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Following

Following

You're never alone.

199870 minRMidcredits score: 90th percentile of all films
Director
Christopher Nolan
Starring
Jeremy Theobald, Alex Haw, Lucy Russell, John Nolan

Bill, an idle, unemployed aspiring writer, walks the crowded streets of London following randomly chosen strangers, a seemingly innocent entertainment that becomes dangerous when he crosses paths with a mysterious character.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Following?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Following streaming on AMC+, Sundance Now via Prime Video and The Criterion Channel and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Following?

Following earns 8 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Following worth watching?

Following's Midcredits score is the 90th percentile of all films, from 307K ratings across 6 sources. 83% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

90th percentile

Better received than 90% of films

92nd percentile among Crime91st percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)84th
Approval (how many liked it)93rd

72 /100

84th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Crime87th percentile among 1990s

Critics 60 · Audience 72

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.5 — people broadly agree on this one.

83% liked it

93rd percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Crime94th percentile among 1990s
83% rated it 7–1017% rated it 1–6

Critics 87% · Audience 85%

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

Awards

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

96th percentile

306K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Crime94th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 180% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$6K
Domestic gross$48K
Worldwide gross$128K

Returned 21.3× its budget — 29th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A clever low-budget neo-noir thriller built around voyeurism and deception.

Fans praised

  • non-linear narrative keeps viewer guessing until final reveal
  • smart, tightly constructed script with effective twists
  • impressive for micro-budget, shows Nolan's emerging talent

Detractors panned

  • convoluted plot feels gimmicky and over-complicated
  • amateurish acting and wooden performances
  • shallow characters serve plot mechanics rather than emotional depth

What stands out

Plot and storyDivisive75

non-linear structure with multiple twists; clever but sometimes contrived

EndingDivisive70

satisfying triple-cross reveal; divisive among detractors

Atmosphere70

gritty black-and-white London; voyeuristic, noir mood

OriginalityDivisive70

fresh premise of following strangers; but derivative of Mamet/Hitchcock

PacingDivisive65

brisk 70-minute runtime; some scenes drag in middle

Cinematography65

effective noirish black-and-white; hand-held adds voyeuristic feel

ActingDivisive55

amateur cast with uneven performances; Haw and Theobald adequate

CharactersDivisive55

interesting archetypes but underdeveloped; Cobb charismatic, others thin

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 12 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 8 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Following like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something dark that stays with you.

It takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseColdContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film plays its noir crime story straight with a detached, cerebral attitude.
The rideThe mood is persistently tense and cold, with a late-act climax that shifts into dread and betrayal, though never violent until the end.
StructureThe story unfolds out of chronological order, with a framing interview that bookends the narrative.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's cold, intricate con game leaves the viewer unsettled and haunted by the protagonist's fate.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic 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).MysteryEnigma
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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2% (this title)
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

7% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe story's central puzzle is a con game in which the protagonist is manipulated into becoming a patsy, and the audience must piece together what is truly happening.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
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% (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% (this title)
  • 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% (this title) · 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

Identity · 14% of filmsDeception · 9% of filmsIsolation · 5% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how a young man's desperate search for inspiration leads him to assume false identities and lose himself in a web of manipulation.
StanceThe film observes the Young Man's descent into criminality and loss of self without moralizing or celebrating, maintaining a cool, analytical stance.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
ElectronicAmbientSupportive music · original score · David Julyan
Settinglate-1990s London, following strangers and burgling flats
MusicA minimal, pulsing electronic score that amplifies the film's brooding tension without drawing attention to itself.

Content guide

Is Following okay for kids?

R

Following is rated R: “Rated R for language and some violence” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (49/100), sexual content at mild (31/100), language at intense (78/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). Overall it is heavier than 24% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • JapanG
  • Brazil10
  • FinlandK-18
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 51% of all filmsHeavier than 24% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 27%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 26%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 69%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%

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

The reason to think twice is language. 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 Following have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Following?

Cast

At least 7 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Jeremy Theobald
as The Young Man
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Alex Haw
as Cobb
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Lucy Russell
as The Blonde
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
John Nolan
as The Policeman
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Dick Bradsell
as The Bald Guy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Gillian El-Kadi
as Home Owner
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jennifer Angel
as Waitress
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Rebecca James
as Woman at Bar
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Paul Mason
as Home Owner's Friend
David Julyan
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Following?

Movies like Following include Memento (2000), Before I Go to Sleep (2014) and The Usual Suspects (1995). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Christopher Nolan, and most are puzzle films.

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

8 of these 12 share its world: London. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Following?

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: neo-noir. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.