Ben 10: Live Action (2025) brings the iconic animated series to life in a thrilling, high-energy live-action adaptation that follows the adventures of a young hero discovering his incredible powers for the first time. Directed by Jon Watts (Spider-Man: Homecoming, The Clown) and starring Jacob Tremblay as Ben Tennyson, the film offers a fresh, exciting take on the beloved character and his journey to become one of the universe’s most unlikely heroes.

At the heart of the story is Ben Tennyson (played by Jacob Tremblay), a 10-year-old with a knack for adventure and a curiosity that often gets him into trouble. When Ben goes on a summer road trip with his Grandpa Max (played by Jeff Bridges) and cousin Gwen (played by Millie Bobby Brown), he stumbles upon the Omnitrix, a mysterious alien device that allows him to transform into various powerful creatures. What starts as a fun toy quickly turns into something far more dangerous as Ben is thrust into a battle between good and evil, and must learn to control the powers of the Omnitrix to protect the world from intergalactic threats.
The film kicks off with Ben’s discovery of the Omnitrix, which bonds to him during a routine hike in the woods. At first, Ben has no idea how to control it, transforming into strange creatures at the most inconvenient times. This new power comes with a heavy responsibility, however, as the Vilgax, a ruthless alien warlord, is determined to capture the Omnitrix and use its power to conquer the galaxy. Ben, Gwen, and Grandpa Max must work together to keep the Omnitrix safe and stop Vilgax from wreaking havoc on Earth.

Jacob Tremblay delivers a standout performance as Ben Tennyson, bringing the character’s charm, energy, and humor to life. Tremblay’s portrayal captures the essence of Ben’s youthful exuberance and his growing sense of responsibility, showing the struggles of a young boy who is forced to quickly adapt to his new powers while trying to maintain his sense of fun. He also does a great job showing Ben’s vulnerability, particularly as he grapples with the weight of being thrust into such an important role at such a young age.
Millie Bobby Brown plays Gwen Tennyson, Ben’s highly intelligent and resourceful cousin, who quickly becomes Ben’s trusted ally. Gwen is skeptical of the Omnitrix at first, but her sharp intellect and quick thinking prove invaluable when the team faces the escalating threats from Vilgax and his alien forces. Brown brings her signature charisma to the role, giving Gwen depth and complexity as she navigates the strange new world of aliens, secret organizations, and powerful artifacts.
Jeff Bridges as Max Tennyson is the seasoned protector of the family and a former secret agent with deep knowledge of the alien world. Max’s wisdom and experience make him the backbone of the group, always ready to guide Ben and Gwen when things get tough. Bridges’s performance adds gravitas to the film, grounding the more fantastical elements of the story in a sense of real-world wisdom.

The visual effects in Ben 10: Live Action are state-of-the-art, showcasing the incredible alien transformations and epic battle scenes. The Omnitrix’s ability to turn Ben into a wide variety of alien creatures is brought to life with stunning CGI, allowing fans to see their favorite characters, such as Four Arms, Heatblast, and XLR8, in action. Each transformation is unique, showcasing Ben’s creativity and quick thinking as he adapts to his new forms. These aliens are visually distinct and bring a sense of power and individuality to each of Ben’s transformations. The action sequences are fast-paced and thrilling, with Ben and his allies facing off against powerful enemies in breathtaking battles that take them across cities, forests, and alien landscapes.
The film’s narrative doesn’t just focus on action — it’s also a coming-of-age story about Ben learning to accept responsibility for his newfound abilities and the impact they have on the world around him. Ben’s journey of self-discovery is one of the film’s most compelling aspects, as he learns to balance his desire for fun and adventure with the reality of being a hero. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and family are at the core of the film, with Ben, Gwen, and Grandpa Max forming an unbreakable bond as they face danger together.
One of the standout elements of Ben 10: Live Action is its sense of fun. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, embracing the humor and lightheartedness that made the original cartoon so beloved. Ben’s antics and his trials with the Omnitrix are filled with moments of comedic relief, while the serious stakes of the story keep the tension high. The humor is balanced with emotional moments that highlight Ben’s growth, both as a hero and as a young person learning what it truly means to fight for what’s right.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Michael Giacchino, blends energetic action cues with moments of heartfelt emotion, further enhancing the film’s blend of adventure and heart. Giacchino’s score amplifies the excitement of the action sequences while grounding the quieter, more emotional moments, giving the film an epic and timeless feel.
⭐ 4.8/5 — Ben 10: Live Action is a thrilling, action-packed adventure that brings the beloved animated series to life in a fresh and exciting way. With stellar performances from Jacob Tremblay, Millie Bobby Brown, and Jeff Bridges, and stunning visuals that bring the Omnitrix’s alien transformations to life, this film is a must-see for fans of the original show and newcomers alike. It’s a perfect blend of humor, heart, and high-octane action, offering a new generation of fans a chance to experience the power of the Omnitrix like never before.
In theaters 2025 — The hero’s journey begins, and the fight for the universe has never been more electrifying.