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1917

1917

Time is the enemy.

2019119 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Sam Mendes
Starring
George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers.

Where to watch

Where can I watch 1917?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists 1917 streaming on Netflix and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about 1917?

1917 earns 9 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Universally Loved.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is 1917 worth watching?

1917's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 802K ratings across 2 sources. 93% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

81 /100

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

93% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 2010s
93% rated it 7–107% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 45 wins / 54 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best Director - Motion Picture
  • WonGolden Globes· Best Motion Picture - Drama

99th percentile

787K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 46% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$95M
Opening weekend$576K
Domestic gross$159M
Worldwide gross$446M

Returned 4.7× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A technically daring war film with extraordinary cinematography and a simple, linear mission-driven plot.

Fans praised

  • masterful one-shot cinematography and immersive realism
  • relentless tension and visceral combat experience
  • hauntingly beautiful musical score and sound design

Detractors panned

  • contrived coincidences and convenient plot devices
  • thin character development and emotional detachment
  • gimmicky one-shot technique undermines storytelling depth

What stands out

Cinematography95

awe-inspiring long-take illusion and masterful tracking shots

Atmosphere90

immersive trench realism and visceral warzone immersion

TensionDivisive80

nerve-shredding suspense despite some contrived set pieces

Effects and spectacle80

realistic battle set pieces and seamless VFX integration

ActingDivisive70

lead performances carry physicality; limited emotional range

Emotional impactDivisive60

moves viewers with sacrifice tone; divisive on connection

Plot and storyDivisive55

simple point-A-to-B mission with convenient coincidences

CharactersDivisive45

minimal backstory and emotional depth in leads

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is 1917 like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Harrowing: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you are ready for a hard story that does not look away.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you devastated. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Harrowing.

Moods
TenseDreadBittersweet
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material and characters with complete sincerity, letting the grim reality of the Western Front speak for itself without irony or distance.
The rideThe film maintains near-constant tension and a sense of dread as the soldiers traverse a warzone, with intermittent moments of beauty and loss that create a bittersweet undertone.
StructureThe story unfolds in strict chronological order from the moment of the mission to its completion, with no flashbacks or nonlinear devices; the famous single-shot technique is a stylistic choice, not a structural one.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Devastated.

The answer rests on this: Devastating · 3% of filmsHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe relentless portrayal of sacrifice and the futile cost of war leaves a profound emotional weight that lingers long after the credits.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows two soldiers on a desperate mission to deliver a message that will stop a massacre, a classic quest to accomplish a defined objective while constantly moving through enemy territory.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfLoyaltyBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% (this title) · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Loyalty · 4% of filmsDuty · 2% of filmsSurvival
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores loyalty between soldiers and the weight of duty as they risk their lives for comrades, all while fighting for survival in a hellish landscape.
StanceThe film mourns the cost of war and the broken bonds among soldiers, presenting loyalty and survival as fragile goods lost to circumstance.

The world

Early 20th centuryRuralIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Thomas Newman
SettingThe trenches and no-man's-land of the Western Front in World War I, France, April 1917
MusicA restrained, atmospheric score that swells only at key emotional moments, often blending into the sound design of the battlefield.

Content guide

Is 1917 okay for kids?

R

1917 is rated R: “Rated R for violence, some disturbing images, and language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (84/100), sexual content at minimal (6/100), language at moderate (59/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (31/100) and frightening material at severe (87/100). Overall it is heavier than 66% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 30 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandR13
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • BGD
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaUA
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO Vertical Entertainment
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporePG13
  • SK15
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland14
  • Taiwan保護級
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 80% of all filmsHeavier than 66% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 71%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 36%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 22%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 90%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does 1917 have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in 1917: Gore or body horror (severe), Animal death (mild), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGore or body horror
MildAnimal death

Cast and crew

Who is in 1917?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

George MacKay
as Lance Corporal Schofield
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Dean-Charles Chapman
as Lance Corporal Blake
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Mark Strong
as Captain Smith
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Andrew Scott
as Lieutenant Leslie
Richard Madden
as Lieutenant Joseph Blake
Claire Duburcq
as Lauri
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Colin Firth
as General Erinmore
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Benedict Cumberbatch
as Colonel Mackenzie
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Daniel Mays
as Sergeant Sanders
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Adrian Scarborough
as Major Hepburn
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like 1917?

Movies like 1917 include Beneath Hill 60 (2010), Dunkirk (2017) and Journey's End (2017). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set during World War I, and most are mission stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: war epic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with 1917?

813 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: war epic. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.