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Knight and Day

Knight and Day

Every Hit Man Deserves a Second Shot!

2010109 minPG-13Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films
Director
James Mangold
Starring
Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Viola Davis

A fugitive couple goes on a glamorous and sometimes deadly adventure where nothing and no one – even themselves – are what they seem. Amid shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, they race across the globe, with their survival ultimately hinging on the battle of truth vs. trust.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Knight and Day?

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

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Knight and Day?

Knight and Day earns 7 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Guilty pleasure.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Knight and Day worth watching?

Knight and Day's Midcredits score is the 51st percentile of all films, from 430K ratings across 6 sources. 50% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

51st percentile

Better received than 51% of films

67th percentile among Action51st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)49th
Approval (how many liked it)52nd

61 /100

49th percentile of all films

66th percentile among Action49th percentile among 2010s

Critics 46 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

50% liked it

52nd percentile of all films

66th percentile among Action52nd percentile among 2010s
50% rated it 7–1050% rated it 1–6

Critics 51% · Audience 49%

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

Awards

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

99th percentile

429K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 31% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$117M
Opening weekend$20M
Domestic gross$76M
Worldwide gross$262M

Returned 2.2× its budget — 93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a glossy, star-driven action-comedy with strong lead chemistry but a lightweight, predictable story.

Fans praised

  • charismatic Cruise and Diaz chemistry
  • fun, energetic action set pieces
  • playful tone and comic timing

Detractors panned

  • predictable, formulaic plot
  • over-the-top, implausible action
  • weak dialogue

What stands out

Acting78

Cruise and Diaz's charisma and chemistry praised, even by detractors

Cinematography70

Breathtaking visuals, exotic locales

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

Over-the-top stunts praised as fun by fans, called silly by detractors

HumorDivisive60

Comic timing lands for fans, falls flat for others

DialogueDivisive55

Banter works due to delivery, but lines often 'witty' on paper fall flat

CharactersDivisive45

June's damsel-in-distress role criticized; Roy's super-spy charm noted

Originality40

Derivative spy-thriller template with rom-com twist

Plot and story35

Predictable and formulaic, with gaps and repetitions

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Knight and Day 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 has a few laughs and 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

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingRomanticTense
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulRomantic · 8% of filmsAdventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its over-the-top action and improbable plot with a knowing wink and a light-hearted, romantic spirit.
The rideThe film moves between high-octane action and quieter romantic moments, with the heaviest danger and tension concentrated in the middle act.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward chronological timeline from airport encounter to a climactic rescue and happy ending.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayA light, breezy ride that leaves you smiling and entertained.
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).Voyage
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% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% (this title) · 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%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Fish out of water: Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).

4% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeJune is an ordinary woman plunged into a global chase, forced to trust a rogue spy while being hunted by both the CIA and arms dealers.

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% · 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% (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

Romantic love · 15% of filmsSurvival
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the growing romantic connection between June and Roy as they navigate danger and deception.
StanceThe film celebrates the romantic bond between the leads as it globalizes the stakes of a rogue spy's mission.

The world

ContemporaryIn transitUrbanRuralRealistic
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · hybrid · John Powell
SettingA globetrotting spy adventure moving from Wichita to Austria and Spain.
MusicThe score blends orchestral action cues with pop songs to underscore the romantic and adventurous tone.

Content guide

Is Knight and Day okay for kids?

PG-13

Knight and Day is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sequences of action violence throughout, and brief strong language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (58/100), sexual content at mild (26/100), language at moderate (44/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (38/100) and frightening material at mild (32/100). Overall it is heavier than 49% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12A
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Austria12
  • BGC
  • Czechia12
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-15
  • GreecePG
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15 år
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • Russia12+
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 31% of all filmsHeavier than 49% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 67%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 44%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 56%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 76%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 30%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 67% 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 Knight and Day have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Knight and Day?

Cast

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

Tom Cruise
as Roy Miller
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.
Cameron Diaz
as June Havens
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.
Peter Sarsgaard
as Fitzgerald
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Viola Davis
as Director George
Jordi Mollà
as Antonio
Paul Dano
as Simon Feck
Maggie Grace
as April Havens
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Marc Blucas
as Rodney
Celia Weston
as Molly
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Falk Hentschel
as Bernhard
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Knight and Day?

Movies like Knight and Day include Bang Bang (2014), Mission: Impossible II (2000) and Ghosted (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, most are stories about spies, and most are action comedies.

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

11 of these 12 share its world: espionage. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Knight and Day?

832 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: spy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.