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Something Wild

Something Wild

Something Different. Something Daring. Something Dangerous.

1986114 minRMidcredits score: 79th percentile of all films
Director
Jonathan Demme
Starring
Jeff Daniels, Melanie Griffith, Ray Liotta, George 'Red' Schwartz

A free-spirited woman "kidnaps" a yuppie for a weekend of adventure. But the fun quickly takes a dangerous turn when her ex-con husband shows up.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Something Wild?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Something Wild streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Something Wild?

Something Wild earns 7 badges, led by Standout soundtrack and Crowd Pleaser.

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

Reception

Is Something Wild worth watching?

Something Wild's Midcredits score is the 79th percentile of all films, from 79K ratings across 6 sources. 67% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

79th percentile

Better received than 79% of films

86th percentile among Comedy80th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)81st
Approval (how many liked it)75th

71 /100

81st percentile of all films

88th percentile among Comedy84th percentile among 1980s

Critics 73 · Audience 70

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

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

67% liked it

75th percentile of all films

81st percentile among Comedy76th percentile among 1980s
67% rated it 7–1033% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 69%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 9 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

92nd percentile

79K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 32% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$7M
Opening weekend$1.8M
Domestic gross$8.4M
Worldwide gross$8.4M

Returned 1.2× its budget — 70th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A film that starts as a quirky romantic road comedy and abruptly turns into a violent thriller when Ray Liotta's ex-con character appears.

Fans praised

  • Ray Liotta's electrifying, menacing breakthrough performance
  • Seamless tonal shift from screwball comedy to violent thriller
  • Melanie Griffith's charismatic, multi-layered free-spirit performance

Detractors panned

  • Unlikable, amoral characters with no one to root for
  • Abrupt, jarring tonal shift derails any consistent mood
  • Melanie Griffith's performance as annoying and unconvincing

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive85

Eclectic 80s soundtrack: reggae, New Order, Feelies; praised as superb

ActingDivisive82

Liotta's electrifying debut, Daniels' expressive arc, Griffith's charismatic free spirit

TensionDivisive80

Liotta's arrival escalates suspense into genuine dread

OriginalityDivisive80

Genre-bending mix of screwball comedy and dark thriller

AtmosphereDivisive75

Sunny road trip gives way to suffocating menace

CharactersDivisive70

Lulu as layered manic pixie dream girl, Charlie's hidden rebel, Ray as pure menace

Plot and storyDivisive65

Unpredictable shift from romp to thriller, but some find it disjointed

HumorDivisive65

Screwball laughs in first half; many detractors find it unfunny

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 29 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 14 points higher than over-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Something Wild 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 but easy to take.

It has a few laughs, swings between moods 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
ManicThrillingRomantic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulBrooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with a straight face, first playing the comedy earnestly then shifting to a serious thriller without winking.
The rideThe manic road-trip energy shifts into genuine tension and unease when Ray appears, making the film's final act the heaviest.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Charles's ordinary life through his wild adventure and its consequences.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's joyful rebellion curdles into genuine menace, leaving a complex mixture of thrill and unease.
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).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% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeCharles Driggs, a stifled yuppie, is liberated from his conventional life by the free-spirited Lulu, only to face the violent repercussions of her past.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · 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% · 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%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates who Charles becomes when stripped of his corporate identity, and whether liberation is genuine or just another role.
StanceThe film questions whether radical change is genuine transformation or just trading one performance for another, without fully condemning or celebrating either path.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanSuburbanIn transitStylized realism
RockElectronicSupportive music · hybrid · Laurie Anderson
SettingA road trip across small-town America, from a corporate office to roadside diners and a high school reunion
MusicThe eclectic score reflects the film's shifting between romantic comedy and thriller modes.

Content guide

Is Something Wild okay for kids?

R

Something Wild is rated R. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (58/100), sexual content at moderate (53/100), language at moderate (55/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at moderate (46/100). Overall it is heavier than 22% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • CanadaR
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Brazil16
  • FinlandK-16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 49% of all filmsHeavier than 22% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 33%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 61%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 29%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 55%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 29%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 33% of R-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 Something Wild have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Something Wild?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Jeff Daniels
as Charles Driggs
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or MusicalTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Melanie Griffith
as Audrey Hankel, aka Lulu
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Ray Liotta
as Ray Sinclair
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
George 'Red' Schwartz
as Counter Man
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Margaret Colin
as Irene
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Leib Lensky
as Frenchy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tracey Walter
as The Country Squire
Sandy McLeod
as Graves' Secretary
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Robert Ridgely
as Richard Graves
Buzz Kilman
as TV Newscaster
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Something Wild?

Movies like Something Wild include The Batman (2022), The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Who's That Girl (1987). Of the 11 closest matches, two are films by Jonathan Demme, and several are stories about psychopaths.

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

7 of these 11 share its subject: identity. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Something Wild?

1.2K other films share the rarest tag below, up against: outlaw. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.