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Ararat

Ararat

A quest for truth... among lies, deception, and denial.

2002115 minRMidcredits score: 57th percentile of all films
Director
Atom Egoyan
Starring
Simon Abkarian, Charles Aznavour, Christopher Plummer, Arsinée Khanjian

Interrogated by a customs officer, a young man recounts how his life was changed during the making of a film about the Armenian genocide.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ararat?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Ararat on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Ararat?

Ararat earns 9 badges, led by Divisive and Award Winner.

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

Reception

Is Ararat worth watching?

Ararat's Midcredits score is the 57th percentile of all films, from 18K ratings across 6 sources. 53% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

57th percentile

Better received than 57% of films

57th percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)56th
Approval (how many liked it)56th

63 /100

56th percentile of all films

56th percentile among Drama56th percentile among 2000s

Critics 62 · Audience 63

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

53% liked it

56th percentile of all films

55th percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2000s
53% rated it 7–1047% rated it 1–6

Critics 55% · Audience 71%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 7 wins / 13 noms overall

84th percentile

18K ratings across platforms

86th percentile among Drama77th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 131% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$16M
Opening weekend$211K
Domestic gross$1.6M
Worldwide gross$2.7M

Returned 0.2× its budget — 72nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is structurally complex and ambitious in its attempt to address the Armenian Genocide through a film-within-a-film frame.

Fans praised

  • layered film-within-a-film structure exploring truth and memory
  • powerful emotional impact portraying generational trauma of genocide
  • ambitious thematic depth tackling denial, art, and historical representation

Detractors panned

  • overcomplicated and confusing narrative with too many subplots
  • script preachy, unfocused, and laden with propaganda
  • weak acting from lead cast, particularly Egoyan's wife

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive70

distinctive film-within-a-film approach to genocide narrative

CinematographyDivisive65

visually meticulous with striking imagery

ActingDivisive55

performances divisive: Plummer praised, lead cast criticized as wooden

Emotional impactDivisive55

polarizing: profoundly moving for some, emotionally distant for others

CharactersDivisive40

overloaded with underdeveloped figures; some find characters compelling

DialogueDivisive40

some find dialogue pedantic and preachy

Plot and storyDivisive35

convoluted multi-strand narrative; fans admire complexity, detractors find it messy

PacingDivisive30

criticized as slow and lacking momentum

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 42 points higher than men.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 28 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 22 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Ararat like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It is intense and leaves you hopeful. 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, room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
MelancholicContemplativeTense
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Hyperlink · 1% of films: Separate storylines that intersect by coincidence.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film treats its heavy subject matter with sincere gravity and artistic detachment, never undercutting the emotional weight while exploring multiple perspectives.
The rideThe film sustains a reflective, somber mood throughout, with tension building during the interrogation scenes and emotional weight peaking in the final revelations.
StructureThe story jumps between multiple timelines (1915 genocide, 1940s Gorky, contemporary Toronto) and weaves together separate character threads, with a film-within-a-film framing device.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulWistful · 8% of filmsThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a lingering sense of hope found in human connection and art, tempered by the gravity of historical trauma, prompting reflection on identity and truth.
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).Quest
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% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1% (this title)
  • 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. · Pilgrimage: The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.

10% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows characters seeking understanding of identity and history, with the journey itself transforming them; Raffi's trip to Turkey and the filmmaking process serve as a symbolic pilgrimage.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% (this title) · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · 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% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsMemory · 3% of filmsTruth · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how personal and collective identity is shaped by historical trauma, memory, and the stories we tell about the past.
StanceThe film interrogates the nature of truth and memory regarding the Armenian genocide, refusing simple answers while exploring how different characters grapple with the past.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalWildernessRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Mychael Danna
SettingModern Toronto and historical Turkish film set, with flashbacks to 1915 genocide
MusicThe score blends mournful strings and minimalist textures to underscore the film's contemplative tone.

Content guide

Is Ararat okay for kids?

R

Ararat is rated R: “Rated R for violence, sexuality/nudity and language” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (92/100), sexual content at moderate (56/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Greece16
Overall
Intense · 3 of 5 categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (16 votes across 3 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Ararat have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ararat?

Cast

Simon Abkarian
as Arshile Gorky
Charles Aznavour
as Edward Saroyan
Christopher Plummer
as David
Arsinée Khanjian
as Ani
David Alpay
as Raffi
Marie-Josée Croze
as Celia
Elias Koteas
as Ali
Brent Carver
as Philip
Max Morrow
as Tony
Christie MacFadyen
as Janet

Crew

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What are movies like Ararat?

Movies like Ararat include Aftersun (2022), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Arrival (2016). Of the 11 closest matches, several are films about memory, and several are films set in academia.

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

6 of these 11 share its world: New York. Those cards say what else they share.

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

3.9K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: forbidden love. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.