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A Walk to Remember

A Walk to Remember

It all comes down to who's by your side.

2002101 minPGMidcredits score: 86th percentile of all films
Director
Adam Shankman
Starring
Mandy Moore, Shane West, Peter Coyote, Daryl Hannah

When the popular, restless Landon Carter is forced to participate in the school drama production, he falls in love with Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of the town's minister. Jamie has a "to-do" list for her life, as well as a very big secret she must keep from Landon.

Where to watch

Where can I watch A Walk to Remember?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list A Walk to Remember on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about A Walk to Remember?

A Walk to Remember earns 5 badges, led by Universally Loved and Guilty pleasure.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is A Walk to Remember worth watching?

A Walk to Remember's Midcredits score is the 86th percentile of all films, from 598K ratings across 6 sources. 77% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

86th percentile

Better received than 86% of films

88th percentile among Drama84th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)81st
Approval (how many liked it)87th

71 /100

81st percentile of all films

84th percentile among Drama80th percentile among 2000s

Critics 35 · Audience 73

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.7 — solid but not unanimous.

77% liked it

87th percentile of all films

89th percentile among Drama86th percentile among 2000s
77% rated it 7–1023% rated it 1–6

Critics 30% · Audience 78%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 2 noms overall

98th percentile

598K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 6% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$12M
Opening weekend$12M
Domestic gross$41M
Worldwide gross$47M

Returned 4.0× its budget — 94th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A very sentimental, old-fashioned teen romance that openly aims for the heart and doesn't apologize for its earnest, tear-jerking approach.

Fans praised

  • heartfelt chemistry between Moore and West makes the romance believable
  • genuinely moving tearjerker with an uplifting message of faith and redemption
  • Moore's sincere, understated performance as Jamie Sullivan

Detractors panned

  • formulaic, predictable plot with no originality
  • saccharine, manipulative melodrama that exploits terminal illness for tears
  • wooden acting and stilted dialogue, especially from West

What stands out

Emotional impactDivisive78

Core appeal: fans weep uncontrollably; detractors call it manipulative and unearned

Sound and musicDivisive70

Soundtrack praised for emotional resonance; Moore's singing a highlight, but some find score manipulative

ActingDivisive68

Moore praised as sincere, West as charming; detractors call wooden and one-note

EndingDivisive60

Fans find the bittersweet conclusion satisfying; detractors call anticlimactic and corny

CharactersDivisive57

Jamie loved as pure and transformative; detractors find her a saintly caricature and Landon's arc rushed

Plot and storyDivisive45

Predictable bad-boy-meets-good-girl with terminal illness twist; detractors call derivative

DialogueDivisive40

Overly sentimental and cheesy; quotable lines like 'love is like the wind' divide opinion

OriginalityDivisive25

Derivative of Love Story and other teen dramas; detractors cite no original ideas

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 25 points higher than critics.

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

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is A Walk to Remember like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticMelancholicBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
Sentimental · 8% of filmsRomantic · 8% of filmsTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its romantic tragedy straight, with full earnestness, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film begins with light teen antics, transitions into sweet romance, then shifts to tragic emotional weight in the final act.
StructureStandard linear narrative with setup (prank and punishment), development (romance and illness revelation), and resolution (transformation and loss).

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetHopefulCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a mix of sadness over Jamie's death and uplift from Landon's redemption, with an emotional release.
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).RebirthHealing
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%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · 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% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Tragedy underneath

Why this archetypeLandon's transformation from a popular but aimless teenager to a person of purpose, catalyzed by his love for Jamie and her terminal illness.

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 filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • 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% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of filmsMortality · 2% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film uses Jamie's terminal illness to explore the power of love to redeem a lost young man and to confront mortality with grace.
StanceThe film celebrates the transformative power of love and faith, positioning Jamie's influence as a miracle that redeems Landon.

The world

ContemporarySmall townDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernForeground music · hybrid · Mervyn Warren
SettingBeaufort, North Carolina, a small coastal town in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
MusicThe score complements the emotional arc, with Mandy Moore's vocal performances integrated.

Content guide

Is A Walk to Remember okay for kids?

PG

A Walk to Remember is rated PG: “Rated PG for thematic elements, language and some sensual material” (MPAA). As of October 4, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at mild (23/100), language at moderate (45/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (29/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). Overall it is heavier than 52% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • BrazilL
  • FinlandS
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland6
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 16% of all filmsHeavier than 52% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 34%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 51%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 86%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 56%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 38%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 86% of PG-rated films.

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 A Walk to Remember have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in A Walk to Remember?

Cast

Mandy Moore
as Jamie Sullivan
Shane West
as Landon Carter
Peter Coyote
as Reverend Sullivan
Daryl Hannah
as Cynthia Carter
Lauren German
as Belinda
Clayne Crawford
as Dean
Paz de la Huerta
as Tracie
Matt Lutz
as Clay Gephardt
Al Thompson
as Eric
Jonathan Parks Jordan
as Walker

Crew

More like this

What are movies like A Walk to Remember?

Movies like A Walk to Remember include Dear John (2010), Dil Bechara (2020) and Here on Earth (2000). Of the 12 closest matches, most are teen dramas, and several are films set in high school.

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

Nicholas Sparks wrote 5 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with A Walk to Remember?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: teen drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.