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The Giver

The Giver

Search for truth. Find freedom.

201497 minPG-13Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films
Director
Phillip Noyce
Starring
Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Brenton Thwaites, Alexander Skarsgård

In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Giver?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Giver streaming on MovieSphere+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free) and The Roku Channel (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Giver?

The Giver earns 7 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Giver worth watching?

The Giver's Midcredits score is the 56th percentile of all films, from 284K ratings across 6 sources. 56% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

56th percentile

Better received than 56% of films

55th percentile among Drama56th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)49th
Approval (how many liked it)61st

61 /100

49th percentile of all films

48th percentile among Drama50th percentile among 2010s

Critics 47 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

56% liked it

61st percentile of all films

60th percentile among Drama61st percentile among 2010s
56% rated it 7–1044% rated it 1–6

Critics 34% · Audience 55%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 6 noms overall

98th percentile

284K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 43% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$25M
Opening weekend$12M
Domestic gross$45M
Worldwide gross$67M

Returned 2.7× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually striking dystopian story with a strong central concept, but execution falters with a rushed narrative and underdeveloped characters.

Fans praised

  • beautiful black-and-white to color transition
  • Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep compelling performances
  • thought-provoking themes about emotion and humanity

Detractors panned

  • rushed pacing and shallow character development
  • illogical world-building and plot holes
  • derivative of earlier dystopian films like 'Equilibrium'

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive80

striking black-and-white to color gradation; sterile set design

ActingDivisive75

Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep praised; younger cast described as bland or functional

AtmosphereDivisive75

sterile, emotionless community effectively conveyed

Plot and storyDivisive40

familiar dystopian premise; rushed execution and illogical climax

Emotional impactDivisive40

some fans moved; most critics found it emotionally flat

PacingDivisive35

rushed beginning and ending; slow middle

Characters30

underwritten supporting players; Jonas lacks depth, rushed development

OriginalityDivisive30

derivative of 'Divergent', 'Pleasantville', 'Equilibrium'

Preferred by

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.

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

Watch experience

What is The Giver like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. 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, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
TenseContemplativeHopeful
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film takes its utopia-dystopia material seriously, treating Jonas's awakening with earnest emotional weight and a gentle affection for his journey.
The rideThe film builds from quiet unease to a tense escape, with its most emotionally charged moments near the end.
StructureConventional beginning-middle-end structure, following Jonas from his ceremony through his training to his eventual flight.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a sense of hope that emotion and individuality can be restored, and prompts reflection on the cost of a painless society.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · 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. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA teenager chosen as the Receiver of Memory uncovers the dark truth behind his seemingly perfect society, leading him to rebel and flee to restore emotion and color to the world.

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% (this title) · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • 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%

Power

Oppression · 4% of filmsFreedom · 5% of filmsMemory · 3% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines a society that enforces conformity by erasing memories and emotions, and the cost of that repression.
StanceThe film presents the suppression of memory and emotion as a dangerous path, warning against the loss of humanity.

The world

Near futureInstitutionalUrbanWilderness
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Marco Beltrami
SettingA sterile, emotionless community in 2048, with a surrounding 'Elsewhere' wilderness.
MusicThe score shifts from cold, minimalist tones to warmer, more emotional cues as Jonas rediscovers feelings.

Content guide

Is The Giver okay for kids?

PG-13

The Giver is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for a mature thematic image and some sci-fi action/violence” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (53/100), sexual content at minimal (12/100), language at minimal (7/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (15/100) and frightening material at moderate (41/100). Overall it is heavier than 23% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12A
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Czechia15+
  • GreeceΚ
  • ItalyT
  • PortugalM/12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 18% of all filmsHeavier than 23% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 57%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 15%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 2%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 15%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 43%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 57% of PG-13-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 The Giver have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Giver?

Cast

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

Jeff Bridges
as The Giver
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.
Meryl Streep
as Chief Elder
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.
Brenton Thwaites
as Jonas
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Alexander Skarsgård
as Father
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Katie Holmes
as Mother
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Odeya Rush
as Fiona
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Cameron Monaghan
as Asher
Taylor Swift
as Rosemary
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Emma Tremblay
as Lily
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Alexander Jillings
as Gabriel - 12 Months
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Giver?

Movies like The Giver include Equals (2015), V for Vendetta (2005) and The Kitchen (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in the near future, and most are stories of oppressive states.

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

11 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

635 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: dystopian. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.