London Has Fallen
In London for the Prime Minister's funeral, Mike Banning discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders.
Despite a moderate budget of $60.0M, London Has Fallen became a financial success, earning $205.8M worldwide—a 243% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
London Has Fallen (2016) exemplifies strategically placed dramatic framework, characteristic of Babak Najafi's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 39 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.5, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Opening drone strike on Aamir Barkawi's compound in Pakistan. Establishes the world of international counterterrorism operations and sets up the revenge motive that will drive the antagonist.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when World leaders gather in London for the Prime Minister's funeral. Mike accompanies President Asher to London, delaying his planned resignation. The trip to London represents the catalyst that pulls him back into danger.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to The coordinated terrorist attack begins during the funeral. Landmarks explode, world leaders are assassinated, and London descends into chaos. Mike must actively choose to protect the President and survive rather than evacuate., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat False defeat: Mike and Asher reach what they think is a secure MI-6 safe house, only to discover it's been compromised. They're betrayed by insider threats and must flee again. The scope of the conspiracy becomes clear - nowhere is safe., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, President Asher is captured by Barkawi's men despite Mike's efforts. Mike fails in his primary duty. The President will be executed on live video - the ultimate failure for a Secret Service agent. Whiff of death: Asher faces execution., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Intelligence breakthrough reveals Barkawi's location. Mike synthesizes his skills, knowledge of the enemy, and support from his team. He chooses to go in alone for the rescue, fully embracing his role as protector rather than family man., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
London Has Fallen's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping London Has Fallen against these established plot points, we can identify how Babak Najafi utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish London Has Fallen within the action genre.
Babak Najafi's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Babak Najafi films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.4, reflecting strong command of classical structure. London Has Fallen represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Babak Najafi filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Babak Najafi analyses, see Proud Mary.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Opening drone strike on Aamir Barkawi's compound in Pakistan. Establishes the world of international counterterrorism operations and sets up the revenge motive that will drive the antagonist.
Theme
Mike Banning contemplates leaving the Secret Service to be present for his newborn child. Theme of duty versus family, sacrifice versus personal life is introduced through his conversation with his wife Leah.
Worldbuilding
Establishes Mike's life protecting President Asher, his relationship with his pregnant wife, his internal conflict about quitting, and the sudden death of the British Prime Minister that will require attendance at the funeral in London.
Disruption
World leaders gather in London for the Prime Minister's funeral. Mike accompanies President Asher to London, delaying his planned resignation. The trip to London represents the catalyst that pulls him back into danger.
Resistance
Arrival in London, security preparations, and mounting tension as the funeral approaches. Mike debates his role and future while coordinating with MI-6. Subtle signs of infiltration and compromise appear.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The coordinated terrorist attack begins during the funeral. Landmarks explode, world leaders are assassinated, and London descends into chaos. Mike must actively choose to protect the President and survive rather than evacuate.
Mirror World
Mike's relationship with President Asher deepens as they escape together through hostile London. Their friendship and mutual trust represents the thematic mirror - loyalty and duty embodied in personal relationship rather than abstract obligation.
Premise
The promise of the premise: Mike Banning fighting through a hostile London to protect the President. Car chases, shootouts, narrow escapes through compromised safe houses and streets filled with terrorists disguised as police.
Midpoint
False defeat: Mike and Asher reach what they think is a secure MI-6 safe house, only to discover it's been compromised. They're betrayed by insider threats and must flee again. The scope of the conspiracy becomes clear - nowhere is safe.
Opposition
Barkawi's forces close in from all sides. The terrorists' technological advantage and insider intelligence make every move dangerous. Mike is wounded, exhausted, running out of options as they're hunted through London's streets and tunnels.
Collapse
President Asher is captured by Barkawi's men despite Mike's efforts. Mike fails in his primary duty. The President will be executed on live video - the ultimate failure for a Secret Service agent. Whiff of death: Asher faces execution.
Crisis
Mike's dark night: he processes the capture, coordinates with the team to locate Barkawi, and prepares for a seemingly impossible rescue. He must confront whether he can succeed and what he's willing to sacrifice.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Intelligence breakthrough reveals Barkawi's location. Mike synthesizes his skills, knowledge of the enemy, and support from his team. He chooses to go in alone for the rescue, fully embracing his role as protector rather than family man.
Synthesis
Mike infiltrates Barkawi's stronghold, fights through his forces, rescues President Asher moments before execution, kills Barkawi, and coordinates the airstrike that destroys the compound. The finale combines all his skills and relationships.
Transformation
Mike returns home to his wife and newborn daughter. Unlike the opening where he considered quitting, he's now at peace with his dual role as protector of both his family and his President. He's integrated both identities rather than choosing between them.