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Cop Car

Cop Car

Their first drive could be their last.

201588 minRMidcredits score: 51st percentile of all films
Director
Jon Watts
Starring
Kevin Bacon, James Freedson-Jackson, Hays Wellford, Camryn Manheim

Two kids find themselves in the centre of a deadly game of cat and mouse after taking a sheriff's cruiser for a joy ride.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Cop Car?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Cop Car streaming on Prime Video 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 Cop Car?

Cop Car earns 5 badges, led by Award Winner and Box Office Flop.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Cop Car worth watching?

Cop Car's Midcredits score is the 51st percentile of all films, from 66K ratings across 6 sources. 46% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

51st percentile

Better received than 51% of films

52nd percentile among Crime51st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)55th
Approval (how many liked it)46th

63 /100

55th percentile of all films

57th percentile among Crime55th percentile among 2010s

Critics 66 · Audience 63

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

46% liked it

46th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Crime46th percentile among 2010s
46% rated it 7–1054% rated it 1–6

Critics 82% · Audience 53%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 2 noms overall

93rd percentile

65K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Crime94th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 42% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$800K
Opening weekend$26K
Domestic gross$135K
Worldwide gross$144K

Returned 0.2× its budget — 30th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A simple high-concept thriller about two boys who steal a corrupt sheriff's car.

Fans praised

  • natural kid performances with authentic dialogue
  • Kevin Bacon's sleazy sheriff performance
  • lean runtime and sustained tension

Detractors panned

  • unbelievably stupid kid characters
  • slow, uneventful first two acts
  • unsatisfying abrupt ending

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Kevin Bacon's menacing sheriff; natural child actors

TensionDivisive70

escalating unease and standoff sequences

Cinematography70

beautiful widescreen shots of Colorado plains

AtmosphereDivisive70

bleak small-town rural setting

OriginalityDivisive60

familiar indie thriller template

CharactersDivisive55

kids written as authentically dumb, but polarizing

Plot and storyDivisive55

narrow premise, simple cat-and-mouse structure

PacingDivisive55

slow build to tense final act

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 17 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 19 points higher than users.

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

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

Watch experience

What is Cop Car like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled. 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

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadAbsurd
Heaviest: throughout
Dry humor
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays the escalating danger straight while finding quiet, wry humour in the boys' juvenile antics.
The rideThe film sustains a constant pressure from the pursuit and the kids' peril, with moments of absurdity from the situation's incongruity. The heaviest stretch is throughout because the tension never lets up.
StructureThe story unfolds linearly, following the kids' joyride and the sheriff's pursuit.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe abrupt, ambiguous ending leaves an unease about the kids' fate that lingers.
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).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeTwo boys steal a corrupt sheriff's car and are chased across rural Colorado, a classic predator-prey cat-and-mouse chase.

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 filmsSelfComingof age
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% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · 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% (this title) · 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%

Self

Coming of age · 5% of filmsSurvivalJustice · 13% 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 centers on two kids crossing a threshold into dangerous adult territory, with survival instincts and a corrupt lawman's pursuit in the background.
StanceThe film presents the kids' reckless adventure and the sheriff's corruption without overt judgment, letting the audience sit with the tension. The stakes remain personal and small-scale.

The world

ContemporaryRuralIn transitRealistic
Minimal or silentExperimentalSupportive music · original score · Phil Mossman
Settinga small town's empty roads and scrubland
MusicThe score is likely sparse and percussive, amplifying the desert isolation.

Content guide

Is Cop Car okay for kids?

R

Cop Car is rated R: “Rated R for language, violence and brief drug use” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (64/100), sexual content at minimal (7/100), language at intense (79/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (58/100) and frightening material at intense (63/100). Overall it is heavier than 51% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 14 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 71% of all filmsHeavier than 51% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 42%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 2%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 71%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 74%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 52%

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

The reason to think twice is language, violence, and frightening material. 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 Cop Car have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Cop Car?

Cast

6 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kevin Bacon
as Sheriff Kretzer
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.
James Freedson-Jackson
as Travis
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Hays Wellford
as Harrison
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Camryn Manheim
as Bev
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Shea Whigham
as Man
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.
Sean Hartley
as Motorcycle Cop
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kyra Sedgwick
as Dispatch
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.
Loi Nguyen
as Waiter
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sit Lenh
as Hostess
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Chuck Kull
as Officer #1
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Cop Car?

Movies like Cop Car include Traffik (2018), The Hitcher (1986) and Superhost (2021). Of the 12 closest matches, most are survival thrillers, and all are films that feel dread-filled.

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

6 of these 12 share its world: the American West. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Cop Car?

2.8K other films share the rarest tag below, up against: corrupt official. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.