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Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can

The true story of a real fake.

2002141 minPG-13Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Steven Spielberg
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen

A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent makes it his mission to put him behind bars. But Frank not only eludes capture, he revels in the pursuit.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Catch Me If You Can?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Catch Me If You Can streaming on Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Catch Me If You Can?

Catch Me If You Can earns 13 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Modern classic.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Catch Me If You Can worth watching?

Catch Me If You Can's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 4M ratings across 6 sources. 94% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Biography99th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

81 /100

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Biography98th percentile among 2000s

Critics 75 · Audience 81

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

94% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Biography99th percentile among 2000s
94% rated it 7–106% rated it 1–6

Critics 96% · Audience 89%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 15 wins / 44 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Actor in a Supporting Role
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Music, Original Score

99th percentile

4M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Biography99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 19% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$52M
Opening weekend$30M
Domestic gross$165M
Worldwide gross$352M

Returned 6.8× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A charming, entertaining cat-and-mouse caper with great lead performances and a glossy 1960s sheen.

Fans praised

  • DiCaprio's charismatic, charming performance as Frank Jr.
  • Hanks' likable, obsessive FBI agent and his chemistry with DiCaprio
  • Spielberg's stylish direction, period detail, and John Williams' music

Detractors panned

  • Too lightweight and fluffy for some
  • Historical inaccuracies and romanticized portrayal of a con artist
  • Pacing issues with non-chronological storytelling

What stands out

Acting85

DiCaprio and Hanks are praised as excellent; Walken adds depth

Atmosphere80

Glamorous 1960s period detail and jet-set lifestyle

Humor75

Witty cons and lighthearted tone; some find it too fluffy

Characters70

Frank's charm and Carl's obsession are engaging, but some find Frank too sanitized

Emotional impact70

Sympathy for Frank's family situation and loneliness

Plot and story65

Based on true story, entertaining but criticized for inaccuracies

Originality65

Unique true-story premise, but follows familiar biopic conventions

Pacing60

Some found non-linear structure jarring

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Catch Me If You Can like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It never lets up, has a few laughs and leaves you entertained.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulAdventurous · 11% of filmsWarm
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.In medias res · 1% of films: Opens mid-action, then fills in how we got there.
ToneSpielberg treats the material with a playful, stylish ebullience, never moralizing yet allowing the emotional weight of Frank's fractured family to surface sincerely.
The rideThe film sustains a buoyant, clever thrill in its first two acts; the emotional weight deepens in the final stretch as Frank's loneliness surfaces.
StructureThe film opens with a 1977 game show and a 1969 prison scene before flashing back to 1963, framing the main story as an extended flashback.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunBittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you grinning at Frank's audacity but also reflecting on the broken family at its core, with a hopeful coda of redemption.
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).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 archetypeFrank Abagnale Jr. runs away after his parents' divorce and builds a life of cons, but the arc is about his eventual moral reawakening and rehabilitation under Carl Hanratty's watch.

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

Bonds

Family bondsIdentity · 14% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how Frank's fractured family drives his con artistry and his longing for a stable home, while Carl's pursuit becomes a surrogate father-son bond.
StanceThe film watches Frank and Carl from equal distance—never celebrating the con nor condemning it—focusing on the personal drama rather than societal impact.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanIn transitStylized realism
JazzOrchestral classicalForeground music · original score · John Williams
SettingMid-1960s America and Western Europe, bouncing between airports, hotels, and offices with a Mad Men polish.
MusicWilliams's playful, jazzy theme mirrors the film's nimble tone and Frank's quick-footed deceptions.

Content guide

Is Catch Me If You Can okay for kids?

PG-13

Catch Me If You Can is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some sexual content and brief language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (51/100), language at moderate (46/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (34/100) and frightening material at mild (31/100). Overall it is heavier than 40% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium16
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • Hungary16
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • Spain7
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan保護級
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 27% of all filmsHeavier than 40% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 28%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 93%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 60%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 62%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 29%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is sexual content, heavier than 93% 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 Catch Me If You Can have?

MovieCove's classifier found 4 depicted content warnings in Catch Me If You Can: Gore or body horror (mild), Gun violence (mild), Medical procedures (mild), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Pregnancy loss. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

MildGore or body horrorGun violenceMedical procedures
MentionedPregnancy loss

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Catch Me If You Can?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Christopher Walken won the BAFTA for this film.

Leonardo DiCaprio
as Frank Abagnale Jr.
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - DramaTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tom Hanks
as Carl Hanratty
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.
Christopher Walken
as Frank Abagnale
BAFTA win: BAFTA Award — 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.
Martin Sheen
as Roger Strong
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Nathalie Baye
as Paula Abagnale
Amy Adams
as Brenda Strong
newcomer then · star now
James Brolin
as Jack Barnes
Brian Howe
as Earl Amdursky
Frank John Hughes
as Tom Fox
Steve Eastin
as Paul Morgan
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Catch Me If You Can?

Movies like Catch Me If You Can include Rush Hour 3 (2007), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and Domino (2005). Of the 5 closest matches, two are stories about con artists, and two are biopics.

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Catch Me If You Can?

774 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: police officer. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.