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The Mission

The Mission

One will trust in the power of prayer. One will believe in the might of the sword.

1986125 minPGMidcredits score: 91st percentile of all films
Director
Roland Joffé
Starring
Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn

When a Spanish Jesuit goes into the South American wilderness to build a mission in the hope of converting the Indians of the region, a slave hunter is converted and joins his mission. When Spain sells the colony to Portugal, they are forced to defend all they have built against the Portuguese aggressors.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Mission?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Mission streaming on Howdy via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Mission?

The Mission earns 13 badges, led by Oscar Winner and Universally Loved.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Mission worth watching?

The Mission's Midcredits score is the 91st percentile of all films, from 132K ratings across 6 sources. 80% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

91st percentile

Better received than 91% of films

93rd percentile among Adventure92nd percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)88th
Approval (how many liked it)90th

73 /100

88th percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Adventure91st percentile among 1980s

Critics 55 · Audience 75

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

80% liked it

90th percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Adventure91st percentile among 1980s
80% rated it 7–1020% rated it 1–6

Critics 63% · Audience 87%

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

Awards

1 Oscars won · 6 Oscar noms · 14 wins / 26 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Cinematography
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Art Direction-Set Decoration

95th percentile

132K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Adventure96th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 24% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$25M
Opening weekend$40K
Domestic gross$17M
Worldwide gross$18M

Returned 0.7× its budget — 70th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the film is visually stunning, with spectacular cinematography, and has a powerful Morricone score, but differs on whether the slow, deliberate storytelling is meditative or tedious.

Fans praised

  • breathtaking cinematography and jungle scenery
  • powerful emotional and spiritual impact
  • haunting Ennio Morricone score

Detractors panned

  • slow pacing and overlong runtime
  • cardboard characters and shallow development
  • heavy-handed, preachy tone

What stands out

Cinematography92

Oscar-winning, magnificent jungle and waterfall shots

Sound and musicDivisive90

Morricone's haunting, epic score

AtmosphereDivisive85

immersive jungle and spiritual tone

ActingDivisive80

De Niro's intense portrayal, Irons' gentle priest

Emotional impactDivisive78

deeply moving for some, emotionally manipulative for others

Plot and storyDivisive65

historical story but unfocused and predictable

CharactersDivisive55

De Niro's arc praised, Irons' character seen as one-dimensional

PacingDivisive45

slow, glacial pace; many find it boring

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 13 points higher than under-30s.

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

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Mission 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 is intense and 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
BittersweetTense
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its colonial and spiritual conflicts with complete earnestness, never undercutting the drama.
The rideThe film builds to a violent, tragic climax after the peaceful mission scenes.
StructureThe film unfolds chronologically from Father Gabriel's arrival to the massacre, following a conventional narrative arc.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with the beauty of the mission and the horror of its destruction, a mix of hope and grief.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic 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).Tragedy
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% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows two men — a Jesuit priest and a reformed slave trader — whose mission to protect the Guaraní is crushed by colonial politics and church compromise, resulting in a tragedy beyond their control.

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% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · 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 filmsJustice · 13% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film follows a slaver's redemption through service to the Guaraní, while mourning the justice denied to indigenous people by colonial and church politics.
StanceThe film mourns the destruction of the mission and the loss of a just society, emphasizing the tragedy of colonial violence and moral compromise.

The world

Early modernWildernessInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · Ennio Morricone
SettingJesuit missions among the Guaraní in South America near Iguazu Falls
MusicMorricone's score, including the famous oboe theme, carries the film's spiritual and tragic weight.

Content guide

Is The Mission okay for kids?

PG

The Mission is rated PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (65/100), sexual content at moderate (55/100), language at minimal (13/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (23/100) and frightening material at intense (60/100). Overall it is heavier than 93% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • South Korea12
  • Austria12
  • Greece13
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
  • SK15
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Taiwan輔12級
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 48% of all filmsHeavier than 93% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 95%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 96%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 20%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 41%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 89%

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

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material.

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 Mission have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Mission?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Robert De Niro
as Mendoza
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.
Jeremy Irons
as Gabriel
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - DramaTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ray McAnally
as Altamirano
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Aidan Quinn
as Felipe
newcomer then · star now
Liam Neeson
as Fielding
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Cherie Lunghi
as Carlotta
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ronald Pickup
as Hontar
Chuck Low
as Cabeza
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Bercelio Moya
as Indian Boy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sigifredo Ismare
as Witch Doctor
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Mission?

Movies like The Mission include The Scarlet Letter (1995), The Robe (1953) and Silence (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Roland Joffé, and all are period dramas.

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

Explore by

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

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