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Stagecoach

Stagecoach

A powerful story of nine strange people.

193996 minPassedMidcredits score: 96th percentile of all films
Director
John Ford
Starring
Claire Trevor, John Wayne, George Bancroft, Andy Devine

A group of people traveling on a stagecoach find their journey complicated by the threat of Geronimo, and learn something about each other in the process.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Stagecoach?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Stagecoach streaming on Dove Channel via Prime Video, Fandor via Prime Video, HBO Max, Prime Video, The Criterion Channel, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Stagecoach?

Stagecoach earns 10 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Oscar Winner.

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

Reception

Is Stagecoach worth watching?

Stagecoach's Midcredits score is the 96th percentile of all films, from 161K ratings across 6 sources. 84% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

96th percentile

Better received than 96% of films

96th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 1930s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)94th

78 /100

95th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 1930s

Critics 93 · Audience 77

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

84% liked it

94th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Adventure97th percentile among 1930s
84% rated it 7–1016% rated it 1–6

Critics 100% · Audience 86%

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

Awards

2 Oscars won · 5 Oscar noms · 9 wins / 5 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Actor in a Supporting Role
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Music, Scoring

94th percentile

160K ratings across platforms

90th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 1930s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$392K
Worldwide gross$16K

Returned 0.0× its budget — 9th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A group of diverse strangers forced together on a perilous stagecoach journey through Apache territory is the film's core narrative device.

Fans praised

  • elevated western genre with mythic grandeur, real character arcs and spectacular action
  • thrilling climactic chase and Apache attack sequence with daring stuntwork
  • expertly drawn ensemble of archetypes given surprising depth and humanity

Detractors panned

  • overly schematic story built from one-dimensional stereotypes
  • dated and simplistic portrayal of Native Americans as savage killers
  • slow first half padded with melodrama and thin character development

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive91

Monument Valley landscapes and shadowy interiors create striking visual world

AtmosphereDivisive88

vast, lonely frontier contrasted with claustrophobic coach interior

OriginalityDivisive87

elevated western from B-movie status to A-picture

TensionDivisive84

Geronimo's threat hangs over every stop and desert crossing

Effects and spectacleDivisive84

thrilling Indian chase with practical stunts that influenced later action films

ActingDivisive83

ensemble cast delivers vivid characterizations, Mitchell's Oscar-winning turn as the alcoholic doctor

CharactersDivisive82

archetypal passengers embody social classes, evolve under duress

Plot and storyDivisive73

simple journey structure with clear stakes and redemption arcs

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 25 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Stagecoach like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingHopefulContemplative
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlayed straight with sincere emotion, but also a sense of epic adventure.
The rideThe Apache chase is the most intense stretch; the mood shifts from anxious travel to warm interpersonal scenes, then to action and a cathartic finale.
StructureConventional beginning-middle-end told in chronological order.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you uplifted by the triumph of love and justice over prejudice and danger.
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).QuestMission
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · 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%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeRingo Kid's quest for vengeance drives the journey, while the stagecoach trip itself becomes a road-trip that transforms the passengers.

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 filmsSelf
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% (this title): 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% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Prejudice · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeOutcasts Dallas and Doc Boone find their worth through helping Mrs. Mallory, while Ringo seeks to avenge his family and earn a fresh start.
StanceThe film affirms that even outcasts can redeem themselves and that a makeshift community can overcome prejudice and danger together.

The world

19th centuryRuralIn transitWildernessStylized realism
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · original score · Gerard Carbonara
SettingStagecoach journey across Apache territory from Arizona to New Mexico, 1880
MusicThe score incorporates traditional folk tunes to evoke the American frontier.

Content guide

Is Stagecoach okay for kids?

Passed

Stagecoach is rated Passed. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (35/100), sexual content at minimal (5/100), language at minimal (1/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at mild (28/100). Overall it is heavier than 15% of unrated films.

Ratings in 11 other countries
  • UKU
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • BrazilL
  • BelgiumAL
  • MexicoB
  • PortugalM/12
  • SpainA
  • Sweden15
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 11% of all filmsHeavier than 15% of unrated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 26%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an unrated film
heavier than 6%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for an unrated film
heavier than 5%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 64%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an unrated film
heavier than 17%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is drug and alcohol content, heavier than 64% of unrated 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 Stagecoach have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Stagecoach?

Cast

Claire Trevor
as Dallas
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John Wayne
as Ringo Kid
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
George Bancroft
as Marshal Curley Wilcox
Andy Devine
as Buck
Thomas Mitchell
as Doc Josiah Boone
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John Carradine
as Hatfield
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Donald Meek
as Samuel Peacock
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Berton Churchill
as Ellsworth Henry Gatewood
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Louise Platt
as Mrs. Lucy Mallory
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tim Holt
as Lt. Blanchard
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 Stagecoach?

Movies like Stagecoach include 3 Godfathers (1948), Sergeant Rutledge (1960) and The Searchers (1956). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films with John Wayne, and all are westerns.

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

John Ford directed 8 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

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