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Blitz

Blitz

A boy's journey. A mother's love. Miles of burning city between them.

2024120 minPG-13Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all films
Director
Steve McQueen
Starring
Elliott Heffernan, Saoirse Ronan, Benjamin Clémentine, Paul Weller

In World War II London, nine-year-old George is evacuated to the countryside by his mother, Rita, to escape the bombings. Defiant and determined to return to his family, George embarks on an epic, perilous journey back home as Rita searches for him.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Blitz?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Blitz streaming on Apple TV.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Blitz?

Blitz earns 5 badges, led by Visual feast and Spectacle.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Blitz worth watching?

Blitz's Midcredits score is the 45th percentile of all films, from 83K ratings across 6 sources. 43% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

45th percentile

Better received than 45% of films

61st percentile among Action46th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)42nd

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

64th percentile among Action49th percentile among 2020s

Critics 71 · Audience 60

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.0 — solid but not unanimous.

43% liked it

42nd percentile of all films

57th percentile among Action44th percentile among 2020s
43% rated it 7–1057% rated it 1–6

Critics 81% · Audience 81%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 31 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Costume Design
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Sound

Reach

How many have seen it

87th percentile

83K ratings across platforms

78th percentile among Action88th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 32% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$1.4M

38th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually stunning, technically accomplished film with strong performances that tries to juggle multiple themes—a boy's journey, the Blitz's horrors, and racial tensions—but feels unfocused and emotionally uneven.

Fans praised

  • Immersive wartime atmosphere and authentic period detail
  • Strong central performances by Elliott Heffernan and Saoirse Ronan
  • Stunning cinematography, production design, and visual effects

Detractors panned

  • Clumsy, shoehorned racism messaging overwhelms the story
  • Underwritten characters and meandering, predictable plot
  • Pacing drags with excessive padding and disjointed structure

What stands out

Cinematography82

Beautifully shot with classical elegance; immersive of era

ActingDivisive78

Heffernan and Ronan praised as compelling leads, but detractors find Heffernan wooden and Ronan underutilized

Atmosphere78

Authentic Blitz-era London; vivid sense of time and place

Emotional impactDivisive50

Fails to land tear-jerker moments; emotional distance despite efforts

CharactersDivisive45

Underdeveloped supporting characters as caricatures; George's arc feels incomplete

OriginalityDivisive40

Dickensian clichés and derivative war-movie tropes; not fresh

Plot and storyDivisive35

Repetitive, episodic, and predictable journey with no narrative tension

Pacing35

Drags in the middle; 15-20 minutes too long

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 36 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Blitz like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and 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

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.
ToneThe film plays its wartime subject matter straight, with occasional earnestness that undercuts some dramatic moments; the composer's experimental score adds a layer of unease.
The rideThe persistent threat of bombing keeps tension high, punctuated by sadness for loss, but with occasional moments of hope; the emotional pressure is sustained across the film.
StructureThe main thread follows George's linear journey, but several side characters and vignettes create an episodic feel of Londoners' lives during the Blitz.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's mix of human connection and wartime horror leaves a bittersweet aftertaste, with several traumatic events lingering uneasily.
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% (this title) · 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. · Journey home: The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Voyage and return underneath

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

Why this archetypeThe film centers on a young boy trying to return home after being evacuated, intersecting with other civilians' stories. The journey is the spine, though it covers a short distance in a war context.

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 filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · 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%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% (this title) · 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% · 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%

Survival

SurvivalWar · 1% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the physical and emotional endurance of Londoners under aerial bombardment, exploring how war tests both individual survival and collective bonds.
StanceThe film appears to bear witness to ordinary people's experience of war without overt moralizing, simply observing their endurance.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Hans Zimmer
SettingLondon during the Blitz of World War II, in bomb shelters, damaged streets, and homes
MusicA sweeping, tension-building orchestral score typical of Zimmer's war films.

Content guide

Is Blitz okay for kids?

PG-13

Blitz is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including some racism, violence, some strong language, brief sexuality and smoking” (MPAA). As of October 18, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (61/100), sexual content at mild (26/100), language at mild (35/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (35/100) and frightening material at intense (61/100). Overall it is heavier than 68% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 43 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Argentina+13
  • Austria12
  • Belgium12
  • BGD
  • CL14
  • Czechia15+
  • GreeceK12
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ID17+
  • IndiaU/A 16+
  • Israel16
  • Italy6+
  • LTN-16
  • LU12
  • LV16+
  • MexicoB-15
  • MOB
  • MY18SG
  • Netherlands12
  • PhilippinesR-16
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • PRPG-13
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG13
  • SK15
  • South Africa16
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan15+
  • TH13
  • UA16+
  • VIPG-13
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 42% of all filmsHeavier than 68% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 76%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 43%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 31%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 64%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 77%

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

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-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 Blitz have?

MovieCove's classifier found 5 depicted content warnings in Blitz: War atrocities (severe), Self-harm (moderate), Hate-motivated violence (mild), plus 2 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.

SevereWar atrocities
ModerateSelf-harm
MildHate-motivated violence

Cast and crew

Who is in Blitz?

Cast

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

Elliott Heffernan
as George
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Saoirse Ronan
as Rita
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.
Benjamin Clémentine
as Ife
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Paul Weller
as Gerald
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Stephen Graham
as Albert
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.
Harris Dickinson
as Jack
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.
Kathy Burke
as Beryl
Leigh Gill
as Mickey Davies
Mica Ricketts
as Jess
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
CJ Beckford
as Marcus
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Blitz?

Movies like Blitz include Winter in Wartime (2008), Cold Mountain (2003) and Stalingrad (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, most are military films, and most are period dramas.

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

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

Explore by

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

2.1K other films share the rarest tag below, up against: nature. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.