Dianna Agron): Sarah is a high school student and aspiring photographer who becomes John’s love interest, unaware of his true identity and the dangers surrounding him.
- Number 6 (Teresa Palmer): Number Six is a powerful Lorien who joins forces with John to fight the Mogadorians after her guardian is killed.
- Sam (Callan McAuliffe): Sam is a conspiracy theorist and John’s first friend in Paradise, providing support and helping uncover the truth about the Lorien and Mogadorian conflict.
- Mogadorian Commander (Kevin Durand): The Mogadorian Commander is the ruthless leader of the alien force hunting down the Lorien children on Earth.
- Mark (Jake Abel): Mark is a high school bully and Sarah’s ex-boyfriend who initially antagonizes John but later redeems himself by helping the Loriens.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Henri: “We can’t stay in one place for too long. They’ll find us.” – Henri explains the constant need to move to protect John from their enemies.
- John: “I want a normal life.” – John expresses his desire to fit in and have a normal teenage life, despite his extraordinary circumstances.
- Number 6: “Red Bull’s for pussies.” – Number 6 says this when offered a Red Bull, establishing her tough and independent character.
- Henri: “We are Loric. We were born to fight.” – Henri reminding John of their origins and purpose.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $60,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $55,100,437
- Worldwide Gross: $149,878,437
💥 I Am Number Four Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this movie and thinking it was a fun take on the superhero origin story. Alex Pettyfer definitely had the brooding hero look down! The scenes where he first discovers his powers were exciting, and the romance with Dianna Agron was sweet, even if a little cheesy. The final battle in the high school was awesome, and I loved Number Six’s entrance. It’s a classic YA adaptation, with enough action to keep me entertained.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of young adult science fiction novels.”
- “Viewers who enjoy movies about teenagers with superpowers.”
- “Those interested in action-packed stories with a romantic subplot.”
- “Fans of Alex Pettyfer, Dianna Agron, and Timothy Olyphant.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Teen violence”
- “Sci-fi action sequences”
- “Brief language”
- “Death of a parental figure”
Professional Reviews
- IGN: “”I Am Number Four” delivers engaging action and special effects. Though hampered by a predictable plot and shallow characters, it still manages to provide a decent popcorn movie experience. Perfect for a light, entertaining watch.
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite a promising premise, “I Am Number Four” is bogged down by teen romance tropes, underdeveloped villains, and a formulaic plot that fails to truly ignite. The cast is appealing, but can’t save the film from mediocrity.
- Entertainment Weekly: “The movie has some moments but it’s far from memorable. The actors lack the depth that would allow them to stand apart from the typical teen romance roles, it’s all a little too easy to forget.
Audience Reactions
The action sequences, especially in the final act, were highly praised for their intensity and visual effects.: Most viewers enjoyed the special effects and fast-paced nature of the action scenes.
Viewers appreciated the chemistry between the lead actors, finding the romantic subplot engaging.: The cast was generally well-received, with specific praise for Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron.
Overall Consensus: A visually engaging but ultimately predictable and formulaic YA adaptation, providing decent entertainment but lacking depth.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The movie is based on the first book in the ‘Lorien Legacies’ series by Pittacus Lore, a pseudonym for James Frey and Jobie Hughes.”
- “Sharlto Copley was originally cast as Henri but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Timothy Olyphant replaced him.”
- “Several visual effects were created to show the powers of the Loriens, including the ability to generate light from their hands and telekinetic abilities.”
- “Filming locations included Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.”
🖥️ How to Watch I Am Number Four?
I Am Number Four is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. As availability changes, it’s always a good idea to check these platforms directly for the most up-to-date streaming and purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed I Am Number Four, you might like these similar films:
- Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010): A teenager discovering special powers and battling mythical foes, similar to the fantasy elements of I Am Number Four.
- Smallville (2001-2011): A young alien adapting to life on Earth while hiding his powers and fighting threats, like the core premise of I Am Number Four.
- Race to Witch Mountain (2009): Two alien siblings with extraordinary powers are on the run from government agents and must save their home planet.
🛒 I Am Number Four Related Products
- I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, Book 1): The original novel that started it all! Dive deeper into the world of Lorien and the Legacies. Experience the story in its full, unedited form. A must-have for any true fan.
- I Am Number Four Movie Poster: Officially licensed movie poster featuring the iconic imagery from the film. A vibrant addition to any fan’s room or collection.
- Customizable ‘I Am Number Four’ T-Shirt: Design your own t-shirt with your favorite character, quote, or symbol from the movie. Stand out from the crowd with a unique piece of fandom apparel.
- Lorien Legacies Complete Series Box Set: Immerse yourself in the entire saga with all seven books of the Lorien Legacies series. Uncover the secrets of the other Loriens and their epic battle against the Mogadorians.
🎧 Soundtrack
I Am Number Four features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Radioactive” – performed by Kings of Leon
- “Shelter Song” – performed by Temples
- “Tighten Up” – performed by The Black Keys
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Principal filming locations for I Am Number Four included Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.
Yes, I Am Number Four is based on the young adult science fiction novel of the same name by Pittacus Lore, the pseudonym for James Frey and Jobie Hughes.
Despite the film’s ending setting up a sequel, one has not been produced. The film’s mixed critical reception and box office performance likely contributed to the decision not to continue the series.
🔥 Bonus Content
I Am Number Four (2011) Bloopers Outtakes Gag Reel
Get ready for some giggles! Watch this blooper reel from ‘I Am Number Four’ and see the cast having a blast on set. From flubbed lines to hilarious mishaps, this video will give you a fun peek behind the scenes.
I Am Number Four: The Franchise That Never Was
Curious about why ‘I Am Number Four’ didn’t become the next big YA franchise? This video essay offers an in-depth exploration of the film’s journey, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses.
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