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Finding Emily

Finding Emily

Right name, wrong number.

2026110 minPG-13Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films
Director
Alicia MacDonald
Starring
Spike Fearn, Angourie Rice, Cora Kirk, Jack Riddiford

When a lovesick musician is given the wrong number for his dream girl, he teams up with a driven psychology student to find her. Together, they spark a hilarious campus-wide frenzy that tests their own hearts and ambitions along the way.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Finding Emily?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Finding Emily streaming on Peacock 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 Finding Emily?

Finding Emily earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Fun.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Finding Emily worth watching?

Finding Emily's Midcredits score is the 82nd percentile of all films, from 151K ratings across 6 sources. 70% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

82nd percentile

Better received than 82% of films

88th percentile among Comedy83rd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)83rd
Approval (how many liked it)79th

71 /100

83rd percentile of all films

90th percentile among Comedy82nd percentile among 2020s

Critics 60 · Audience 72

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

70% liked it

79th percentile of all films

85th percentile among Comedy79th percentile among 2020s
70% rated it 7–1030% rated it 1–6

Critics 90% · Audience 90%

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

Reach

How many have seen it

98th percentile

151K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Comedy98th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 54% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$709K
Domestic gross$1.5M
Worldwide gross$3.1M

57th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A predictable but charming British rom-com built on the appealing chemistry of its two leads.

Fans praised

  • Natural lead chemistry between Fearn and Rice
  • Warm, sincere British rom-com throwback
  • Clever modern satire of campus politics and social media

Detractors panned

  • Predictable plot with tired rom-com cliches
  • Unlikable supporting characters and preachy social commentary
  • Pacing drags in the middle act

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

Fearn's awkward sincerity and Rice's dry intelligence praised; detractors find Fearn wooden and Rice bland

HumorDivisive72

Awkward situational comedy and sharp cultural satire; detractors find it unfunny or forced

DialogueDivisive72

Witty, natural banter with modern cultural references; some find it cringe or flat

Emotional impactDivisive68

Genuinely heartfelt moments; detractors find manipulative or hollow

CharactersDivisive65

Leads relatable and well-written; supporting cast polarizing, some call stereotypes

PacingDivisive56

Brisk first act, sluggish middle; some fans appreciate breather moments

Plot and storyDivisive55

Formulaic missing-digit setup with predictable beats, but executed with warmth

OriginalityDivisive48

Refreshingly earnest but structurally derivative; few find it inventive

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 12 points higher than over-30s.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 12 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Finding Emily like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It leaves you entertained. 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

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulRomantic
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its high-concept premise with affectionate sincerity, playing the romantic comedy beats straight while winking at the absurdity of the campus manhunt.
The rideThe film sustains a light, joyful energy with romantic beats and occasional quieter moments in the middle act.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning-middle-end structure, from the initial meeting and search to the resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayViewers leave entertained and grinning, with a warm feeling about love and self-discovery.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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

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

Why this archetypeLovesick musician Owen and psychology student Emily embark on a campus-wide search for his dream girl, a premise that drives a romantic comedy of errors.

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% (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

Romantic love · 15% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores romantic pursuit and self-discovery, as Owen's quest for an idealized woman leads both him and his helper, Emily, to confront their own hearts and identities.
StanceThe film celebrates romantic connection and personal growth, focusing on both leads' journeys.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
PopSupportive music · licensed compilation
SettingUniversity of Manchester campus and surrounding city

Content guide

Is Finding Emily okay for kids?

PG-13

Finding Emily is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sexual references, language, some crude material and drug references” (MPAA). As of October 4, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (25/100), sexual content at mild (22/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (52/100) and frightening material at mild (25/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • Ireland12A
  • Brazil12
  • Netherlands6
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (30 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Finding Emily have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Finding Emily?

Cast

Spike Fearn
Angourie Rice
Cora Kirk
as Anna
Jack Riddiford
as Matt
Nadia Parkes
as Laura Lewis
Anthony J. Abraham
as Kyle
Timothy Innes
as Tristan
Fiona Allen
as Receptionist
Yali Topol Margalith
as Emily Palmer
Faye Campbell
as Emily Dixon

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Finding Emily?

Movies like Finding Emily include The Sure Thing (1985), 100 Girls (2000) and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set at college, and most are films that feel joyful.

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 Finding Emily?

6.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: romcom. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.