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The Revenant

The Revenant

Blood lost. Life found.

2015156 minRMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter

In the 1820s, a frontiersman, Hugh Glass, sets out on a path of vengeance against those who left him for dead after a bear mauling.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Revenant?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Revenant streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about The Revenant?

The Revenant earns 14 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 6 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Revenant worth watching?

The Revenant's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 2.5M ratings across 6 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

98th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

78 /100

95th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action95th percentile among 2010s

Critics 76 · Audience 78

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

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

88% liked it

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2010s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Critics 78% · Audience 84%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 30 wins / 70 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best Director - Motion Picture
  • WonGolden Globes· Best Motion Picture - Drama

99th percentile

2.5M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 22% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$135M
Opening weekend$475K
Domestic gross$184M
Worldwide gross$534M

Returned 4.0× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a visually stunning, technically masterful survival epic with minimal plot and extreme brutality.

Fans praised

  • breathtaking natural-light cinematography and immersive long takes
  • visceral, committed performances from DiCaprio (physical endurance) and Hardy (menacing presence)
  • unforgettable bear-attack set piece and raw survival atmosphere

Detractors panned

  • paper-thin revenge plot with no character depth or emotional engagement
  • overlong, monotonous pacing that feels like extended crawling and grunting
  • implausible superhuman survival sequences (hypothermia ignored, cliff falls survived)

What stands out

Cinematography95

breathtaking natural-light landscapes and fluid long takes

Effects and spectacle90

groundbreaking CGI bear attack and practical stunts

ActingDivisive85

DiCaprio's physical commitment and Hardy's menacing mumble praised; detractors find DiCaprio's grunting one-note

AtmosphereDivisive85

visceral, cold, grim world-building that makes you feel the elements

Emotional impactDivisive45

intended catharsis undercut by thin characterizations; detachment reported

CharactersDivisive40

underwritten protagonists and one-dimensional villain; no emotional investment

Plot and storyDivisive35

simple revenge structure riddled with implausible survival feats

PacingDivisive35

unrelentingly slow and repetitive for most of the runtime

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is The Revenant like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Harrowing: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you are ready for a hard story that does not look away.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Harrowing.

Moods
TenseDreadContemplativeBittersweet
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrutal · 7% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its brutal material with absolute seriousness, never undercutting the suffering or violence with irony.
The rideThe film sustains high pressure and dread from the opening attack to the final confrontation, with brief contemplative pauses.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the attack through Glass's journey and final confrontation, with only brief hallucinatory visions of his past.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe viewer is left with a lingering sense of nature's indifference and the high cost of survival and vengeance.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeAfter a bear mauling leaves him for dead, Hugh Glass must survive the wilderness and hunt down the murderer of his son, making it both a survival ordeal and a revenge-driven confrontation.

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 filmsSelfSurvival
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%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% (this title) · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · 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% · 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%

Survival

SurvivalRevenge · 4% of filmsGrief · 6% 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 explores the primal drive to survive against overwhelming odds, compounded by the consuming thirst for vengeance and the grief over a lost son.
StanceThe film observes Glass' ordeal with unflinching naturalism, neither celebrating nor moralizing his revenge—simply bearing witness to his endurance.

The world

19th centuryWildernessRuralRealistic
AmbientOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Ryuichi Sakamoto
SettingThe uncolonized Great Plains and Rocky Mountains during the fur trade era.
MusicThe score uses sparse, drone-heavy textures that amplify the isolation and menace of the wilderness.

Content guide

Is The Revenant okay for kids?

R

The Revenant is rated R: “Rated R for strong frontier combat and violence including gory images, a sexual assault, language and brief nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (95/100), sexual content at moderate (47/100), language at intense (68/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at severe (91/100). Overall it is heavier than 86% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 43 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland16
  • New ZealandR16
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • AE18+
  • Argentina16
  • Belgium18
  • BGD
  • CL14
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • Hungary16
  • ID18+
  • IndiaA
  • IS16
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-16
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesR-16
  • Polandod 15 lat
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO15
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • SK15
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • TaiwanR-18
  • TH15
  • Türkiye15+
  • UA16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 92% of all filmsHeavier than 86% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 96%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 47%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 96%

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

The reason to think twice is violence, frightening material, and 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 Revenant have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Revenant?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Leonardo DiCaprio won the Oscar for this film.

Leonardo DiCaprio
as Hugh Glass
Oscar win: Academy Award — Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tom Hardy
as John Fitzgerald
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Domhnall Gleeson
as Captain Andrew Henry
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Will Poulter
as Bridger
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Forrest Goodluck
as Hawk
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Duane Howard
as Elk Dog
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Arthur RedCloud
as Hikuc
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Melaw Nakehk'o
as Powaqa
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Grace Dove
as Wife of Hugh Glass
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lukas Haas
as Jones
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Revenant?

Movies like The Revenant include Black '47 (2018), Jeremiah Johnson (1972) and Nevada Smith (1966). Of the 12 closest matches, several are survival stories, and most are films set in the 19th century.

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

6 of these 12 share its world: western. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

770 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: castaway. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.