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A Most Wanted Man

A Most Wanted Man

When national security is the mission, intelligence is the key.

2014122 minRMidcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films
Director
Anton Corbijn
Starring
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright, Rachel McAdams

A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg and becomes a person of interest for a covert government team tracking the movements of potential terrorists.

Where to watch

Where can I watch A Most Wanted Man?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists A Most Wanted Man streaming on Lionsgate+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about A Most Wanted Man?

A Most Wanted Man earns 8 badges, led by Star-studded and Standout acting.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is A Most Wanted Man worth watching?

A Most Wanted Man's Midcredits score is the 72nd percentile of all films, from 139K ratings across 6 sources. 63% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

72nd percentile

Better received than 72% of films

75th percentile among Crime72nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)72nd
Approval (how many liked it)70th

68 /100

72nd percentile of all films

76th percentile among Crime71st percentile among 2010s

Critics 73 · Audience 67

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

63% liked it

70th percentile of all films

70th percentile among Crime70th percentile among 2010s
63% rated it 7–1037% rated it 1–6

Critics 86% · Audience 65%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 3 noms overall

96th percentile

139K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Crime96th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 39% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$15M
Opening weekend$2.7M
Domestic gross$17M
Worldwide gross$36M

Returned 2.4× its budget — 90th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A deliberately slow, dialogue-heavy espionage thriller focused on realistic tradecraft rather than action.

Fans praised

  • Hoffman's subtle, commanding performance as a weary but calculating spy
  • Intricate, tense plot that rewards patient viewers
  • Authentic depiction of spycraft and bureaucratic infighting

Detractors panned

  • Dull, lifeless pacing with no real tension or drive
  • Poorly developed characters, especially the titular 'most wanted man'
  • Weak, unsatisfying conclusion

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Hoffman's nuanced, weary performance universally acknowledged; supporting cast praised by fans, criticized as miscast or overacted by detractors

Atmosphere75

Gritty, moody Hamburg setting and drab intelligence world praised by both camps

Plot and storyDivisive55

Intricate, realistic bureaucratic struggle praised by fans; called incomprehensible, meandering, and anticlimactic by detractors

Emotional impactDivisive55

Fans moved by Hoffman's final scenes; detractors find no emotional weight

CharactersDivisive50

Hoffman's complex protagonist admired; other characters underwritten or clichéd, particularly the immigrant target

TensionDivisive45

Fans find slow-burn tension; detractors say no danger or suspense registers

EndingDivisive40

Fans find powerful, bittersweet finale; detractors call it weak, anticlimactic, or unfinished

PacingDivisive35

Fans appreciate slow-burn realism; detractors call it tedious, boring, and lacking drive

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 10 points higher than under-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is A Most Wanted Man like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseColdContemplative
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material straight, with a solemn, observational gravity that never undercuts the moral weight of the spy work.
The rideA sustained atmosphere of tension and moral ambiguity, with a cold, detached tone that never lets up.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically as the intelligence operation develops, with increasing pressure and a clear turn toward the climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you pondering the moral compromises of counter-terrorism and the cost of playing the long game, with an ending that lingers.
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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Tragedy underneath

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

Why this archetypeThe intelligence team tries to identify and bring down a terrorist funding network, while the state's security apparatus itself becomes a dehumanizing force.

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 filmsSelfPower
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · 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% (this title): Power 2% (this title) · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · 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%

Power

Power · 2% of filmsJustice · 13% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how intelligence agencies wield power, often at the expense of justice and human lives, and how that power corrupts and betrays individuals.
StanceThe film questions the ethics of the war on terror and the power of intelligence agencies, presenting a morally grey world without easy answers.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Herbert Grönemeyer
SettingHamburg, Germany, in the aftermath of 9/11, amid intelligence operations and immigrant communities.
MusicA low-key, brooding score that underscores the film's tense, atmospheric mood.

Content guide

Is A Most Wanted Man okay for kids?

R

A Most Wanted Man is rated R: “Rated R for language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (35/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at moderate (59/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (64/100) and frightening material at moderate (59/100). Overall it is heavier than 24% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil12
  • Czechia12+
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hungary12
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland18
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 51% of all filmsHeavier than 24% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 16%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 11%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 35%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 81%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 43%

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

The reason to think twice is drug and alcohol 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 A Most Wanted Man have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in A Most Wanted Man?

Cast

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

Philip Seymour Hoffman
as Günther Bachmann
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.
Willem Dafoe
as Tommy Brue
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.
Robin Wright
as Martha Sullivan
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Rachel McAdams
as Annabel Richter
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.
Grigory Dobrygin
as Issa Karpov
Homayoun Ershadi
as Abdullah
Nina Hoss
as Irna Frey
Daniel Brühl
as Maximilian
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Herbert Grönemeyer
as Michael Axelrod
Mehdi Dehbi
as Jamal
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 A Most Wanted Man?

Movies like A Most Wanted Man include The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) and Body of Lies (2008). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by John le Carré, and most are political thrillers.

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

All 12 share its world: espionage. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with A Most Wanted Man?

824 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: terrorist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.