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Belfast

Belfast

No matter how far you go, you never forget where you came from.

202198 minPG-13Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films
Director
Kenneth Branagh
Starring
Jude Hill, Jamie Dornan, Caitríona Balfe, Lewis McAskie

Buddy is a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Belfast?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Belfast streaming on Prime Video (free) 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 Belfast?

Belfast earns 7 badges, led by Top 10% of films and Standout acting.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Belfast worth watching?

Belfast's Midcredits score is the 90th percentile of all films, from 390K ratings across 6 sources. 83% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

90th percentile

Better received than 90% of films

84th percentile among Biography90th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)83rd
Approval (how many liked it)93rd

71 /100

83rd percentile of all films

78th percentile among Biography82nd percentile among 2020s

Critics 75 · Audience 71

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.3 — people broadly agree on this one.

83% liked it

93rd percentile of all films

89th percentile among Biography92nd percentile among 2020s
83% rated it 7–1017% rated it 1–6

Critics 86% · Audience 92%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 29 wins / 69 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Director - Motion Picture

98th percentile

390K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Biography98th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 3% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$11M
Opening weekend$1.8M
Domestic gross$9.3M
Worldwide gross$49M

Returned 4.5× its budget — 89th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Belfast is a beautifully made and well-acted childhood memory film that prioritizes personal nostalgia and family life over political commentary, with the quality of the filmmaking and acting agreed on, while fans see it as touching and detractors find it lacking in depth.

Fans praised

  • Jude Hill's lead performance is incredible for a debut
  • Beautifully filmed in luminous black and white, with accurate period production design
  • Highly effective emotional manipulation during the final sequence

Detractors panned

  • Lacks the political nuance and complexity of the Troubles and the conflict
  • The central plot is too insubstantial, just a collection of moments
  • Predictable coming-of-age arc that hits familiar notes

What stands out

Acting88

Jude Hill's breakthrough performance and strong supporting cast, especially Dench and Hinds

Cinematography82

Beautiful black and white, evocative period design

Emotional impactDivisive80

Deeply resonant for some, but others find it manipulative or shallow

Characters75

Warm, charming family portraits but underdeveloped and one-dimensional for some

Humor72

Warmth and humor come through in family interactions, but sometimes falls flat

Ending70

Emotional finale that is satisfying to fans but reads as melodramatic to some

OriginalityDivisive60

Derivative of coming-of-age classics and Belfast’s nostalgic lens feels familiar

Plot and story55

Thin, episodic and predictable, lacking narrative drive

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 10 points higher than under-30s.

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

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Belfast 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 takes its time, has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
BittersweetMelancholicWarm
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with warm sincerity, treating the Troubles as a backdrop to family life rather than a political lecture, and never undercuts its emotional moments.
The rideThe film balances childhood warmth with the growing threat of violence, building toward an emotionally heavy farewell and departure.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward chronological order, following Buddy's perspective from the outbreak of violence through to the family's departure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with the ache of leaving a beloved home and the quiet hope that family can carry you through loss and change.
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).Voyage
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% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% (this title) · 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%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Time displacement: Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).

4% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

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

Why this archetypeThe film follows a family's gradual decision to leave their home as sectarian violence escalates, seen through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. The story charts a journey from innocence to departure, with the family ultimately displaced by forces beyond their control.

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 filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · 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%: 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% (this title) · Isolation 5% (this title) · 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

Family bondsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores a family's solidarity under threat and the conflicting pull between staying in a beloved community and leaving for safety.
StanceThe film celebrates the resilience of family bonds even as it acknowledges the sorrow of displacement and loss of community.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanDomesticRealistic
FolkOrchestral classicalSupportive music · hybrid · Van Morrison
SettingBelfast, Northern Ireland, late 1960s during the Troubles
MusicVan Morrison's folk songs underscore the film's sense of place and nostalgia.

Content guide

Is Belfast okay for kids?

PG-13

Belfast is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some violence and strong language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (45/100), sexual content at minimal (5/100), language at moderate (45/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (29/100) and frightening material at moderate (54/100). Overall it is heavier than 45% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12A
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium12
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • SingaporePG13
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • TH13
  • Türkiye13A
  • UA12+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 29% of all filmsHeavier than 45% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 48%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 3%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 58%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 39%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 62%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 62% of PG-13-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 Belfast have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Belfast?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Jude Hill
as Buddy
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Jamie Dornan
as Pa
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Caitríona Balfe
as Ma
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Lewis McAskie
as Will
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Judi Dench
as Granny
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.
Ciarán Hinds
as Pop
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Lara McDonnell
as Moira
Colin Morgan
as Billy Clanton
Gerard Horan
as Mackie
Josie Walker
as Auntie Violet
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Belfast?

Movies like Belfast include Monsieur Ibrahim (2003), From Time to Time (2009) and My Left Foot (1989). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films set in the 1960s, and most are period dramas.

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

9 of these 12 share its subject: family bonds. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

3.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: child. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.