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The Rebound

The Rebound

She's still got it. He's just getting it.

200995 minRMidcredits score: 54th percentile of all films
Director
Bart Freundlich
Starring
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Justin Bartha, Art Garfunkel, Joanna Gleason

Upon discovering her husband's infidelity, Sandy leaves the suburbs and moves into the city. There, she befriends Aram, a guy whose wife only married him so she could get a green card. Sandy hires Aram to be her nanny, and it isn't long until Aram and Sandy find out they get along wonderfully and start to date. But is their relationship real or is it, in fact, just a rebound for both of them?

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Rebound?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Rebound streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, Shout! TV via Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Rebound?

The Rebound earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Hopeful.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Content

Reception

Is The Rebound worth watching?

The Rebound's Midcredits score is the 54th percentile of all films, from 79K ratings across 4 sources. 50% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

54th percentile

Better received than 54% of films

62nd percentile among Comedy52nd percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)55th
Approval (how many liked it)52nd

63 /100

55th percentile of all films

63rd percentile among Comedy55th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

50% liked it

52nd percentile of all films

58th percentile among Comedy49th percentile among 2000s
50% rated it 7–1050% rated it 1–6

Critics 41% · Audience 47%

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

Reach

How many have seen it

95th percentile

79K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 45% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$22M

83rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a predictable, formulaic romantic comedy about an older woman and younger man that tries to handle age-gap issues but often falls back on genre clichés.

Fans praised

  • lead performances with natural chemistry between Zeta-Jones and Bartha
  • realistic take on older-woman-younger-man relationship avoiding clichés
  • surprisingly heartfelt and emotionally resonant ending

Detractors panned

  • unlikable, poorly written characters with no believable motivation
  • crude, juvenile humor relying on potty jokes and shock value involving children
  • forced, unconvincing romance with no chemistry between leads

What stands out

ActingDivisive60

Zeta-Jones and Bartha praised as charming and believable by fans; detractors call performances wooden and lacking chemistry

Emotional impactDivisive55

heartfelt, warm, and moving for fans; unearned and manipulative for detractors

EndingDivisive50

satisfying, realistic resolution praised by fans; rushed, implausible, and unsatisfying for detractors

Plot and storyDivisive45

predictable but satisfying story for some; nonsensical and contrived for others

CharactersDivisive40

likable and relatable for fans; shallow, unbelievable, and poorly developed for detractors

DialogueDivisive40

witty one-liners and realistic banter noted by fans; detractors call it stilted, crass, and juvenile

HumorDivisive35

genuinely funny moments with kids and absurd situations for fans; mostly unfunny, crude toilet humor for detractors

OriginalityDivisive30

refreshing take on age-gap romance for some; extremely formulaic and derivative for most

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Rebound 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 has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. 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

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmRomantic
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its romantic comedy material straight with genuine warmth and affection for its characters.
The rideThe middle act carries the emotional weight with the pregnancy scare and breakup, while the tone stays generally light and affectionate.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Sandy's discovery of infidelity through her new life, relationship, breakup, and eventual reunion.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you believing in second chances and the possibility of love across age gaps, with a warm, uplifting finale.
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).Comedy
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% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% (this title) · 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%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Romantic comedy: Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.

11% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

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

Why this archetypeA divorced mother starts a new life with her children in New York and develops a romantic relationship with a younger man, following the beats of a romantic comedy with elements of personal renewal.

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% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · 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% · 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%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsFamily bondsSelf-worth · 7% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeA divorced mother rediscovers love and self-worth while building a new family dynamic with a younger partner.
StanceThe film celebrates the possibility of finding love and purpose later in life, even after divorce and mid-life uncertainty.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
PopSupportive music · hybrid
SettingSandy's new apartment above a coffee house, a women's center, and a sports news channel office in New York City

Content guide

Is The Rebound okay for kids?

R

The Rebound is rated R: “Rated R for language, some sexual content and brief drug use” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (16/100), sexual content at mild (34/100), language at intense (60/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (48/100) and frightening material at mild (17/100). Overall it is heavier than 6% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 14 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea15세이상관람가
  • Brazil14
  • Greece13
  • Hungary12
  • Israelהותר לכל
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands6
  • PortugalM/12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 30% of all filmsHeavier than 6% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 6%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 29%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 38%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 63%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 8%

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

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-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 Rebound have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Rebound?

Cast

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

Catherine Zeta-Jones
as Sandy
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.
Justin Bartha
as Aram Finklestein
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.
Art Garfunkel
as Harry Finklestein
Joanna Gleason
as Roberta Finklestein
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Lynn Whitfield
as Laura Reilly
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Andrew Cherry
as Frank Jr. - Age 7
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Kate Jennings Grant
as Daphne
Rob Kerkovich
as Mitch
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
John Schneider
as Trevor
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Sam Robards
as Frank

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Rebound?

Movies like The Rebound include Brown Sugar (2002), Definitely, Maybe (2008) and The Back-up Plan (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, most are friends-to-lovers stories, and most are films set in New York.

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

All 12 share its subject: romantic love. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: friends to lovers. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.