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The Million Dollar Hotel

The Million Dollar Hotel

Everyone has something to hide.

2000122 minRMidcredits score: 40th percentile of all films
Director
Wim Wenders
Starring
Mel Gibson, Milla Jovovich, Jeremy Davies, Peter Stormare

A federal agent searches for a potential killer among the bizarre residents of a dilapidated Los Angeles hotel.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Million Dollar Hotel?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Million Dollar Hotel streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Million Dollar Hotel?

The Million Dollar Hotel earns 4 badges, led by Award Winner and Preferred by Non-US Viewers.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Million Dollar Hotel worth watching?

The Million Dollar Hotel's Midcredits score is the 40th percentile of all films, from 31K ratings across 6 sources. 46% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

40th percentile

Better received than 40% of films

37th percentile among Drama39th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)34th
Approval (how many liked it)46th

57 /100

34th percentile of all films

30th percentile among Drama34th percentile among 2000s

Critics 25 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

46% liked it

46th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Drama44th percentile among 2000s
46% rated it 7–1054% rated it 1–6

Critics 25% · Audience 67%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 3 noms overall

90th percentile

31K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Drama84th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$8M
Opening weekend$29K
Domestic gross$60K
Worldwide gross$106K

Returned 0.0× its budget — 35th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a slow, character-driven, plot-light fantasy about quirky hotel residents that divides viewers on whether its style and quirkiness are engaging or tedious.

Fans praised

  • Colorful, life-affirming look at society's misfits
  • Strong, well-played cast with unique characters
  • Stylish direction and beautiful cinematography

Detractors panned

  • Boring, slow-paced with no plot or structure
  • Shallow characters lacking depth or credibility
  • Pretentious and self-indulgent, failing on most levels

What stands out

Cinematography75

Beautifully shot with great photography

OriginalityDivisive70

Refreshingly different for fans; derivative cliches for detractors

ActingDivisive65

Excellent cast praised even by some detractors; fans cite well-played characters

AtmosphereDivisive65

Immersive and stylish for fans; weird and on-edge for detractors

Emotional impactDivisive55

Fans find it life-affirming; detractors find no redeeming value

CharactersDivisive50

Unique misfits with depth for fans; dumb and shallow for detractors

Plot and storyDivisive20

No plot or one-sentence story; clumsy structure

Pacing20

Slow and draggy; fans say requires right mood

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 17 points higher than men.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 16 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 28 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is The Million Dollar Hotel like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
MelancholicRomanticTense
Heaviest: throughout
Dark humor
Register
Dreamlike · 2% of films: Logic gives way to atmosphere and association.Tender · 13% of filmsWhimsical · 2% of films
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its damaged, outcast characters with tender sincerity, layering gentle humor over pervasive melancholy without ever mocking them, though its surreal, dreamlike style keeps the material at a poetic distance.
The rideThe film sustains a melancholic and romantic atmosphere from the start, with a steady undercurrent of tension from the police investigation, suggesting a consistent emotional weight.
StructureThe film opens with Tom Tom's leap from the hotel roof and the rest is narrated by him in retrospect, framing the story from its end. Within that frame the events unfold in a conventional order.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe pure, childlike love between Tom Tom and Eloise lingers against the film's pervasive sadness, leaving a tender ache and a lingering melancholy that stays for days.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).Mystery
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% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe film's spine is the FBI inquiry into whether Izzy fell or was pushed, but the investigation largely serves as a frame for a character and love story rather than a driving procedural. The murder-versus-suicide question is answered, yet the emotional core sits elsewhere.

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% · 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% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · 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 filmsGrief · 6% of filmsIsolation · 5% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores unconditional love between Tom Tom and Eloise within a community of outcasts, while the death of Izzy and the hotel's atmosphere deepen themes of grief and isolation.
StanceThe film observes the lives and loves of the hotel's misfits neutrally, presenting the investigation and romance without a clear moral judgment.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalStylized realism
AmbientElectronicSupportive music · original score · Brian Eno
Settinga dilapidated downtown LA hotel inhabited by misfits and outcasts
MusicContributed by ambient pioneers Brian Eno, Jon Hassell, and Daniel Lanois, creating an ethereal soundscape.

Content guide

Is The Million Dollar Hotel okay for kids?

R

The Million Dollar Hotel is rated R: “Rated R for language and some sexual content” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at mild (30/100), language at severe (87/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (50/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • Germany12
  • South Korea15
  • Austria12
  • Czechia12+
  • Spain18
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 24%
Profanity
Severe
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (25 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 The Million Dollar Hotel have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Million Dollar Hotel?

Cast

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

Mel Gibson
as Skinner
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.
Milla Jovovich
as Eloise
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeremy Davies
as Tom Tom
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.
Peter Stormare
as Dixie
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Amanda Plummer
as Vivien
Bud Cort
as Shorty
Jimmy Smits
as Geronimo
Julian Sands
as Terence Scopey
Harris Yulin
as Stanley Goldkiss
Conrad Roberts
as Stix

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Million Dollar Hotel?

Movies like The Million Dollar Hotel include Queer (2024), Mulholland Drive (2001) and Italian for Beginners (2000). Of the 4 closest matches, most are stories of unrequited love, and most are films about isolation.

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

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What else shares a premise, people or place with The Million Dollar Hotel?

972 other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: unrequited love. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.