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$5 a Day

$5 a Day

Relationships don't come cheap!

200898 minPG-13Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films
Director
Nigel Cole
Starring
Christopher Walken, Alessandro Nivola, Sharon Stone, Dean Cain

After being released from jail, the son of a con man joins his father on the road.

Where to watch

Where can I watch $5 a Day?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists $5 a Day streaming on The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about $5 a Day?

$5 a Day earns 2 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Bittersweet.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is $5 a Day worth watching?

$5 a Day's Midcredits score is the 48th percentile of all films, from 4.7K ratings across 4 sources. 47% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

48th percentile

Better received than 48% of films

54th percentile among Comedy46th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)48th

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

53rd percentile among Comedy46th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

47% liked it

48th percentile of all films

54th percentile among Comedy45th percentile among 2000s
47% rated it 7–1053% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

64th percentile

4.7K ratings across platforms

59th percentile among Comedy56th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 17% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A light, formulaic road movie carried by Christopher Walken's charm.

Fans praised

  • Christopher Walken's charismatic and nuanced performance
  • Warm father-son chemistry with genuine emotional resonance
  • Clever, low-key humor with surprising sweetness

Detractors panned

  • Unlikable characters committing mean-spirited scams
  • Formulaic plot with no real tension or dramatic depth
  • Underwhelming comedy that fails to land

What stands out

Acting78

Walken's charismatic turn carries the film; Nivola adequate but low-energy

CharactersDivisive60

Unsympathetic yet oddly endearing con-man duo; thin character writing

DialogueDivisive60

Occasionally witty lines but uneven comedic writing

HumorDivisive55

Low-key charm for some; flat and unfunny for others

Emotional impactDivisive55

Sweet reconciliation moments but lacks depth and real tension

Pacing55

Snappy but never builds momentum or tension

Plot and storyDivisive45

Formulaic road-trip structure with predictable twists

Originality30

Clichéd estranged father-son road premise

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is $5 a Day like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

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

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
BittersweetContemplativeHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.
ToneThe film plays its material straight, treating the emotional father-son reconnection sincerely while the comedy arises from the characters' resourceful scams.
The rideThe film sustains a reflective, bittersweet tone throughout the journey, with lighter moments balanced by the underlying themes of estrangement and illness.
StructureThe film follows a linear road-trip structure with episodic stops at various locations, but overall adheres to a three-act arc of estrangement, journey, and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a warm ache: the father-son bond is repaired but loss lingers, yet the final laughter suggests a hopeful acceptance.
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).RebirthHealing
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% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe core journey is an estranged son healing his relationship with his con-man father during a cross-country trip, fitting the rebirth archetype of healing from past wounds.

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% · 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% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Truth · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the strained relationship between a son and his conman father, and the journey becomes a chance for reconciliation and honesty.
StanceThe film questions the possibility of reconciliation and truth between a father and son, without offering easy answers.

The world

ContemporaryIn transitUrbanRuralRealistic
FolkOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Alex Wurman
SettingCross-country road trip from Los Angeles to New Mexico, passing through various American towns and cities.
MusicThe score likely blends Americana elements to underscore the road-trip setting.

Content guide

Is $5 a Day okay for kids?

PG-13

$5 a Day is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity and language” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (0/100), sexual content at moderate (44/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (50/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • Canada14A
  • Germany12
  • Netherlands12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (13 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 $5 a Day have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in $5 a Day?

Cast

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

Christopher Walken
as Nat Parker
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.
Alessandro Nivola
as Ritchie Flynn Parker
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sharon Stone
as Dolores Jones
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.
Dean Cain
as Rick Carlson
Peter Coyote
as Burt Kruger
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Amanda Peet
as Maggie
Luis Avalos
as Martinez
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Beth Bailey
as Real Estate Lady
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Marya Beauvais
as Realtor
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Frank Bond
as Bar Manager
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 $5 a Day?

Movies like $5 a Day include Grandma (2015), The Way (2010) and Rain Man (1988). Of the 12 closest matches, most are road movies, and most are stories about parents and children.

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

8 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 $5 a Day?

2.5K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: road movie. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.