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Fever Pitch

Fever Pitch

A comedy about the game of love.

2005104 minPG-13Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films
Directors
Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Starring
Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, Jason Spevack, Jack Kehler

Lindsay is stuck in the middle of her relationship with Ben and his passion for the Boston Red Sox.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Fever Pitch?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Fever Pitch streaming on Disney+ and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Fever Pitch?

Fever Pitch earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Feel-good.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Fever Pitch worth watching?

Fever Pitch's Midcredits score is the 51st percentile of all films, from 106K ratings across 6 sources. 49% 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

58th percentile among Comedy49th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)50th
Approval (how many liked it)51st

62 /100

50th percentile of all films

57th percentile among Comedy50th percentile among 2000s

Critics 56 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

49% liked it

51st percentile of all films

57th percentile among Comedy48th percentile among 2000s
49% rated it 7–1051% rated it 1–6

Critics 66% · Audience 60%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 9 noms overall

95th percentile

106K ratings across platforms

94th percentile among Comedy90th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 38% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$30M
Opening weekend$12M
Domestic gross$42M
Worldwide gross$51M

Returned 1.7× its budget — 91st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a sweet, conventional romantic comedy about a Red Sox fan balancing love and obsession, with pleasant but unexceptional execution.

Fans praised

  • genuine chemistry between Fallon and Barrymore
  • captures sports fanaticism in a relatable way
  • sweet and charming light romantic comedy

Detractors panned

  • Jimmy Fallon lacks screen presence and acting range
  • derivative and formulaic romantic comedy plot
  • unconvincing romance between the leads

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive60

Effectively captures Fenway Park and Red Sox fan culture

ActingDivisive58

Fallon's performance sharply divides; Barrymore widely praised as charming

CharactersDivisive50

Likeable but thinly written leads with generic friend groups

HumorDivisive48

Mild chuckles from situational comedy, few laugh-out-loud moments

DialogueDivisive48

Occasionally witty but often clunky and forced

Plot and storyDivisive45

Formulaic rom-com structure with predictable beats

PacingDivisive40

Drags in middle sections, first act slow

OriginalityDivisive35

Standard rom-com template with few surprises

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 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Fever Pitch like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It has a few laughs and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticJoyfulMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmPlayfulRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its romantic comedy premise straight, with affectionate humour toward its characters.
The rideThe film balances romantic highs with conflict-driven lows, building to a celebratory finale.
StructureConventional beginning, middle, and end with no nonlinear or experimental storytelling.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film ends with the couple reunited and the Red Sox winning the World Series, leaving a warm, optimistic feeling.
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).Comedy
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% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% (this title) · 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%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Romantic comedy: Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows a classic romantic comedy structure: boy meets girl, his obsession with the Red Sox creates conflict, and they reconcile.

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 filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · 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% (this title)
  • 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

Romantic love · 15% of filmsObsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).
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 whether romantic love can coexist with a consuming personal obsession.
StanceThe film presents both Ben's fanaticism and Lindsey's career-driven life without heavy judgment, ultimately favoring compromise.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
PopRockSupportive music · hybrid
SettingBoston, early 2000s: Fenway Park and the city around it
MusicLikely a mix of licensed pop-rock tracks and a light score, but no composer is confirmed from the synopsis.

Content guide

Is Fever Pitch okay for kids?

PG-13

Fever Pitch is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, and some sensuality” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at moderate (40/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (25/100) and frightening material at minimal (10/100). Its drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 11% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 10 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Germany0
  • France10
  • Ireland12
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea12
  • Austria6
  • Hungary18
  • Poland16
  • RO15
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 12% of all filmsHeavier than 11% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 75%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 26%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (7 votes)

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 75% 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 Fever Pitch have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Fever Pitch?

Cast

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

Drew Barrymore
as Lindsey
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.
Jimmy Fallon
as Ben
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jason Spevack
as Ben - 1980
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jack Kehler
as Al
Maureen Keiller
as Viv
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Daniel Greene
as Waiter
Ione Skye
as Molly
Marissa Jaret Winokur
as Sarah
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
KaDee Strickland
as Robin
JoBeth Williams
as Maureen Meeks
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Fever Pitch?

Movies like Fever Pitch include Must Love Dogs (2005), Fever Pitch (1997) and Forget Paris (1995). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, and several are stories about teachers.

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

All 12 share its story type: romantic comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Fever Pitch?

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: teacher. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.