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Tulip Fever

Tulip Fever

2017105 minRMidcredits score: 44th percentile of all films
Director
Justin Chadwick
Starring
Alicia Vikander, Dane DeHaan, Christoph Waltz, Judi Dench

An artist falls for a married young woman while he's commissioned to paint her portrait. The two invest in the risky tulip market in hopes to build a future together.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Tulip Fever?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Tulip Fever streaming on Netflix and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Tulip Fever?

Tulip Fever earns 9 badges, led by Visual feast and Guilty pleasure.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Tulip Fever worth watching?

Tulip Fever's Midcredits score is the 44th percentile of all films, from 46K ratings across 6 sources. 47% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

44th percentile

Better received than 44% of films

41st percentile among Drama44th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)39th
Approval (how many liked it)48th

58 /100

39th percentile of all films

37th percentile among Drama41st percentile among 2010s

Critics 38 · Audience 60

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

47% liked it

48th percentile of all films

45th percentile among Drama47th percentile among 2010s
47% rated it 7–1053% rated it 1–6

Critics 10% · Audience 42%

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

Awards

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

95th percentile

46K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Drama95th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 6% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$25M
Opening weekend$1.2M
Domestic gross$2.5M
Worldwide gross$9.2M

Returned 0.4× its budget — 84th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Visually lush with high production values, but the script and plot are messy and fail to cohere.

Fans praised

  • gorgeous cinematography, costume and production design
  • strong cast performances, especially Waltz and Dench
  • engaging plot twists and a compelling love story

Detractors panned

  • implausible, contrived plot and melodramatic tone
  • weak chemistry between leads Vikander and DeHaan
  • muddled storytelling with too many underdeveloped subplots

What stands out

Cinematography80

sumptuous, Vermeer-like visuals; rich period detail

AtmosphereDivisive70

immersive period setting but feels claustrophobic and chaotic

ActingDivisive65

Vikander, Waltz, Dench are praised; DeHaan and Delevingne often cited as miscast or weak

CharactersDivisive35

underdeveloped, unlikable, lacking depth or motivation

Pacing35

rushed first act, then drags; chaotic editing in early scenes

Originality25

generic forbidden love triangle, derivative of Girl with a Pearl Earring

EndingDivisive25

tacked-on, unsatisfying resolution

Plot and storyDivisive20

implausible, convoluted, burdened by too many subplots

Preferred by

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.

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

Watch experience

What is Tulip Fever like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. 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

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticTenseBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Register
Melodramatic · 9% of films: Heightened emotion, played large.Romantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its melodramatic plot with straight earnestness, playing the emotions and period setting at face value despite the implausibility.
The rideThe romance and tension dominate most of the film, with the emotional weight settling into a bittersweet, resigned mood toward the end.
StructureConventional linear narrative following the doomed love affair and its consequences, told in chronological order.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe doomed love and sacrifices leave a tender sense of loss and quiet peace.
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).Tragedy
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% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% (this title) · 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%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Doomed love: Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe central story is a love affair that cannot survive the social constraints and the characters' own deceptions, leading to separation and loss. The film does not rely on a premise-level plot device from the specified list.

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% · 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% (this title) · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • 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 filmsDeception · 9% of filmsGuilt · 3% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores forbidden love in a repressive marriage, but the affair is entangled with ongoing lies and subsequent remorse.
StanceThe film grieves the loss of romantic love through circumstance and moral cost, focusing on Sophia and Jan's doomed affair.

The world

Early modernUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
SettingAmsterdam during the 1630s tulip mania

Content guide

Is Tulip Fever okay for kids?

R

Tulip Fever is rated R: “Rated R for sexual content and nudity” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (39/100), sexual content at intense (69/100), language at mild (27/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (36/100) and frightening material at mild (16/100). Overall it is heavier than 10% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany6
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR18+
  • South Korea19
  • Austria6
  • Denmark15
  • Hungary16
  • Israelהותר לבני 16 ומעלה
  • LTN-13
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • Russia18+
  • Sweden11
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 36% of all filmsHeavier than 10% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 19%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 87%
Profanity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 4%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 36%
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 sexual content. 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 Tulip Fever have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Tulip Fever?

Cast

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

Alicia Vikander
as Sophia Sandvoort
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.
Dane DeHaan
as Jan van Loos
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Christoph Waltz
as Cornelis Sandvoort
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Judi Dench
as Abbess
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jack O'Connell
as Willem Brok
Holliday Grainger
as Maria
Zach Galifianakis
as Gerrit
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Matthew Morrison
as Mattheus
Tom Hollander
as Dr. Sorgh
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Cara Delevingne
as Annetje

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Tulip Fever?

Movies like Tulip Fever include Queen Christina (1933), Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) and Romeo & Juliet (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, all are forbidden-love stories, and most are films set in the early modern era.

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

All 12 share its story type: period drama. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Tulip Fever?

3.6K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: melodrama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.