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Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad

Worst. Heroes. Ever.

2016123 minPG-13Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films
Director
David Ayer
Starring
Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman

From DC Comics comes the Suicide Squad, an antihero team of incarcerated supervillains who act as deniable assets for the United States government, undertaking high-risk black ops missions in exchange for commuted prison sentences.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Suicide Squad?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Suicide Squad streaming on HBO Max 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 Suicide Squad?

Suicide Squad earns 5 badges, led by Oscar Winner and Box Office Hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Suicide Squad worth watching?

Suicide Squad's Midcredits score is the 35th percentile of all films, from 2.6M ratings across 6 sources. 43% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

35th percentile

Better received than 35% of films

51st percentile among Action36th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)29th
Approval (how many liked it)42nd

55 /100

29th percentile of all films

45th percentile among Action32nd percentile among 2010s

Critics 40 · Audience 56

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

43% liked it

42nd percentile of all films

57th percentile among Action41st percentile among 2010s
43% rated it 7–1057% rated it 1–6

Critics 26% · Audience 58%

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

Awards

1 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 17 wins / 42 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling

91st percentile

2.6M ratings across platforms

84th percentile among Action92nd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 15% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$175M
Opening weekend$134M
Domestic gross$325M
Worldwide gross$749M

Returned 4.3× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a fun but flawed, messy comic book movie with standout performances by Robbie and Smith, a weak villain, and a disjointed narrative.

Fans praised

  • Margot Robbie's charismatic and unpredictable performance as Harley Quinn
  • Will Smith's portrayal of Deadshot with humor and emotional depth
  • Engaging action sequences and energetic summer blockbuster feel

Detractors panned

  • Incoherent, messy plot with weak script and structure
  • Underwhelming and forgettable villain (Enchantress) with unclear motives
  • Overstuffed editing, uneven tone, and intrusive soundtrack

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Margot Robbie and Will Smith praised as highlights; Leto divisive, Davis menacing

Sound and musicDivisive60

Soundtrack divisive: some love needle drops, others find them intrusive and mismatched

Effects and spectacleDivisive55

CGI inconsistent; final battle with goop monsters criticized as lazy

CharactersDivisive45

Underdeveloped outside Deadshot and Harley; many feel disposable or one-dimensional

DialogueDivisive40

Forced jokes, cheesy lines; some witty banter between characters

HumorDivisive40

Many jokes miss or feel forced; Boomerang and Harley get some laughs

PacingDivisive35

Slow character introductions then rushed, chaotic midsection and finale

Plot and story30

Generic, incoherent story with rushed structure and weak stakes

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 14 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Suicide Squad 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 that leaves you smiling.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseAbsurdHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Campy · 4% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its villain concept with a knowingly over-the-top energy, mixing dark comic relief with superhero spectacle.
The rideConstant action and shifting atmosphere between tense mission moments, dark humor, and bursts of hope keep the energy high.
StructureThe film is told in a straightforward chronological order with flashbacks for character introductions, following a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film aims to entertain with its rogue gallery and leaves a hopeful sense that even villains can step up for the greater good.
How it ends · evidence
Happy endingTwist

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).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · 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%: 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. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows a team of imprisoned supervillains sent to battle a supernatural entity that has besieged a city, fitting the invasion subtype of overcoming_the_monster.

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% (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% (this title)
  • 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% · 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%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsFamily bondsFreedom · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on criminals finding a path to redeem themselves while being used as pawns, driven by personal bonds and the desire for liberty.
StanceThe film questions whether villains can truly earn redemption, while still treating their quest seriously.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernRockPopForeground music · hybrid · Steven Price
SettingBelle Reve prison and Midway City under magical siege
MusicSoundtrack features classic rock and pop songs like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Sympathy for the Devil'.

Content guide

Is Suicide Squad okay for kids?

PG-13

Suicide Squad is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout, disturbing behavior, suggestive content and language” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (61/100), sexual content at moderate (40/100), language at intense (62/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (36/100) and frightening material at moderate (58/100). Overall it is heavier than 86% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 45 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandR13
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Argentina+13
  • Belgium12
  • BGC
  • CLTE+7
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceK15
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary16
  • ID17+
  • IndiaU/A 16+
  • Israel14
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • LV12+
  • MexicoB
  • MOB
  • MYP13
  • Netherlands12
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG13
  • SK12
  • South Africa13
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan12+
  • THG
  • Türkiye16+
  • UA16+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 54% of all filmsHeavier than 86% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 76%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 74%
Profanity
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 92%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 70%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 71%

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

The reason to think twice is language and violence. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-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 Suicide Squad have?

MovieCove's classifier found 6 depicted content warnings in Suicide Squad: Gun violence (severe), Torture (severe), Gore or body horror (moderate), Kidnapping or confinement (mild), Sexual harassment or grooming (mild), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGun violenceTorture
ModerateGore or body horror
MildKidnapping or confinementSexual harassment or grooming

Cast and crew

Who is in Suicide Squad?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Margot Robbie won the CCA for this film.

Will Smith
as Deadshot
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.
Jared Leto
as The Joker
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.
Margot Robbie
as Harley Quinn
CCA win: Critics Choice Award — Best Actress in an Action MovieTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Joel Kinnaman
as Rick Flag
Viola Davis
as Amanda Waller
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jai Courtney
as Boomerang
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Jay Hernandez
as Diablo
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
as Killer Croc
Cara Delevingne
as June Moone
Ike Barinholtz
as Griggs

Crew

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What are movies like Suicide Squad?

Movies like Suicide Squad include The Suicide Squad (2021), Superman (2025) and Hancock (2008). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories about antiheroes, and most are sci-fi films.

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

All 12 share its world: superhero. Those cards say what else they share.

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445 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: hitman. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.