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Interstellar

Interstellar

Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.

2014169 minPG-13Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Christopher Nolan
Starring
Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain

The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Interstellar?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Interstellar streaming on Paramount+ and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Interstellar?

Interstellar earns 11 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Oscar Winner.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Interstellar worth watching?

Interstellar's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 9.1M ratings across 6 sources. 94% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)99th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

87 /100

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 2010s

Critics 74 · Audience 87

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

94% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 2010s
94% rated it 7–106% rated it 1–6

Critics 73% · Audience 87%

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

Awards

1 Oscars won · 4 Oscar noms · 19 wins / 79 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Visual Effects
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score

84th percentile

9.1M ratings across platforms

77th percentile among Adventure85th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 8% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$165M
Opening weekend$48M
Domestic gross$203M
Worldwide gross$783M

Returned 4.7× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

An ambitious sci-fi epic that prioritizes emotional storytelling over hard scientific rigor.

Fans praised

  • Hans Zimmer's score amplifies emotional gravity
  • Groundbreaking visual effects and black hole depiction
  • Father-daughter bond as the emotional core

Detractors panned

  • Overlong runtime with sluggish pacing
  • Nonsensical pseudo-science and plot holes
  • Overbearing sentimentality and forced emotional manipulation

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive95

Zimmer's organ-driven score elevates nearly every scene

Effects and spectacleDivisive92

Scientifically informed black hole and wormhole imagery

CinematographyDivisive90

Breathtaking IMAX space visuals and practical effects

ActingDivisive85

McConaughey's emotionally charged lead performance

Emotional impactDivisive80

Tearjerker father-daughter separation across decades

Plot and storyDivisive60

Ambitious but riddled with logical gaps and contrivances

CharactersDivisive55

Thinly-drawn supporting crew; Cooper and Murph are well-developed

PacingDivisive45

Slow first hour; many scenes feel overextended

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 even
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Interstellar like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It is intense and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Awestruck · 1% of films: Wonder at something vast or marvelous.Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material with gravity and emotional sincerity, never winking at the audience.
The rideSustained tension from the mission and time dilation gives way to an emotionally heavy, bittersweet but hopeful resolution.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Earth to space and back, with a clear three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a sense of hope for humanity's future and the power of love, tinged with the sadness of lost time.
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).QuestMission
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% · Mission 5% (this title) · 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. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA former pilot leads a mission through a wormhole to find a habitable planet for humanity before Earth dies.

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 filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · 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%: 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% · 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

Family bondsSurvivalSacrifice · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Cosmic stakes: Consequences reach beyond the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the deep bond between Cooper and his daughter Murph, set against the desperate need for humanity to survive, which forces immense personal sacrifices.
StanceDespite the hardship, the film ultimately celebrates the power of familial love and human ingenuity to overcome cosmic odds.

The world

Near futureRuralOuter spaceAlternate dimensionScience fiction
Orchestral modernAmbientForeground music · original score · Hans Zimmer
SettingA dying Earth and the vast spaces beyond a wormhole near Saturn
MusicThe score heavily features a cathedral-like organ and swelling strings, intensifying the cosmic scale and emotional weight.

Content guide

Is Interstellar okay for kids?

PG-13

Interstellar is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some intense perilous action and brief strong language” (MPAA). As of October 5, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (29/100), sexual content at minimal (4/100), language at moderate (36/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (7/100) and frightening material at intense (60/100). Overall it is heavier than 34% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 44 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil10
  • Argentina+13
  • Austria12
  • Belgium12
  • BGC
  • CLTE+7
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary12
  • ID13+
  • IndiaUA
  • Israel12
  • ItalyT
  • LU12
  • MexicoB
  • MOB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • SingaporePG13
  • South Africa10-12PG
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan6+
  • THG
  • Türkiye13A
  • UA16+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 24% of all filmsHeavier than 34% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 2%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 33%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 6%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 75%

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

The reason to think twice is frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-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 Interstellar have?

MovieCove's classifier found no content warnings in Interstellar's parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Cast and crew

Who is in Interstellar?

Cast

7 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Jessica Chastain won the CCA for this film.

Matthew McConaughey
as Cooper
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Anne Hathaway
as Brand
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.
Michael Caine
as Professor Brand
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.
Jessica Chastain
as Murph
CCA win: Critics Choice Award — for this role
Casey Affleck
as Tom
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Wes Bentley
as Doyle
Topher Grace
as Getty
Mackenzie Foy
as Murph (10 Yrs.)
Ellen Burstyn
as Murph (older)
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
John Lithgow
as Donald
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Interstellar?

Movies like Interstellar include 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984), Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) and The Creator (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set aboard a spacecraft, and most are mission stories.

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

10 of these 12 share its world: outer space. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

149 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: space exploration. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.