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The Sisters Brothers

The Sisters Brothers

Make a killing. Make a living.

2018122 minRMidcredits score: 80th percentile of all films
Director
Jacques Audiard
Starring
John C. Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix, Jake Gyllenhaal, Riz Ahmed

Oregon, 1851. Hermann Kermit Warm, a chemist and aspiring gold prospector, keeps a profitable secret that the Commodore wants to know, so he sends the Sisters brothers, two notorious assassins, to capture him on his way to California.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Sisters Brothers?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Sisters Brothers streaming on AMC+ via Apple TV, Howdy via Prime Video, Lionsgate+ via Prime Video, Sundance Now via Apple TV and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

Rent / Buy

Buy · $9.99

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Sisters Brothers?

The Sisters Brothers earns 11 badges, led by Standout acting and Visual feast.

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

Reception

Is The Sisters Brothers worth watching?

The Sisters Brothers' Midcredits score is the 80th percentile of all films, from 178K ratings across 6 sources. 69% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

80th percentile

Better received than 80% of films

82nd percentile among Drama80th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)80th
Approval (how many liked it)77th

70 /100

80th percentile of all films

83rd percentile among Drama79th percentile among 2010s

Critics 78 · Audience 70

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

69% liked it

77th percentile of all films

79th percentile among Drama78th percentile among 2010s
69% rated it 7–1031% rated it 1–6

Critics 87% · Audience 69%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 13 wins / 30 noms overall

97th percentile

178K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 22% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$38M
Opening weekend$116K
Domestic gross$3.1M
Worldwide gross$13M

Returned 0.3× its budget — 87th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film boasts an excellent cast and beautiful visuals, but its slow pace and meandering story divide viewers.

Fans praised

  • stirring chemistry between Reilly and Phoenix
  • superb cinematography and set design
  • terrific script and direction by Audiard

Detractors panned

  • slow pacing and lack of engagement
  • predictable plot and weak creative choices
  • boring and underwhelming despite strong cast

What stands out

Acting85

top-tier performances from Reilly, Phoenix, Gyllenhaal, Ahmed

Cinematography85

marvellous long shots and beautiful landscapes

Atmosphere80

tangible and immersive western world

CharactersDivisive70

brotherly dynamic and character arcs praised, but some found predictable

Emotional impactDivisive70

tears and heartfelt moments, but some felt emotionally detached

Originality65

revisionist western with unique blend of genres

Plot and storyDivisive55

meandering story with weak creative choices; some found it engaging

Pacing40

slow burn that some found boring and too long

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 18 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Sisters Brothers like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you want something dark and affecting.

It takes its time, has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet. 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

Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Dry humor
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Multiple perspectives · 2% of films: The same events retold from different characters' points of view.
ToneThe film adopts a solemn, matter-of-fact tone toward the brutality of the Old West, undercut by moments of wry humour.
The rideLong stretches of grim, tense travel are punctuated by sudden violence, but the emotional weight settles heaviest in the final act's losses and homecoming.
StructureThe story unfolds in chronological order but cross-cuts between the Sisters brothers and Morris/Warm, giving two parallel tracks that converge.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers as a bittersweet reflection on brotherhood and the cost of violence, leaving you thinking about the possibility of change.
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).Voyage
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% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% (this title) · 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%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Survival ordeal: Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).

4% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe brothers' journey across the frontier, facing harsh obstacles and returning home, fits the voyage-and-return pattern, though the focus is on character rather than a clear objective.

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 filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): 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% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% (this title) · 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

Family bondsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Violence · 4% 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 centers on the fierce, often destructive bond between two brothers and their struggle to find a way out of violence toward a better life.
StanceThe film watches the brothers with a neutral, unsentimental eye, never celebrating or condemning their violence, but quietly tracing its cost.

The world

19th centuryRuralWildernessIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernFolkSupportive music · original score · Alexandre Desplat
SettingOregon Territory and California during the Gold Rush, 1851
MusicA sparse, guitar-and-strings score that evokes the loneliness and vastness of the frontier.

Content guide

Is The Sisters Brothers okay for kids?

R

The Sisters Brothers is rated R: “Rated R for violence including disturbing images, language, and some sexual content” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (86/100), sexual content at moderate (46/100), language at intense (72/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (55/100) and frightening material at intense (64/100). Overall it is heavier than 68% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 21 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15A
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary16
  • LTN-16
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • Russia16+
  • SK15
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 81% of all filmsHeavier than 68% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 76%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 60%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 70%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%

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

The reason to think twice is violence, language, and frightening material. 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 Sisters Brothers have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Sisters Brothers?

Cast

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

John C. Reilly
as Eli Sisters
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.
Joaquin Phoenix
as Charlie Sisters
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.
Jake Gyllenhaal
as John Morris
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.
Riz Ahmed
as Hermann Kermit Warm
Rebecca Root
as Mayfield
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Allison Tolman
as Girl Mayfield Saloon
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Rutger Hauer
as The Commodore
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Carol Kane
as Mrs Sisters
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Patrice Cossonneau
as Blount
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Zac Abbott
as Blount Guy Dying

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Sisters Brothers?

Movies like The Sisters Brothers include River of No Return (1954), The Far Country (1954) and The Kid (2019). All three are films set in the 19th century; two are films about redemption.

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

All 3 share its world: western. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

1.2K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: outlaw. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.