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Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange

The impossibilities are endless.

2016115 minPG-13Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films
Director
Scott Derrickson
Starring
Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong

After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under her wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Doctor Strange?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Doctor Strange streaming on Disney+ 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 Doctor Strange?

Doctor Strange earns 9 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 5% in Action.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Doctor Strange worth watching?

Doctor Strange's Midcredits score is the 94th percentile of all films, from 3.2M ratings across 6 sources. 84% 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

97th percentile among Action94th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)90th
Approval (how many liked it)94th

75 /100

90th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Action90th percentile among 2010s

Critics 72 · Audience 75

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.6 — people broadly agree on this one.

84% liked it

94th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Action95th percentile among 2010s
84% rated it 7–1016% rated it 1–6

Critics 89% · Audience 86%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 21 wins / 69 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Visual Effects
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects

83rd percentile

3.2M ratings across platforms

72nd percentile among Action84th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 16% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$165M
Opening weekend$85M
Domestic gross$233M
Worldwide gross$678M

Returned 4.1× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree it's a visually stunning but formulaic superhero origin film.

Fans praised

  • trippy, inventive visual effects and mind-bending set pieces
  • strong lead performance by Benedict Cumberbatch capturing arrogance and vulnerability
  • effective balance of humor and high-stakes tension

Detractors panned

  • formulaic origin story echoing Iron Man's arc
  • underwritten characters and shallow villain
  • plot holes and lazy resolution via time-loop gimmick

What stands out

Effects and spectacle88

psychedelic mirror dimension sequences and inventive action choreography

Acting80

Cumberbatch anchors film; strong ensemble but some underutilized

Atmosphere72

successfully builds mystical, otherworldly mood

Cinematography70

stylish framing and color grading enhance visual identity

EndingDivisive60

clever time-loop resolution praised by fans, called cheap by detractors

OriginalityDivisive55

fresh mystical palette but story beats are very familiar to the MCU

CharactersDivisive50

Strange has arc but side characters and villain lack depth

Plot and storyDivisive45

formulaic origin structure with time-loop solution criticized as convenient

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Doctor Strange 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
ThrillingContemplativeWarm
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlays its fantasy hero origin story with a mix of earnest wonder and wry humor, never undermining the stakes but allowing for playful character moments.
The rideAction sequences and visual spectacle sustain a thrilling mood, balanced by quieter moments of introspection and warmth in Strange's relationships.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward chronological order: Strange's accident, his training, and the final confrontation with Kaecilius and Dormammu.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayDespite the cosmic stakes, the clever resolution and humorous tone leave you feeling uplifted and entertained.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

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).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · 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. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeA brilliant surgeon loses his hands and seeks healing, only to discover his destiny in the mystic arts. He must then stop a former disciple from summoning the dark dimension Dormammu to consume Earth, a classic invasion threat. His personal transformation from arrogance to heroism echoes a rebirth 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 filmsSelfPurposeSelf
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% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · 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% (this title) · 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% (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%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Cosmic stakes: Consequences reach beyond the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeStrange's search for healing becomes a quest for a higher purpose, ultimately requiring him to sacrifice his old self for the greater good.
StanceThe film celebrates finding a higher purpose and the value of self-sacrifice, with Strange's journey affirming that meaning lies beyond ego.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalFantasy
Orchestral modernForeground music · original score · Michael Giacchino
SettingNew York City, Kathmandu, and the mystic dimensions beyond reality
MusicThe score blends mystical, trippy motifs with classic superhero brass, notably the time-loop theme in the finale.

Content guide

Is Doctor Strange okay for kids?

PG-13

Doctor Strange is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (64/100), sexual content at minimal (9/100), language at moderate (36/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (10/100) and frightening material at intense (61/100). Overall it is heavier than 66% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 34 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • BGC
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary12
  • ID13+
  • IndiaUA
  • Israelהותר לבני 10 ומעלה
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • ROAP-12
  • Russia16+
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan輔12
  • UA12+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 41% of all filmsHeavier than 66% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 82%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 9%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 35%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 10%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 78%

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 Doctor Strange have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in Doctor Strange: Gore or body horror (severe), Medical procedures (moderate), plus 1 withheld here because it 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.

SevereGore or body horror
ModerateMedical procedures

Cast and crew

Who is in Doctor Strange?

Cast

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

Benedict Cumberbatch
as Dr. Stephen Strange
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.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
as Mordo
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.
Rachel McAdams
as Dr. Christine Palmer
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.
Benedict Wong
as Wong
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Mads Mikkelsen
as Kaecilius
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Tilda Swinton
as The Ancient One
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Michael Stuhlbarg
as Dr. Nicodemus West
Benjamin Bratt
as Jonathan Pangborn
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Scott Adkins
as Lucian
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Zara Phythian
as Brunette Zealot
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 Doctor Strange?

Movies like Doctor Strange include Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) and Black Adam (2022). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Steve Ditko, and most are sci-fi films.

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

11 of these 12 share its world: superhero. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Doctor Strange?

569 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: origin story. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.