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The Road

The Road

In a moment, the world changed forever.

2009111 minRMidcredits score: 87th percentile of all films
Director
John Hillcoat
Starring
Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind and water. It is cold enough to crack stones and, when the snow falls, it is gray. Their destination is the warmer south, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Road?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Road streaming on Lionsgate+ via Prime Video, Prime Video 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 Road?

The Road earns 11 badges, led by Atmospheric and Star-studded.

Show 3 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Road worth watching?

The Road's Midcredits score is the 87th percentile of all films, from 503K ratings across 6 sources. 76% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

87th percentile

Better received than 87% of films

89th percentile among Drama85th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)84th
Approval (how many liked it)86th

72 /100

84th percentile of all films

87th percentile among Drama84th percentile among 2000s

Critics 64 · Audience 72

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.3 — solid but not unanimous.

76% liked it

86th percentile of all films

87th percentile among Drama84th percentile among 2000s
76% rated it 7–1024% rated it 1–6

Critics 74% · Audience 68%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 5 wins / 33 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Cinematography

98th percentile

503K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama96th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$25M
Opening weekend$1.5M
Domestic gross$8.1M
Worldwide gross$28M

Returned 1.1× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A grim, post-apocalyptic father-son survival story set in a gray, desolate wasteland where cannibals roam.

Fans praised

  • father-son bond as emotional core
  • bleak, immersive atmosphere and grey palette
  • faithful to the novel while remaining effective as film

Detractors panned

  • whiny, illogical child character repeatedly makes bad decisions
  • no explanation for the cataclysm or any coherent plot arc
  • slow, monotonous slog with an unconvincing happy ending

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive90

Immersive, bleak, and hopeless world-building; ash-covered and lifeless

ActingDivisive85

Viggo Mortensen's raw, committed performance; Kodi Smit-McPhee divisive but praised by many

CinematographyDivisive85

Grey, desaturated palette; haunting landscapes and authentic decay

Emotional impactDivisive75

Deeply moving for fans; detractors find it emotionally manipulative or numb

TensionDivisive65

Effective suspense in encounters with cannibals, but diluted by slow pacing

CharactersDivisive45

Boy's naivety and lack of survival instincts widely criticized; father's devotion lauded

Plot and storyDivisive35

Minimal, episodic story with no explanation for apocalypse or meaningful destination

PacingDivisive30

Relentlessly slow and repetitive; loses momentum in second half

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 14 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Road like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you devastated. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Bleak · 8% 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 presents its post-apocalyptic world with unflinching gravity and emotional honesty.
The rideThe film sustains a near-constant pressure of survival against starvation, cold, and human threats, with brief reprieves of tenderness or hope never fully dispelling the underlying dread.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically with occasional flashbacks to the past.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Devastated.

The answer rests on this: Devastating · 3% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's relentless despair is tempered by a fragile hope, leaving the viewer devastated yet cautiously optimistic.
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).QuestMission
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · 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%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows a father and son walking south through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, struggling to survive and maintain their humanity.

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% (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%: 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% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · 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%

Survival

SurvivalFamily bonds
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the lengths a father will go to protect his son in a world stripped of civilization.
StanceThe film mourns the loss of civilization and humanity while fiercely interrogating what remains of goodness, love, and hope in the face of total annihilation.

The world

Near future
AmbientMinimal or silentSupportive music · original score · Nick Cave
SettingA ravaged America after an unspecified cataclysm, where the Man and son trek southward along a road toward the sea.
MusicThe score uses sparse, somber piano and strings that underscore the desolation and fleeting warmth.

Content guide

Is The Road okay for kids?

R

The Road is rated R: “Rated R for some violence, disturbing images and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (74/100), sexual content at moderate (42/100), language at moderate (56/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (31/100) and frightening material at severe (90/100). Overall it is heavier than 62% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 25 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland16
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina16
  • Czechia12
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Greece15
  • ItalyVM14
  • MexicoB15
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia18+
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland14
  • TaiwanR-12
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 78% of all filmsHeavier than 62% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 56%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 39%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 31%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 20%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 95%

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

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

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Road?

Cast

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

Viggo Mortensen
as Man
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.
Kodi Smit-McPhee
as Boy
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Charlize Theron
as Woman
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.
Robert Duvall
as Old Man
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Guy Pearce
as Veteran
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Molly Parker
as Motherly Woman
Michael Kenneth Williams
as Thief
Garret Dillahunt
as Gang Member
Bob Jennings
as Bearded Man
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Buddy Sosthand
as Archer

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Road?

Movies like The Road include I Am Legend (2007), The Rover (2014) and Awake (2021). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in the near future, and most are survival stories.

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

11 of these 12 share its world: post-apocalyptic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

547 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: post apocalyptic. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.