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Roofman

Roofman

Based on actual events. And terrible decisions.

2025126 minRMidcredits score: 80th percentile of all films
Director
Derek Cianfrance
Starring
Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield

A former Army Ranger and struggling father turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname "Roofman." After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Roofman?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Roofman streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video, Paramount+ and 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 Roofman?

Roofman earns 7 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Star-studded.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Roofman worth watching?

Roofman's Midcredits score is the 80th percentile of all films, from 489K ratings across 6 sources. 71% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

80th percentile

Better received than 80% of films

68th percentile among Biography81st percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)78th
Approval (how many liked it)80th

70 /100

78th percentile of all films

70th percentile among Biography77th percentile among 2020s

Critics 66 · Audience 70

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

71% liked it

80th percentile of all films

65th percentile among Biography80th percentile among 2020s
71% rated it 7–1029% rated it 1–6

Critics 87% · Audience 85%

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

Awards

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

99th percentile

489K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Biography99th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 12% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$19M
Opening weekend$8.1M
Domestic gross$23M
Worldwide gross$35M

Returned 1.8× its budget — 84th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A bizarre true-crime story about a charming thief who hides in a toy store and falls in love, but the film's tone is more melancholic drama than the comedy the trailer promised.

Fans praised

  • Channing Tatum's career-best performance, balancing charm and vulnerability
  • Tatum and Dunst's warm, believable chemistry
  • Stranger-than-fiction true story engagingly told

Detractors panned

  • Mismarketing as comedy; actual film is a downbeat drama
  • Pacing drags in the second half with excessive runtime
  • Romanticized portrayal of a violent criminal without moral complexity

What stands out

ActingDivisive80

Tatum's career-best layered performance; Dunst's nuanced emotional depth

OriginalityDivisive75

Truly unique true story, but execution feels conventional

Emotional impactDivisive65

Bittersweet ending evokes pity for a flawed man's tragic choices

CharactersDivisive60

Sympathetic but underdeveloped protagonist; Leigh is a warm, grounded presence

Plot and story55

Fascinating premise but predictable, slow middle act

Dialogue55

Some witty lines, but often clunky or clichéd

HumorDivisive40

Scattered chuckles but far less comedic than marketed

Pacing35

Second half drags; overlong 2h6m runtime

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 16 points higher than women.

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.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Roofman like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you want something serious and affecting.

It is funny and leaves you bittersweet.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseRomanticCathartic
Heaviest: throughout
Warm humor
Register
Tender · 13% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material straight, as a sincere drama with moments of warmth and humor, never undercutting the emotional weight.
The rideThe film shifts from crime-thriller tension to a romantic, almost comedic middle, but the underlying stakes of a fugitive father on the run keep the pressure steady.
StructureThe story unfolds in a linear, chronological order from the first robbery through prison escape, double life, and eventual capture.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you saddened by the tragic outcome of a man who tried to do right by his family but lost everything.
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).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

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

Why this archetypeThe film follows a man whose desperate choices and circumstances lead to an inevitable downfall, fitting the tragedy archetype. He commits crimes to support his family, then lives under a false identity, but is ultimately crushed by his fate.

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% (this title) · 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%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
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 themeAt its heart, the film is about a father desperately trying to provide for and reconnect with his children, even as his criminal double-life threatens those bonds.
StanceThe film affirms family bonds—Jeffrey's love for his children drives him—even as it acknowledges the cost; reviews call it a 'crowd-pleaser' and note it makes you cheer for the criminal.

The world

Early 21st centuryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · hybrid
SettingNorth Carolina, late 1990s—early 2000s; McDonald's restaurants and a Toys 'R' Us store
MusicReviews mention a 'nice soundtrack' and 'elegant' music, but a specific composer is not disclosed.

Content guide

Is Roofman okay for kids?

R

Roofman is rated R: “Rated R for language, nudity and brief sexuality” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (41/100), sexual content at moderate (56/100), language at intense (63/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (34/100) and frightening material at mild (31/100). Overall it is heavier than 15% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 31 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Argentina+13
  • Austria10
  • CL14
  • Czechia12+
  • FinlandK-12
  • IsraelAll
  • LTN-13
  • LV16+
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • PortugalM/12
  • PRR
  • RO12
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • SK12
  • Spain18
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland14
  • TH15
  • Türkiye16+
  • VIR
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 42% of all filmsHeavier than 15% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 21%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 67%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 42%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 30%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 16%

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

The reason to think twice is language. 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 Roofman have?

MovieCove's classifier found 2 depicted content warnings in Roofman: Gun violence (moderate), Medical procedures (mild). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateGun violence
MildMedical procedures

Cast and crew

Who is in Roofman?

Cast

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

Channing Tatum
as Jeffrey Manchester
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.
Kirsten Dunst
as Leigh Wainscott
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.
Ben Mendelsohn
as Pastor Ron
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.
LaKeith Stanfield
as Steve
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Juno Temple
as Michelle
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Melonie Diaz
as Talena
Uzo Aduba
as Eileen
Lily Collias
as Lindsay
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jimmy O. Yang
as Used Car Salesman
Peter Dinklage
as Mitch
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Roofman?

Movies like Roofman include A Thousand Acres (1997), Remember Me (2010) and Father Stu (2022). Of the 12 closest matches, several are biopics, and most are films set in the early 21st century.

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

10 of these 12 share its praise for acting. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

1.2K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: thief. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.