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The Drop

The Drop

2014106 minRMidcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films
Director
Michaël R. Roskam
Starring
Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini, Matthias Schoenaerts

Bob Saginowski finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood's past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living - no matter the cost.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Drop?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Drop 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 The Drop?

The Drop earns 6 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Drop worth watching?

The Drop's Midcredits score is the 83rd percentile of all films, from 263K ratings across 6 sources. 74% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

83rd percentile

Better received than 83% of films

85th percentile among Crime84th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)80th
Approval (how many liked it)84th

70 /100

80th percentile of all films

84th percentile among Crime79th percentile among 2010s

Critics 69 · Audience 70

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.1 — people broadly agree on this one.

74% liked it

84th percentile of all films

83rd percentile among Crime84th percentile among 2010s
74% rated it 7–1026% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 76%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 6 noms overall

98th percentile

263K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Crime98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$13M
Opening weekend$4.1M
Domestic gross$11M
Worldwide gross$19M

Returned 1.5× its budget — 83rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A slow-burn, character-driven crime drama set in a gritty Brooklyn dive bar.

Fans praised

  • Tom Hardy's nuanced, quietly powerful lead performance as Bob
  • James Gandolfini's fitting final role as a bitter, washed-up gangster
  • slow-burn tension and brooding atmosphere of the Brooklyn setting

Detractors panned

  • painfully slow pacing with little plot progression
  • overly simplistic, predictable, and clichéd crime story
  • mumbled, underdeveloped characters lacking depth

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Tom Hardy's quiet, layered lead; Gandolfini's poignant swan song; Rapace and Schoenaerts solid in support

AtmosphereDivisive78

Gritty, cold, immersive Brooklyn dive-bar world

TensionDivisive72

Understated but palpable dread; payoff divisive

CharactersDivisive65

Fleshed-out for leads; supporting cast thinly drawn

Emotional impactDivisive60

Resonates with some through Bob's quiet humanity and dog rescue; flat for others

Plot and storyDivisive55

Thin, predictable story stretched from a short story; payoff only in the final act

Originality40

Very familiar crime-drama tropes; derivative of Lehane's own earlier works

PacingDivisive35

Very slow and deliberate; many found it tedious and uneventful

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Drop like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It takes its time and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicCold
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its gritty underworld with a sober, unflinching eye, building tension through restraint.
The rideThe film maintains a steady, low-grade tension throughout, punctuated by bursts of violence; the emotional weight peaks in the final confrontation and its aftermath.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward chronological sequence from the robbery to the climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe quiet reveal of Bob's true nature lingers, leaving you unsettled and pondering the cost of survival.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).MysteryEnigma
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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2% (this title)
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film slowly unveils the truth about Bob's past and his true nature, making the central question of who Bob really is the driving force.

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% (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% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · 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 filmsIdentity · 14% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores whether a man with a hidden violent past can earn a quiet, decent life, and how loyalty and deception entangle everyone around him.
StanceThe film questions whether redemption is possible for someone with a violent past, focusing on Bob's inner struggle without celebrating or condemning him outright.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Marco Beltrami
SettingBrooklyn neighborhood bar and surrounding streets, winter
MusicThe score is spare and brooding, underscoring the film's tense, wintery atmosphere without calling attention to itself.

Content guide

Is The Drop okay for kids?

R

The Drop is rated R: “Rated R for some strong violence and pervasive language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (78/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at intense (79/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (53/100) and frightening material at intense (66/100). Overall it is heavier than 61% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 30 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15A
  • New Zealand13
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina16
  • CL14
  • Czechia15+
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ-18
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-16
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesR-16
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • SingaporeNC16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • SwitzerlandZurich Film Festival
  • Taiwan輔12
  • Türkiye15+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 77% of all filmsHeavier than 61% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 61%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 6%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 72%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 67%
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 57%

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

The reason to think twice is language, violence, and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-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 The Drop have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Drop?

Cast

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

Tom Hardy
as Bob
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.
Noomi Rapace
as Nadia
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
James Gandolfini
as Cousin Marv
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Matthias Schoenaerts
as Eric Deeds
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John Ortiz
as Detective Torres
Ann Dowd
as Dottie
Michael Aronov
as Chovka
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
James Frecheville
as Fitz
Elizabeth Rodriguez
as Detective Romsey
Tobias Segal
as Briele
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 The Drop?

Movies like The Drop include Run All Night (2015), Fair Play (2023) and The Juror (1996). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories about mobsters, and half are films set in New York.

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

5 of these 12 share its character type: toxic codependency. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Drop?

4.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: whirlwind romance. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.