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Blackhat

Blackhat

We are no longer in control.

2015133 minRMidcredits score: 25th percentile of all films
Director
Michael Mann
Starring
Chris Hemsworth, Tang Wei, Leehom Wang, Viola Davis

Nicholas Hathaway, a furloughed convict, and his American and Chinese partners hunt a high-level cybercrime network from Chicago to Los Angeles to Hong Kong to Jakarta. As Hathaway closes in, the stakes become personal as he discovers that the attack on a Chinese nuclear power plant was just the beginning.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Blackhat?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Blackhat to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Blackhat?

Blackhat earns 6 badges, led by Overhyped and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Blackhat worth watching?

Blackhat's Midcredits score is the 25th percentile of all films, from 147K ratings across 6 sources. 28% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

25th percentile

Better received than 25% of films

39th percentile among Action26th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)33rd
Approval (how many liked it)20th

56 /100

33rd percentile of all films

49th percentile among Action35th percentile among 2010s

Critics 52 · Audience 57

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

28% liked it

20th percentile of all films

32nd percentile among Action19th percentile among 2010s
28% rated it 7–1072% rated it 1–6

Critics 33% · Audience 24%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 6 noms overall

97th percentile

147K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 63% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$70M
Opening weekend$3.9M
Domestic gross$8M
Worldwide gross$20M

Returned 0.3× its budget — 67th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A slow-burn, globe-trotting procedural with authentic tech detail but a messy, hard-to-follow story and a miscast lead.

Fans praised

  • authentic hacking and cyber-forensics detail
  • stylish, immersive digital cinematography
  • deliberate, procedural pace rewards patient viewers

Detractors panned

  • miscast Hemsworth as unconvincing hacker
  • convoluted, implausible plot with weak villain motivation
  • tedious pacing and overlong runtime

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive70

stylish digital photography but shaky cam distracts some

AtmosphereDivisive70

gritty global locations and noir-like tone

OriginalityDivisive55

refreshingly different approach but formulaic action beats

TensionDivisive50

some tense set pieces but overall flat

ActingDivisive40

Hemsworth miscast as hacker; Viola Davis and cast underutilized

Plot and storyDivisive35

convoluted, implausible story with anticlimactic third act

PacingDivisive30

deliberate, slow-burn pacing widely criticized as tedious

CharactersDivisive25

flat character development, forced romance, one-dimensional villain

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Blackhat like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you satisfied. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrillingMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its cyber-thriller premise with a straight, gritty seriousness, avoiding any ironic distance.
The rideThe chase sustains a tense, thrilling atmosphere, with heavier emotional weight in the middle as alliances are tested.
StructureThe narrative unfolds in a conventional chronological order from the convict's release to the final confrontation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Satisfied.

The answer rests on this: Cathartic · 6% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe action climax provides catharsis, but the realistic cyber threat lingers uneasily.
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).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

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

Why this archetypeThe story follows a convict recruited to hunt down a cybercriminal, making it a mission-oriented pursuit.

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

Ideas

Technology · 1% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsJustice · 13% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates humanity's dependence on vulnerable digital systems and the moral complexities of fighting crime from the inside.
StanceThe film presents the cyber threat and the hunt as a matter of course, observing the action without clear moral judgment.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Harry Gregson-Williams
SettingA global manhunt spanning Chicago, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Jakarta.
MusicA techno-thriller score blending electronic pulses with orchestral swells.

Content guide

Is Blackhat okay for kids?

R

Blackhat is rated R: “Rated R for violence and some language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (75/100), sexual content at mild (30/100), language at moderate (46/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (29/100) and frightening material at moderate (52/100). Overall it is heavier than 24% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 25 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium18
  • BGC
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • Greece15
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-16
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO18
  • Russia18+
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • UAR
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 51% of all filmsHeavier than 24% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 58%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 24%
Profanity
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 19%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 15%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 34%

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

The reason to think twice is 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 Blackhat have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Blackhat?

Cast

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

Chris Hemsworth
as Nick Hathaway
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tang Wei
as Chen Lien
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Leehom Wang
as Chen Dawai
Viola Davis
as Carol Barrett
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.
Holt McCallany
as Mark Jessup
Andy On
as Alex Trang
Yorick van Wageningen
as Sadak
John Ortiz
as Henry Pollack
Ritchie Coster
as Elias Kassar
Christian Borle
as Jeff Robichaud

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Blackhat?

Movies like Blackhat include Thief (1981), Manhunter (1986) and Mercury Rising (1998). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Michael Mann, and most are conspiracy thrillers.

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

10 of these 12 share its world: law enforcement. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

824 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: terrorist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.