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Secret Headquarters

Secret Headquarters

When the secret is out, the adventure begins.

2022104 minPGMidcredits score: 25th percentile of all films
Directors
Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Starring
Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, Walker Scobell, Momona Tamada

While hanging out after school, Charlie and his friends discover the headquarters of the world’s most powerful superhero hidden beneath his home. When villains attack, they must team up to defend the headquarters and save the world.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Secret Headquarters?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Secret Headquarters streaming on Pluto TV (free) and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Secret Headquarters?

Secret Headquarters earns 3 badges, led by Feel-good and Preferred by Women.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Secret Headquarters worth watching?

Secret Headquarters' Midcredits score is the 25th percentile of all films, from 23K ratings across 6 sources. 29% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

25th percentile

Better received than 25% of films

39th percentile among Action26th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)31st
Approval (how many liked it)21st

56 /100

31st percentile of all films

46th percentile among Action33rd percentile among 2020s

Critics 47 · Audience 56

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.5 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

29% liked it

21st percentile of all films

34th percentile among Action23rd percentile among 2020s
29% rated it 7–1071% rated it 1–6

Critics 44% · Audience 43%

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

Reach

How many have seen it

72nd percentile

23K ratings across platforms

58th percentile among Action71st percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 24% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A derivative, predictable superhero kids' movie that delivers exactly what its target audience expects.

Fans praised

  • fun family-friendly action with clean humor
  • good chemistry among the young cast
  • fast-paced and entertaining for kids

Detractors panned

  • clichéd, derivative plot with no originality
  • annoying, stereotypical kid characters
  • flat, forced humor falls flat

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive60

Polished CGI and gadgets, but overused

ActingDivisive56

Kid actors divisive: fans find them charming, detractors call them annoying and poorly cast

PacingDivisive45

Lively for kids, padded and draggy for adults

HumorDivisive38

Broad, grade-school jokes land for kids but miss for adults

DialogueDivisive35

Forced, unnatural kid dialogue; some witty moments

CharactersDivisive34

One-note stereotypes, underdeveloped arcs

Plot and storyDivisive30

Generic, predictable story with logic holes

Originality20

Heavy pastiche of Spy Kids, Iron Man, Home Alone

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 12 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 11 points higher than non-US viewers.

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

  • Critics vs users even

Watch experience

What is Secret Headquarters 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 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
JoyfulThrillingWarm
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 treats its superhero premise and family dynamics with earnest warmth and humour, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film maintains a light, fun energy from start to finish, with comedic antics, superhero action, and heartwarming family moments spread evenly.
StructureThe story is told in linear order with a prologue flashback, then follows a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a warm, uplifting feeling about family bonds and the joy of shared adventure.
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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Corporate villainy: A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeA father-son superhero story where a boy discovers his dad's secret identity and must help protect a powerful alien artifact from a corporate villain.

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% (this title) · 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 bondsDuty · 2% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on repairing the strained relationship between Jack and Charlie, while also exploring Jack's obligation as a superhero versus his responsibilities as a father.
StanceThe film celebrates family bonds and the idea that even a superhero parent can mend a relationship with his child, framing Jack's reconciliation as a triumph.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Lorne Balfe
Settinga generic American suburb with a secret superhero lair hidden under a house
MusicA driving, heroic orchestral score with electronic flourishes typical of modern superhero films.

Content guide

Is Secret Headquarters okay for kids?

PG

Secret Headquarters is rated PG: “Rated PG for violence, action, language and some rude humor” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (37/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at mild (24/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (3/100) and frightening material at mild (17/100). Overall it is heavier than 18% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • UK12
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Brazil12
  • SK12
  • Sweden7
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 5% of all filmsHeavier than 18% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 54%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 32%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 44%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 3%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 14%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 54% 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 Secret Headquarters have?

MovieCove's classifier found no content warnings in Secret Headquarters' parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Cast and crew

Who is in Secret Headquarters?

Cast

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

Owen Wilson
as Jack
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 Peña
as Argon
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.
Walker Scobell
as Charlie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Momona Tamada
as Maya
Keith L. Williams
as Berger
Abby James Witherspoon
as Lizzie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jesse Williams
as Capt. Sean Irons
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jessie Mueller
as Lily Kincaid
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Dustin Ingram
as Jersey
Charles Melton
as Hawaii

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Secret Headquarters?

Movies like Secret Headquarters include Incredibles 2 (2018), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) and Thor: The Dark World (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories of corporate villainy, and most are sci-fi films.

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

10 of these 12 share its world: superhero. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Secret Headquarters?

569 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: origin story. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.