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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

How did we end up here?

2014119 minRMidcredits score: 94th percentile of all films
Director
Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Starring
Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton

A fading actor best known for his portrayal of a popular superhero attempts to mount a comeback by appearing in a Broadway play. As opening night approaches, his attempts to become more altruistic, rebuild his career, and reconnect with friends and family prove more difficult than expected.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) streaming on HBO Max 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 Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) earns 17 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 5% in Comedy.

Show 9 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) worth watching?

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)'s Midcredits score is the 94th percentile of all films, from 2M ratings across 6 sources. 80% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

94th percentile

Better received than 94% of films

96th percentile among Comedy94th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)94th
Approval (how many liked it)90th

78 /100

94th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Comedy94th percentile among 2010s

Critics 87 · Audience 77

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

80% liked it

90th percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 2010s
80% rated it 7–1020% rated it 1–6

Critics 91% · Audience 78%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 45 wins / 50 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
  • WonGolden Globes· Best Screenplay - Motion Picture

99th percentile

2M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 8% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$18M
Opening weekend$424K
Domestic gross$42M
Worldwide gross$103M

Returned 5.7× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a technically dazzling, ambitious and stylistically bold piece of cinema.

Fans praised

  • masterful single-shot illusion and fluid camera work
  • career-best Michael Keaton and standout ensemble
  • clever satirical script and immersive jazz-drum score

Detractors panned

  • self-indulgent, pretentious and insider-arty
  • plot is thin, incoherent and lacks originality
  • performances feel overacted or stiff

What stands out

Cinematography95

dazzling seamless one-shot illusion, fluid camera work

ActingDivisive92

Keaton's career-best, Norton's scene-stealing, uniformly excellent ensemble

Sound and music85

pulsing jazz-drum score that drives the tension

DialogueDivisive75

witty, meta and self-aware but sometimes on-the-nose

OriginalityDivisive70

fresh and audacious to fans, derivative of 8½ to detractors

Plot and storyDivisive45

thin and aimless, lacks coherence and depth

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 20 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 11 points higher than over-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark comedy: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want to laugh at things you probably shouldn't.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you can only half-watch or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Dark comedy.

Moods
TenseAbsurdBittersweet
Heaviest: throughout
Satirical humor
The answer rests on this: Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsAbsurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Told as
Single location · 5% of films: Confined to essentially one place throughout.In medias res · 1% of films: Opens mid-action, then fills in how we got there.
ToneA satirical yet earnest portrait of an actor's desperation, blending surreal comedy with dramatic weight.
The rideThe film maintains a constant, jittery tension as opening night approaches, laced with absurd comic moments, and its emotional weight is distributed fairly evenly across its runtime.
StructureThe story unfolds largely within a Broadway theatre, presented in a seamless, continuous-flow style that opens in the middle of Riggan's crisis.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves the viewer reflecting on the cost of relevance and the blurred line between art and ego.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).Rebirth
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% (this title) · Healing 5% · 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. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeRiggan Thomson, a fading actor, seeks to revive his career and self-worth by staging a Broadway adaptation, confronting his past and inner demons in a struggle that mirrors a redemption arc.

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% · 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% (this title) · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% (this title) · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsFame · 3% of filmsArt · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates who Riggan is beyond his former superhero persona, the corrosive nature of fame, and the value of artistic authenticity.
StanceThe film questions what identity and artistic integrity mean when fame defines you, but it refuses to offer a simple answer, satirizing the struggle while still taking it seriously.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalStylized realism
JazzExperimentalForeground music · original score · Antonio Sanchez
Settingthe backstage and stage of a Broadway theatre in New York City
MusicA nearly non-stop, improvised solo jazz drum score that drives the film's anxious, propulsive rhythm.

Content guide

Is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) okay for kids?

R

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is rated R: “Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content and brief violence” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (41/100), sexual content at moderate (50/100), language at severe (93/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (57/100) and frightening material at moderate (47/100). Overall it is heavier than 56% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 42 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandR16
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina+16
  • Austria10
  • BelgiumAL
  • CL14
  • CO12
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Greece16
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ID17+
  • IndiaA
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-16
  • MexicoB-15
  • MY18PA
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO18
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporeM18
  • SK15
  • Spain16
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan12+
  • TH18
  • Türkiye15+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 73% of all filmsHeavier than 56% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 21%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 54%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 95%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 72%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 30%

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

The reason to think twice is language. 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 Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), all withheld here because they 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.

Cast and crew

Who is in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; 7 award-winning performances in the cast.

Michael Keaton
as Riggan
Globe win: Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or MusicalTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Emma Stone
as Sam
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Zach Galifianakis
as Jake
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Edward Norton
as Mike
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Andrea Riseborough
as Laura
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Naomi Watts
as Lesley
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Amy Ryan
as Sylvia
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Lindsay Duncan
as Tabitha
Merritt Wever
as Annie
Jeremy Shamos
as Ralph
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 Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

Movies like Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) include The Weather Man (2005), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) and The King of Comedy (1982). Of the 5 closest matches, two are redemption stories, and most are films set in New York.

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

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