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Independence Day: Resurgence

Independence Day: Resurgence

We had twenty years to prepare. So did they.

2016120 minPG-13Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films
Director
Roland Emmerich
Starring
Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Jessie T. Usher, Bill Pullman

We always knew they were coming back. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Independence Day: Resurgence?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Independence Day: Resurgence streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Independence Day: Resurgence?

Independence Day: Resurgence earns 4 badges, led by Overhyped and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Independence Day: Resurgence worth watching?

Independence Day: Resurgence's Midcredits score is the 14th percentile of all films, from 374K ratings across 6 sources. 25% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

14th percentile

Better received than 14% of films

24th percentile among Action15th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)16th
Approval (how many liked it)15th

49 /100

16th percentile of all films

27th percentile among Action18th percentile among 2010s

Critics 32 · Audience 51

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

25% liked it

15th percentile of all films

26th percentile among Action15th percentile among 2010s
25% rated it 7–1075% rated it 1–6

Critics 29% · Audience 30%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 18 noms overall

98th percentile

373K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 16% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$165M
Opening weekend$41M
Domestic gross$103M
Worldwide gross$390M

Returned 2.4× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • spectacular CGI and visual effects
  • cheesy fun that captures the tone of the original
  • returning cast members provide nostalgic entertainment

Detractors panned

  • incoherent plot with no logic or stakes
  • wooden acting and lifeless new characters
  • boring and overlong despite constant destruction

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

large-scale destruction and alien designs impress some

ActingDivisive30

returning veterans praised, new cast criticized as wooden

AtmosphereDivisive30

lacks tension or immersion, feels weightless

PacingDivisive25

rushed second half, no build-up or rhythm

CharactersDivisive20

no development, one-dimensional, unmemorable

DialogueDivisive20

cheesy and cringeworthy, few witty lines

Plot and storyDivisive15

derivative, nonsensical, full of plot holes

OriginalityDivisive10

rehashes the first film with bigger scale

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Independence Day: Resurgence 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 is intense, never lets up 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
ThrillingTenseHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film embraces its sci-fi blockbuster conventions with a lighthearted, self-aware tone, mixing epic destruction with comic relief.
The rideThe film maintains a consistently tense and thrilling pace with high stakes, punctuated by hopeful moments in humanity's unity; pressure is sustained from start to finish.
StructureStandard linear narrative following multiple characters across the invasion and counterattack.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a sense of fun and optimism that humanity will fight back, though the ending feels rushed.
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).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

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

Why this archetypeThe film is an alien invasion story where humanity fights back against a colossal mothership; the central plot is a military counterattack to kill the alien queen.

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 filmsSelfSurvival
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%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · 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%

Survival

SurvivalSacrifice · 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.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about humanity's fight to survive an alien invasion, with individual sacrifices made for the common good and a global community uniting against a threat.
StanceThe film celebrates human resilience and unity in the face of existential threat, with multiple characters contributing to the global effort.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalOuter spaceScience fiction
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score
SettingA post-invasion Earth with global defense bases on the Moon, Mars, and Rhea, and Area 51 as ESD headquarters.
MusicLikely a bombastic orchestral score typical of disaster epics, but no composer verified from synopsis.

Content guide

Is Independence Day: Resurgence okay for kids?

PG-13

Independence Day: Resurgence is listed as PG-13, but the MPAA's rating reason reads “Rated PG - 13 for sequences of sci - fi action and destruction, and for some language”. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (52/100), sexual content at mild (23/100), language at moderate (47/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (6/100) and frightening material at moderate (55/100). Overall it is heavier than 53% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 25 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium14
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • Russia12+
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan保護級
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 33% of all filmsHeavier than 53% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 56%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 36%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 63%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 6%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 64%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 64% 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 Independence Day: Resurgence have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Independence Day: Resurgence?

Cast

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

Liam Hemsworth
as Jake Morrison
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeff Goldblum
as David Levinson
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.
Jessie T. Usher
as Dylan Hiller
Bill Pullman
as President Whitmore
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.
Maika Monroe
as Patricia Whitmore
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Travis Tope
as Charlie Miller
Angelababy
as Rain Lao
Charlotte Gainsbourg
as Catherine Marceaux
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Judd Hirsch
as Julius Levinson
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
William Fichtner
as General Adams
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Independence Day: Resurgence?

Movies like Independence Day: Resurgence include Independence Day (1996), Godzilla (1998) and Moonfall (2022). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Roland Emmerich, and several are alien invasion stories.

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

8 of these 12 share its story type: alien contact. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Independence Day: Resurgence?

378 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: alien contact. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.