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Laws of Attraction

Laws of Attraction

Love always has the last word.

200490 minPG-13Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films
Director
Peter Howitt
Starring
Pierce Brosnan, Julianne Moore, Michael Sheen, Parker Posey

Amidst a sea of litigation, two New York City divorce lawyers find love.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Laws of Attraction?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Laws of Attraction streaming on Howdy 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 Laws of Attraction?

Laws of Attraction earns 6 badges, led by Before they were famous and Box Office Flop.

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

Reception

Is Laws of Attraction worth watching?

Laws of Attraction's Midcredits score is the 33rd percentile of all films, from 42K ratings across 6 sources. 37% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

33rd percentile

Better received than 33% of films

36th percentile among Comedy32nd percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)34th
Approval (how many liked it)33rd

57 /100

34th percentile of all films

38th percentile among Comedy34th percentile among 2000s

Critics 38 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

37% liked it

33rd percentile of all films

36th percentile among Comedy31st percentile among 2000s
37% rated it 7–1063% rated it 1–6

Critics 18% · Audience 47%

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

Awards

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

92nd percentile

42K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Comedy86th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$32M
Opening weekend$7M
Domestic gross$18M
Worldwide gross$30M

Returned 0.9× its budget — 86th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a predictable, lightweight romantic comedy that follows a well-worn formula.

Fans praised

  • Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore share charming on-screen chemistry
  • Light, sweet, and enjoyable as a classic romantic comedy
  • Witty banter and fun courtroom rivalry

Detractors panned

  • Formulaic, predictable plot with no surprises
  • Lack of genuine chemistry between the leads
  • Script is stale, humor falls flat

What stands out

ActingDivisive65

Moore and Brosnan try but lack spark; some fans see charm, detractors see miscasting

Cinematography60

Pleasant New York and Irish scenery; visually polished but unremarkable

DialogueDivisive50

Some witty banter but often bland and sitcom-like

Pacing50

Brisk 90 minutes but loses steam in the second half

CharactersDivisive45

Stereotypical uptight career woman and charming rogue; underdeveloped

HumorDivisive45

Some cute moments but few genuine laughs; forced slapstick

Plot and storyDivisive35

Highly predictable opposites-attract formula with contrived Irish wedding

Originality20

Derivative of Adam's Rib and other screwball comedies

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 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Laws of Attraction like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle and funny and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulRomanticAbsurd
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its romantic comedy conventions straight, with a light and affectionate touch.
The rideA consistently light and comedic mood with sporadic romantic peaks maintains even energy.
StructureConventional romantic comedy structure: meet, conflict, separation, reconciliation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayA light, charming romantic comedy that leaves the viewer grinning and satisfied.
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).Comedy
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% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% (this title) · 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%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Romantic comedy: Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeTwo rival divorce attorneys become adversaries in court and eventually fall in love, driven by their professional rivalry.

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% (this title) · 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% (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% · 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 filmsDeception · 9% of filmsMarriage · 2% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how initially opposed individuals can find love amid rivalry and pretense, questioning what makes a real marriage.
StanceThe film celebrates romantic love emerging from rivalry, affirming that love can conquer professional opposition.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernJazzSupportive music · original score · Edward Shearmur
SettingManhattan legal and social circles, with a brief detour to the Irish countryside.
MusicA light, jazzy orchestral score that underscores the romantic comedy register.

Content guide

Is Laws of Attraction okay for kids?

PG-13

Laws of Attraction is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (25/100), sexual content at moderate (56/100), language at mild (27/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at minimal (13/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 10 other countries
  • UK12
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • South Korea15
  • AustriaAA
  • Czechia15+
  • Greece13
  • Hungary12
  • Poland16
  • SK12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Profanity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (32 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Laws of Attraction have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Laws of Attraction?

Cast

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

Pierce Brosnan
as Daniel Rafferty
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.
Julianne Moore
as Audrey Woods
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 Sheen
as Thorne Jamison
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Parker Posey
as Serena
Frances Fisher
as Sara Miller
Nora Dunn
as Judge Abramovitz
Johnny Myers
as Ashton Phelps
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Mike Doyle
as Michael Rawson
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Allan Houston
as Adamo Shandela
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Annie Ryan
as TV Host

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Laws of Attraction?

Movies like Laws of Attraction include You've Got Mail (1998), Something's Gotta Give (2003) and The Hating Game (2021). Of the 12 closest matches, most are enemies-to-lovers stories, and all are romantic comedies.

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

11 of these 12 share its subject: romantic love. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Laws of Attraction?

759 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: screwball comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.