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The Nanny Diaries

The Nanny Diaries

A comedy about life at the top, as seen from the bottom.

2007105 minPG-13Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films
Directors
Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring
Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney, Alicia Keys, Chris Evans

A college graduate goes to work as a nanny for a rich New York family. Ensconced in their home, she has to juggle their dysfunction, a new romance, and the spoiled brat in her charge.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Nanny Diaries?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Nanny Diaries streaming on Lionsgate+ via Prime Video and ViX via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Nanny Diaries?

The Nanny Diaries earns 6 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Nanny Diaries worth watching?

The Nanny Diaries' Midcredits score is the 49th percentile of all films, from 191K ratings across 6 sources. 45% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

49th percentile

Better received than 49% of films

56th percentile among Comedy47th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)53rd
Approval (how many liked it)45th

62 /100

53rd percentile of all films

60th percentile among Comedy52nd percentile among 2000s

Critics 46 · Audience 64

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

45% liked it

45th percentile of all films

50th percentile among Comedy42nd percentile among 2000s
45% rated it 7–1055% rated it 1–6

Critics 34% · Audience 51%

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

Awards

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

97th percentile

191K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Comedy94th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 14% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$20M
Opening weekend$7.5M
Domestic gross$26M
Worldwide gross$48M

Returned 2.4× its budget — 90th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a predictable, lightly satirical look at a wealthy family's dysfunction, anchored by a strong cast.

Fans praised

  • charming bond between nanny and child
  • strong cast performances from Johansson, Linney, Giamatti
  • effective social satire of upper-class parenting

Detractors panned

  • unfaithful adaptation that strips the book's wit and edge
  • saccharine, formulaic plotting with clichéd characters
  • Scarlett Johansson miscast as awkward everywoman

What stands out

Acting70

consistently praised performances by Linney, Giamatti, and Johansson, though detractors find Johansson miscast

Emotional impactDivisive55

nanny-child relationship can be touching, but feels manipulative to detractors

Atmosphere55

captures Upper East Side privilege and N.Y.C. setting

CharactersDivisive40

thinly drawn stereotypes of the rich; Mr. and Mrs. X seen as caricatures

Plot and storyDivisive35

extremely predictable; lacks surprises

EndingDivisive35

feel-good but overly tidy and unearned

HumorDivisive30

jokes fall flat; forced and lacking genuine laughs

Originality20

derivative of The Devil Wears Prada; formulaic storytelling

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 11 points higher than over-30s.

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Nanny Diaries like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmCatharticMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmSatirical · 5% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film observes the absurdities of the wealthy with a wry, affectionate gaze.
The rideThe early comic tone gives way to genuine emotional weight as Annie bonds with Grayer and faces the dysfunction of the X household, resolving on a hopeful note.
StructureStandard linear storytelling with occasional voice-over narration framing events as anthropological observation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's resolution is upbeat, with Annie finding her path and the X family mending.
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).RebirthHealing
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% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeAnnie's journey as a nanny in a wealthy household becomes a path to self-discovery and healing, both for herself and the family.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
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% (this title): 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% (this title) · 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% · 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%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsFamily bondsClass · 3% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about Annie's search for who she is, caught between her mother's ambitions, the X family's gilded cage, and her own unformed sense of self.
StanceThe film neither celebrates nor condemns Annie's journey of identity; it watches her find her footing through comic and tender moments.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernJazzSupportive music · original score · Mark Suozzo
SettingUpper East Side Manhattan, a gilded world of nannies and neglect

Content guide

Is The Nanny Diaries okay for kids?

PG-13

The Nanny Diaries is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (20/100), sexual content at mild (35/100), language at moderate (42/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (36/100) and frightening material at minimal (10/100). Overall it is heavier than 14% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea12
  • Hungary12
  • NorwayA
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • SK12
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 14% of all filmsHeavier than 14% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 15%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 62%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 51%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 69%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 11%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 51% 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 Nanny Diaries have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Nanny Diaries?

Cast

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

Scarlett Johansson
as Annie Braddock
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.
Laura Linney
as Mrs. X
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.
Alicia Keys
as Lynette
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Chris Evans
as Harvard Hottie
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.
Donna Murphy
as Judy Braddock
Nicholas Art
as Grayer
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Judith Roberts
as Milicent
Julie White
as Jane Gould
Paul Giamatti
as Mr. X
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
John Henry Cox
as Dean
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 Nanny Diaries?

Movies like The Nanny Diaries include Uptown Girls (2003), Girl Most Likely (2012) and Jack & Sarah (1995). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, and several are films set in high society.

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

9 of these 12 share its world: New York. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: caretaker and dependent. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.