Skip to content
MovieCove
The Mummy

The Mummy

The sands will rise. The heavens will part. The power will be unleashed.

1999124 minPG-13Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films
Director
Stephen Sommers
Starring
Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo

Dashing legionnaire Rick O'Connell stumbles upon the hidden ruins of Hamunaptra while in the midst of a battle to claim the area in 1920s Egypt. It has been over three thousand years since former High Priest Imhotep suffered a fate worse than death as a punishment for a forbidden love—along with a curse that guarantees eternal doom upon the world if he is ever awoken.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Mummy?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Mummy streaming on Peacock and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Mummy?

The Mummy earns 12 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Top 10% in Action.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Mummy worth watching?

The Mummy's Midcredits score is the 85th percentile of all films, from 1.3M ratings across 6 sources. 74% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

85th percentile

Better received than 85% of films

92nd percentile among Action86th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)82nd
Approval (how many liked it)84th

71 /100

82nd percentile of all films

91st percentile among Action85th percentile among 1990s

Critics 49 · Audience 72

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

74% liked it

84th percentile of all films

89th percentile among Action85th percentile among 1990s
74% rated it 7–1026% rated it 1–6

Critics 64% · Audience 75%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 24 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Sound
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects

99th percentile

1.3M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 11% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$80M
Opening weekend$43M
Domestic gross$157M
Worldwide gross$418M

Returned 5.2× its budget — 96th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A light-hearted, effects-driven action-adventure in the Indiana Jones mold, where the fun comes more from spectacle and charm than from story depth.

Fans praised

  • fizzy Indiana Jones-style adventure with lovable heroes
  • charismatic leads and crackling cast chemistry
  • spectacular VFX and immersive ancient Egyptian world

Detractors panned

  • thin, formulaic plot that drags
  • cheesy dialogue and clichéd one-liners
  • overstuffed with spectacle over substance

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive75

Dated but still impressive sand effects and set pieces

ActingDivisive72

Brendan Fraser's charming heroics, Rachel Weisz's dorky appeal, strong cast chemistry

HumorDivisive65

Light-hearted jokes and Fraser's comedic timing

CharactersDivisive60

Fun, memorable archetypes but thinly written

PacingDivisive60

Zippy and energetic, though some find it draggy

DialogueDivisive50

Cheesy one-liners that some find fun, others groan-worthy

Plot and storyDivisive45

Basic treasure-hunt formula, logic holes

Originality35

Heavy Indiana Jones borrowings, remake in name only

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 16 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Mummy like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense and funny, never lets up and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingHopefulRomantic
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its supernatural adventure with a knowing wink, blending genuine thrills with comedic self-awareness.
The rideThe film is an energetic adventure with moments of dread and humor, building to a climactic and triumphant conclusion in the final act.
StructureThe film is told chronologically with a prologue in 1290 BC, then jumps to 1923 and 1926, following a standard setup, conflict, and resolution structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you grinning with its satisfying adventure, romance, and comic relief.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · 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%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows an expedition that accidentally awakens Imhotep, an ancient high priest turned immortal monster, who hunts them while unleashing plagues as he seeks to resurrect his lover.

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 filmsSelfFreedomPower
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% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · 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

Freedom · 5% of filmsFamily bondsSacrifice · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the struggle to stop Imhotep from enslaving humanity and to liberate Evelyn from his ritual, while Rick, Evelyn, and Jonathan form an unconventional family bound by sacrifice.
StanceThe film ultimately affirms courage, resourcefulness, and teamwork as forces that can triumph over ancient evil, celebrating the heroes' victory and freedom.

The world

Early 20th centuryUrbanRealistic
Orchestral classicalWorldForeground music · original score · Jerry Goldsmith
Setting1920s Egypt, the lost city of Hamunaptra, and Cairo
MusicGoldsmith's iconic main theme blends heroic brass with Egyptian motifs and a romantic love theme.

Content guide

Is The Mummy okay for kids?

PG-13

The Mummy is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for pervasive adventure violence and some partial nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (66/100), sexual content at mild (32/100), language at moderate (37/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (32/100) and frightening material at intense (65/100). Overall it is heavier than 78% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK12
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium16
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-11
  • Greece13
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 48% of all filmsHeavier than 78% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 85%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 58%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 38%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 52%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 84%

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

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material. 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 The Mummy have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Mummy?

Cast

Brendan Fraser
as Rick O'Connell
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.
Rachel Weisz
as Evelyn
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
John Hannah
as Jonathan
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Arnold Vosloo
as Imhotep
Patricia Velasquez
as Anck Su Namun
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Oded Fehr
as Ardeth Bay
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Kevin J. O'Connor
as Beni
Jonathan Hyde
as Egyptologist
Erick Avari
as Curator
Stephen Dunham
as Henderson
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Mummy?

Movies like The Mummy include The Mummy Returns (2001), The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) and The Scorpion King (2002). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Stephen Sommers, and most are action comedies.

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

4 of these 12 share its world: swashbuckler. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

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