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Yes Man

Yes Man

One word can change everything.

2008104 minPG-13Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films
Director
Peyton Reed
Starring
Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins

Carl Allen, a guy whose life is going nowhere, signs up for a self-help program based on one simple covenant: say yes to everything…and anything.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Yes Man?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Yes Man to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Yes Man?

Yes Man earns 10 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Guilty pleasure.

Show 2 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Yes Man worth watching?

Yes Man's Midcredits score is the 71st percentile of all films, from 886K ratings across 6 sources. 66% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

71st percentile

Better received than 71% of films

79th percentile among Comedy69th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)66th
Approval (how many liked it)74th

66 /100

66th percentile of all films

76th percentile among Comedy66th percentile among 2000s

Critics 46 · Audience 67

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

66% liked it

74th percentile of all films

80th percentile among Comedy72nd percentile among 2000s
66% rated it 7–1034% rated it 1–6

Critics 44% · Audience 66%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 9 noms overall

99th percentile

886K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy98th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 19% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$70M
Opening weekend$18M
Domestic gross$98M
Worldwide gross$223M

Returned 3.2× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A light, formulaic romantic comedy about a man who changes his life by saying yes to everything.

Fans praised

  • Jim Carrey's energetic and relatable performance
  • Zooey Deschanel's charming and quirky love interest
  • Uplifting, feel-good message about embracing life

Detractors panned

  • Formulaic and predictable rom-com plot
  • Forced and uneven humor with crude scenes
  • Carrey's aging feels mismatched with the youthful premise

What stands out

ActingDivisive73

Carrey's committed physical comedy and Deschanel's natural charm

HumorDivisive60

Mixed laughs from physical gags and situational comedy

Emotional impactDivisive60

Genuinely uplifting message undercut by formulaic romance

CharactersDivisive55

Carl's relatable everyman arc undermined by thin supporting roles

Pacing55

Energetic first half dragging into formulaic third act

DialogueDivisive55

Witty lines mixed with forced catchphrases

Plot and storyDivisive40

Predictable Liar Liar structure and contrived conflict

OriginalityDivisive30

Recycled high-concept gimmick from Liar Liar

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 20 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 15 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 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Yes Man like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It leaves you feeling good.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulRomanticAbsurd
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
PlayfulRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlayed straight as a feel-good romantic comedy with a warm, sincere core that never mocks its protagonist's journey.
The rideThe film balances optimistic highs with a mid-story setback when Allison leaves Carl, creating a mild emotional swing.
StructureTold in straightforward chronological order, following Carl's arc from before the seminar through the consequences and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's resolution and message of embracing life leave a buoyant, optimistic afterglow.
How it ends · evidence
Happy endingTwist

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).Rebirth
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%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2% (this title)
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Second chance: A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeCarl's journey from isolated denial to embracing life through a radical 'yes' commitment fits the rebirth archetype, specifically a second chance.

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 filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · 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%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeCarl's journey is about rediscovering purpose in life by saying yes to new experiences, with romance serving as the catalyst and reward.
StanceThe film frames Carl's journey toward openness as a positive transformation, celebrating his escape from negativity.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticIn transitRealistic
PopRockSupportive music · hybrid
SettingCarl's corporate bank office, his apartment, and the Yes! seminar circuit in Los Angeles
MusicSong placement, including Third Eye Blind's 'Jumper', underscores key emotional beats.

Content guide

Is Yes Man okay for kids?

PG-13

Yes Man is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for crude sexual humor, language and brief nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (59/100), language at intense (65/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (54/100) and frightening material at minimal (9/100). Overall it is heavier than 78% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Austria6
  • BGC
  • Czechia12+
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Russia16+
  • SK12
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland6
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 49% of all filmsHeavier than 78% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 28%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 97%
Profanity
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 95%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 93%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-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.

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 Yes Man have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Yes Man?

Cast

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

Jim Carrey
as Carl
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.
Zooey Deschanel
as Allison
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Bradley Cooper
as Peter
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.
John Michael Higgins
as Nick
Rhys Darby
as Norman
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Danny Masterson
as Rooney
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Fionnula Flanagan
as Tillie
Terence Stamp
as Terrence
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Sasha Alexander
as Lucy
Molly Sims
as Stephanie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Yes Man?

Movies like Yes Man include The Glass Bottom Boat (1966), The Majestic (2001) and Just Go with It (2011). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films about corporate life, and half are whirlwind romances.

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

5 of these 12 share its world: Los Angeles. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Yes Man?

4.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: whirlwind romance. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.