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No Country for Old Men

No Country for Old Men

There are no clean getaways.

2007122 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Directors
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Starring
Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson

Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon dead bodies, $2 million and a hoard of heroin in a Texas desert, but methodical killer Anton Chigurh comes looking for it, with local sheriff Ed Tom Bell hot on his trail. The roles of prey and predator blur as the violent pursuit of money and justice collide.

Where to watch

Where can I watch No Country for Old Men?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists No Country for Old Men streaming on Paramount+, Peacock and Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about No Country for Old Men?

No Country for Old Men earns 16 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Oscar Winner.

Show 8 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is No Country for Old Men worth watching?

No Country for Old Men's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 3.7M ratings across 6 sources. 89% 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 Crime99th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)98th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

83 /100

98th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Crime98th percentile among 2000s

Critics 92 · Audience 82

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

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

89% liked it

97th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Crime98th percentile among 2000s
89% rated it 7–1011% rated it 1–6

Critics 93% · Audience 86%

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

Awards

4 Oscars won · 4 Oscar noms · 78 wins / 20 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Directing
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Motion Picture of the Year

99th percentile

3.7M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Crime99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 24% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$25M
Opening weekend$1.2M
Domestic gross$74M
Worldwide gross$172M

Returned 6.9× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a beautifully crafted, intensely tense thriller that defies conventional narrative expectations.

Fans praised

  • Javier Bardem's chilling performance as Anton Chigurh
  • Roger Deakins' breathtaking cinematography of the West Texas landscape
  • Tension built through silence and minimal score

Detractors panned

  • Abrupt, unresolved ending that feels like a betrayal
  • Main character killed off-screen without satisfying payoff

What stands out

Acting95

Bardem's iconic, terrifying portrayal; Brolin and Jones equally praised

TensionDivisive95

Unbearable suspense in cat-and-mouse sequences

AtmosphereDivisive95

Desolate, oppressive tone; immersive sense of dread and place

Cinematography95

Stark, beautiful landscapes; masterful framing and lighting

CharactersDivisive85

Chigurh as a memorable, symbolic villain; Moss as resourceful everyman

PacingDivisive60

Slow-burn first two acts; third act loses momentum for many

Plot and storyDivisive50

Deliberately unconventional, lacking traditional closure; divisive final act

EndingDivisive30

Polarizing; abrupt, ambiguous finale that frustrates many

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

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

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

Watch experience

What is No Country for Old Men like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you haunted. 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, room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseContemplative
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its violent cat-and-mouse chase with grim, unflinching seriousness, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film sustains a high-pressure atmosphere of imminent violence from the desert discovery to the final monologue.
StructureThe film unfolds chronologically with a clear beginning, middle, and end, following Moss's discovery of the money, the chase, and the aftermath with Sheriff Bell.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers long after, with its meditation on fate, evil, and the futility of the old ways.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).Tragedy
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%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeLlewelyn Moss stumbles into a drug deal's aftermath and takes the money, setting off a relentless pursuit by hitman Anton Chigurh. The story follows Moss's eventual destruction by forces beyond his control, reflecting a tragic outcome.

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 filmsSelfFateIdeas
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% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · 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% (this title): Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Ideas

Fate · 1% of filmsJustice · 13% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film meditates on fate and the random, unstoppable nature of evil, contrasting it with the worn-out ideals of law and order.
StanceThe film warns against the illusion that moral order or individual heroism can withstand the relentless, indifferent violence of the world.

The world

Late 20th centuryRuralWildernessDomesticIn transitRealistic
AmbientMinimal or silentBackground music · original score · Carter Burwell
SettingWest Texas borderlands, 1980 — motels, desert highways, and small towns
MusicBurwell's sparse, droning score underlines the emptiness and impending doom rather than providing conventional emotional cues.

Content guide

Is No Country for Old Men okay for kids?

R

No Country for Old Men is rated R: “Rated R for strong graphic violence and some language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (94/100), sexual content at minimal (14/100), language at moderate (46/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at severe (90/100). Overall it is heavier than 75% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland15A
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil16
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-15
  • Greece13
  • Hungary18
  • Italy14+
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/18
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • Spain18
  • TH18
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 85% of all filmsHeavier than 75% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 94%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 8%
Profanity
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 18%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 41%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 95%

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

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-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 No Country for Old Men have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in No Country for Old Men?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; 5 award-winning performances in the cast.

Javier Bardem
as Anton Chigurh
Oscar win: Academy Award — Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tommy Lee Jones
as Ed Tom Bell
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Josh Brolin
as Llewelyn Moss
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Woody Harrelson
as Carson Wells
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Kelly Macdonald
as Carla Jean Moss
Garret Dillahunt
as Wendell
SAG win: Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Tess Harper
as Loretta Bell
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Barry Corbin
as Ellis
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Stephen Root
as Man Who Hires Wells
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Rodger Boyce
as El Paso Sheriff
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

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What are movies like No Country for Old Men?

Movies like No Country for Old Men include Sicario (2015), Blood Simple (1984) and The Counselor (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories about psychopaths, and most are neo-noirs.

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

3 of these 12 share its subject: fate. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with No Country for Old Men?

388 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: hitman. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.