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Starting Over

Starting Over

Phil Potter would like to straighten out his life... One way, or the other.

1979105 minRMidcredits score: 58th percentile of all films
Director
Alan J. Pakula
Starring
Burt Reynolds, Jill Clayburgh, Candice Bergen, Charles Durning

After divorcing his ambitious singer wife, a middle-aged man begins a new relationship with a teacher.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Starting Over?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Starting Over to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Starting Over?

Starting Over earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Box Office Hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Starting Over worth watching?

Starting Over's Midcredits score is the 58th percentile of all films, from 7.4K ratings across 5 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

58th percentile

Better received than 58% of films

66th percentile among Comedy59th percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)60th
Approval (how many liked it)55th

64 /100

60th percentile of all films

69th percentile among Comedy60th percentile among 1970s

Critics 64 · Audience 64

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

52% liked it

55th percentile of all films

62nd percentile among Comedy57th percentile among 1970s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Critics 78% · Audience 59%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 7 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Actress in a Leading Role
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Actress in a Supporting Role

79th percentile

7.4K ratings across platforms

76th percentile among Comedy84th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 24% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$10M
Domestic gross$36M
Worldwide gross$36M

Returned 3.6× its budget — 88th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A gentle, adult-oriented romantic comedy about a divorced man navigating new relationships.

Fans praised

  • Burt Reynolds's understated, vulnerable performance against type
  • Candice Bergen's hilarious tone-deaf singing scene
  • Touching, realistic portrayal of post-divorce dating

Detractors panned

  • Burt Reynolds sleepwalks through a dull, uneventful script
  • Jill Clayburgh's character is irritating and unconvincing
  • Third act drags and fails to deliver satisfying resolution

What stands out

ActingDivisive80

Reynolds's vulnerable underplaying praised; Bergen steals scenes with comic singing; Clayburgh's performance divisive

DialogueDivisive70

Smart, witty lines especially in men's group scenes; some found it sitcom-ish

CharactersDivisive65

Three-dimensional but some found unlikable or shallow; Bergen's narcissistic ex-wife a standout

HumorDivisive65

Divorced men's group and Bergen's singing provide genuine laughs; detractors found few funny moments

Emotional impactDivisive65

Touching and relatable for fans; dreary and unaffecting for detractors

OriginalityDivisive60

Male perspective on divorce fresh for its time; now a period piece

Plot and storyDivisive55

Slow-moving, low-stakes story with weak third act; feels aimless to some

Pacing45

Too slow and uneventful; second half drags

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Starting Over 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
HopefulContemplativeWarm
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters' emotional struggles with gentle sincerity, finding humour in awkwardness without undercutting the real pain.
The rideThe film maintains a gentle, sometimes bittersweet tone, with the emotional peak in the climax when Phil must choose between his ex-wife and new love.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from divorce to new relationship to resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayPhil's journey from heartbreak to a new committed relationship leaves viewers feeling that love can be found again, but the road is messy and imperfect.
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).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

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

Why this archetypePhil Potter, reeling from divorce, meets a new woman and gradually heals, choosing love again — a classic second-chance narrative.

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 filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · 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% (this title) · 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%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Phil's difficult transition from a failed marriage to a promising new relationship, exploring how past attachments affect present love.
StanceThe film observes Phil's romantic dilemma without taking sides, offering a realistic take on divorce and new love.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
PopOrchestral classicalSupportive music · hybrid · Marvin Hamlisch
SettingBoston, Massachusetts in the late 1970s, among divorced singles and urban professionals.
MusicThe score and songs, including Jessica's original songs, underline the film's emotional beats.

Content guide

Is Starting Over okay for kids?

R

Starting Over is rated R. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (0/100), sexual content at moderate (38/100), language at intense (60/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (13/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Hungary18
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 35%
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (32 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Starting Over have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Starting Over?

Cast

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

Burt Reynolds
as Phil Potter
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.
Jill Clayburgh
as Marilyn Holmberg
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Candice Bergen
as Jessica Potter
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Actress in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Charles Durning
as Michael 'Mickey' Potter
Frances Sternhagen
as Marva Potter
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Austin Pendleton
as Paul
Mary Kay Place
as Marie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
MacIntyre Dixon
as Dan Ryan
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jay O. Sanders
as Larry
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Charles Kimbrough
as Salesman
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 Starting Over?

Movies like Starting Over include Words and Pictures (2013), How Do You Know (2010) and The Land of Steady Habits (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, half are friends-to-lovers stories, and several are second-chance stories.

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

6 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 Starting Over?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: friends to lovers. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.