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Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

He rides again.

201196 minPG-13Midcredits score: 5th percentile of all films
Directors
Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
Starring
Nicolas Cage, Fergus Riordan, Violante Placido, Ciarán Hinds

When the devil resurfaces with aims to take over the world in human form, Johnny Blaze reluctantly comes out of hiding to transform into the flame-spewing supernatural hero Ghost Rider -- and rescue a 10-year-old boy from an unsavory end.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance streaming on Sony Pictures Core via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance?

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance earns 3 badges, led by Overhyped and Big Budget.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance worth watching?

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance's Midcredits score is the 5th percentile of all films, from 282K ratings across 6 sources. 18% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

5th percentile

Better received than 5% of films

11th percentile among Action6th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)8th
Approval (how many liked it)6th

44 /100

8th percentile of all films

15th percentile among Action10th percentile among 2010s

Critics 34 · Audience 45

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

18% liked it

6th percentile of all films

12th percentile among Action6th percentile among 2010s
18% rated it 7–1082% rated it 1–6

Critics 18% · Audience 31%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 4 noms overall

98th percentile

282K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 19% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$57M
Opening weekend$22M
Domestic gross$52M
Worldwide gross$133M

Returned 2.3× its budget — 87th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a chaotic, visually noisy action movie with a paper-thin story.

Fans praised

  • over-the-top action and visual chaos suits the character
  • improved Ghost Rider design with charred skull and realistic fire
  • commitment to comic book tone and grindhouse energy

Detractors panned

  • incoherent script with no plot or logic
  • shaky cam and frantic editing ruin action clarity
  • terrible CGI and cheap-looking production values

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive55

mixed CGI; Rider's fire looks good but many effects feel rushed

ActingDivisive35

Nicholas Cage goes full manic; Idris Elba underused; supporting cast wooden

PacingDivisive30

frenetic but repetitive; action drags between set pieces

HumorDivisive30

self-aware attempts land unevenly; fire-peeing is divisive

CinematographyDivisive20

overactive shaky cam and disorienting close-ups

Characters15

no development for Blaze or villains; mother and son are cardboard cutouts

Dialogue15

laughably clumsy one-liners; cringe-worthy script

Plot and story10

derivative Terminator 2 ripoff with no coherence or stakes

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you satisfied.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseManicThrilling
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brutal · 7% of filmsBrooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its supernatural action and tortured-hero premise straight, albeit with sporadic moments of unintentional absurdity that undercut the intended grimness.
The rideThe film maintains a high-octane, chaotic energy from start to finish, with action sequences and supernatural threats keeping tension sustained.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward linear chronology from setup to confrontation to resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Satisfied.

Cathartic · 6% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film provides an emotional release through Johnny's final confrontation with evil, but the relentlessly grim supernatural tone leaves a lingering unease.
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).QuestRescue
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · 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%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

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

Why this archetypeJohnny Blaze is reluctantly drawn into a mission to protect a boy from the devil, which structurally resembles a rescue quest. The film also pits him against demonic forces, loosely fitting the overcoming_the_monster archetype.

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 filmsSelfSacrificeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · 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%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · 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% · 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%

Morality

Sacrifice · 4% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Johnny Blaze's willingness to sacrifice himself to protect a boy from evil, and his hope for redemption from his cursed bargain.
StanceThe film weighs Johnny's desire for redemption against his monstrous nature, questioning whether the Ghost Rider can ever be separated from the man.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRuralInstitutionalHorror supernatural
Orchestral modernElectronicRockSupportive music · hybrid · David Sardy
SettingA monastery in Eastern Europe and the surrounding countryside, with the supernatural realm of hell looming.
MusicThe score combines brooding orchestral elements with guitar-driven rock to underscore the supernatural action.

Content guide

Is Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance okay for kids?

PG-13

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at mild (16/100), language at moderate (48/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (49/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). Overall it is heavier than 88% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12A
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15세 이상 관람가
  • Brazil14
  • BGC
  • Czechia12
  • Denmark15
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • ID13+
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoC
  • MP15
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PortugalM/12
  • SK12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • THPG-13
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 56% of all filmsHeavier than 88% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 86%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 21%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 66%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 91%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 86%

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

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material.

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 Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance?

Cast

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

Nicolas Cage
as Johnny Blaze
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.
Fergus Riordan
as Danny
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Violante Placido
as Nadya
Ciarán Hinds
as Roarke
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.
Johnny Whitworth
as Ray Carrigan
Idris Elba
as Moreau
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Spencer Wilding
as Grannik
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Sorin Tofan
as Kurdish
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jacek Koman
as Terrokov
Anthony Head
as Benedict

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance?

Movies like Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance include Ghost Rider (2007), Black Adam (2022) and Constantine (2005). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by David S. Goyer, and several are stories about demons.

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 Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: aging hero. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.