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Phenomenon

Phenomenon

Some things in life just can't be explained.

1996123 minPGMidcredits score: 59th percentile of all films
Director
Jon Turteltaub
Starring
John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall

An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Phenomenon?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Phenomenon streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Highlights

What stands out about Phenomenon?

Phenomenon earns 10 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Word-of-mouth hit.

Show 2 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Phenomenon worth watching?

Phenomenon's Midcredits score is the 59th percentile of all films, from 129K ratings across 6 sources. 54% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

59th percentile

Better received than 59% of films

59th percentile among Drama62nd percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)58th
Approval (how many liked it)58th

64 /100

58th percentile of all films

58th percentile among Drama62nd percentile among 1990s

Critics 42 · Audience 65

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.6 — solid but not unanimous.

54% liked it

58th percentile of all films

57th percentile among Drama60th percentile among 1990s
54% rated it 7–1046% rated it 1–6

Critics 49% · Audience 59%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 8 noms overall

96th percentile

129K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Drama94th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 45% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$32M
Opening weekend$16M
Domestic gross$105M
Worldwide gross$152M

Returned 4.8× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A sentimental small-town fable that leans on Travolta's charm rather than its sci-fi premise.

Fans praised

  • Warm, earnest Travolta performance as ordinary mechanic
  • Poignant, moving emotional core and message about life
  • Charming small-town atmosphere and likeable supporting cast

Detractors panned

  • Plot makes no sense and is contrived
  • Boring, derivative, and overly sentimental
  • Weak female lead reduced to mere love interest

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Travolta's warm, sympathetic performance anchors the film; supporting cast likeable but uneven

AtmosphereDivisive70

Idyllic small-town California warmth and charm

Emotional impactDivisive65

Pushes hard for tears; fans find it moving, detractors call it manipulative

CharactersDivisive60

Likeable small-town folks, but love interest underwritten and some behavior contrived

Effects and spectacleDivisive45

Understated powers like telekinesis and language mastery, not a spectacle-driven film

Plot and storyDivisive40

Premise intriguing but logic shaky, veers into sentimentality and an unsatisfying turn

OriginalityDivisive40

Derivative of other sudden-genius tales, basic feel-good formula

EndingDivisive30

Sad resolution leaves fans teary but many find it unsatisfying and a cop-out

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 11 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 12 points higher than under-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Phenomenon 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, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of filmsTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material with earnest warmth and gentle sentiment, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film maintains a gentle, warm register throughout, with sadness deepening in the final act as George's death approaches.
StructureThe story is presented chronologically from the protagonist's birthday to his death, following a standard dramatic arc.

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 about human potential and the enduring impact of one life, tempered by the sadness of his premature death.
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).Rebirth
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%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2% (this title)
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Second chance: A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA man is struck by a mysterious light and gains super-intelligence and telekinesis, transforming his life and those around him before a fatal brain tumor ends it—a story of awakening and legacy.

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% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% (this title) · 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%

Bonds

Family bondsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Mortality · 2% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how George's transformation deepens his ties to Lace, her children, and the town, while his impending death gives those bonds urgency and meaning.
StanceThe film celebrates family bonds and community, affirming that even a short life touched by extraordinary change can leave a lasting, positive impact.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Thomas Newman
Settinga fictional farming town in California
MusicNewman's warm, piano-led score underscores the film's gentle, emotional tone.

Content guide

Is Phenomenon okay for kids?

PG

Phenomenon is rated PG: “Rated PG for language and mild sensuality” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (12/100), sexual content at mild (21/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (35/100) and frightening material at minimal (13/100). Overall it is heavier than 34% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil10
  • CzechiaU
  • Greece13
  • PortugalM/12
  • SpainAPTA
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 9% of all filmsHeavier than 34% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 11%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 47%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 79%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 77%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 11%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 79% of PG-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 Phenomenon have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Phenomenon?

Cast

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

John Travolta
as George Malley
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.
Kyra Sedgwick
as Lace Pennamin
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Forest Whitaker
as Nate Pope
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Robert Duvall
as Doc
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.
Jeffrey DeMunn
as Professor Ringold
Richard Kiley
as Dr. Wellin
David Gallagher
as Al
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ashley Buccille
as Glory
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tony Genaro
as Tito
Sean O'Bryan
as Banes
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Phenomenon?

Movies like Phenomenon include Then Came You (2018), Message in a Bottle (1999) and The Hollars (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories about doctors, and several are second-chance stories.

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

4 of these 12 share its subject: mortality. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: supernatural drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.