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Ad Astra

Ad Astra

The answers we seek are just outside our reach.

2019123 minPG-13Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films
Director
James Gray
Starring
Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Liv Tyler, Ruth Negga

The near future, a time when both hope and hardships drive humanity to look to the stars and beyond. While a mysterious phenomenon menaces to destroy life on planet Earth, astronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across the immensity of space and its many perils to uncover the truth about a lost expedition that decades before boldly faced emptiness and silence in search of the unknown.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ad Astra?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Ad Astra streaming on Disney+ and Netflix and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Ad Astra?

Ad Astra earns 13 badges, led by Visual feast and Spectacle.

Show 5 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Ad Astra worth watching?

Ad Astra's Midcredits score is the 61st percentile of all films, from 804K ratings across 6 sources. 53% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

61st percentile

Better received than 61% of films

69th percentile among Adventure61st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)64th
Approval (how many liked it)56th

65 /100

64th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Adventure64th percentile among 2010s

Critics 80 · Audience 64

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

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

53% liked it

56th percentile of all films

64th percentile among Adventure56th percentile among 2010s
53% rated it 7–1047% rated it 1–6

Critics 83% · Audience 40%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 11 wins / 75 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

98th percentile

803K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 30% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$90M
Opening weekend$19M
Domestic gross$50M
Worldwide gross$127M

Returned 1.4× its budget — 90th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree Ad Astra is visually and aurally stunning with strong cinematography and effects, but it divides on whether its meditative, slow-burn approach works — fans see depth, detractors see pretentious emptiness.

Fans praised

  • Brad Pitt's restrained performance carries the film
  • visually stunning with breathtaking cinematography and realistic space effects
  • meditative exploration of loneliness, emotional depth, and father-son themes

Detractors panned

  • absurd plot holes and illogical science (e.g., boarding a rocket, unexplained attacks)
  • monotonous pacing and flat emotional tone despite the premise
  • lack of character depth or attachment, especially with supporting roles

What stands out

Cinematography90

breathtaking visuals and realistic depiction of space

Effects and spectacle85

spectacular VFX and well-crafted set pieces

AtmosphereDivisive80

immersive world-building and meditative tone

ActingDivisive75

Brad Pitt's subdued performance praised; some call it one-note

Emotional impactDivisive60

fans moved by loneliness and father-son theme; detractors feel nothing

CharactersDivisive55

Roy's internal journey compelling to fans; others cite no emotional attachment

Plot and storyDivisive40

vague storytelling and maddening plot holes

PacingDivisive35

glacial pace and monotonous tone

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 23 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 12 points higher than over-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 26 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

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

Watch experience

What is Ad Astra like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something to think about afterwards.

It takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want things to move fast or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
ContemplativeTense
Heaviest: middle
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.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 serious, introspective gravity; it is earnest about its emotional and philosophical themes despite moments of action.
The rideThe film alternates between quiet, meditative stretches and sudden bursts of danger, but the emotional heaviness peaks mid‑mission as Roy's journey turns inward.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure: setup on Earth, journey to Mars and beyond, and climactic confrontation at Neptune.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers with questions about human connection, loneliness, and our place in the universe, leaving a quietly melancholic and contemplative impression.
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).QuestRescue
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · 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%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

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

Why this archetypeRoy McBride is sent on a mission into deep space to find his father and stop the energy surges; the expedition and team structure drive the plot, while the father-son dynamic fits the rescue subtype loosely.

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% (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% (this title) · 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 bondsIsolation · 5% of filmsPurpose · 9% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Cosmic stakes: Consequences reach beyond the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the legacy of paternal absence and the emotional void left by a father who prized duty over connection.
StanceThe film questions whether duty and heroic sacrifice are worth the loss of human connection, without settling on an easy answer.

The world

Near futureOuter spaceIn transitInstitutionalScience fiction
AmbientOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Max Richter
SettingA near‑future solar system colonized and militarized, with the story unfolding aboard spacecraft and isolated outposts.
MusicRichter's pulsing, minimal score mutes emotional climaxes, underlining Roy's internal numbness.

Content guide

Is Ad Astra okay for kids?

PG-13

Ad Astra is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some violence and bloody images, and for brief strong languag” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (62/100), sexual content at minimal (6/100), language at moderate (38/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (2/100) and frightening material at moderate (59/100). Overall it is heavier than 62% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 33 other countries
  • UK12
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • Austria14
  • Czechia12
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceK-12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG13
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan6+
  • Türkiye13A
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 39% of all filmsHeavier than 62% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 78%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 5%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 40%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 1%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 73%

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

The reason to think twice is violence. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-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 Ad Astra have?

MovieCove's classifier found 4 depicted content warnings in Ad Astra: Animal cruelty (moderate), Animal death (moderate), Gun violence (moderate), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateAnimal crueltyAnimal deathGun violence

Cast and crew

Who is in Ad Astra?

Cast

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

Brad Pitt
as Roy McBride
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.
Tommy Lee Jones
as H. Clifford McBride
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.
Liv Tyler
as Eve
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.
Ruth Negga
as Helen Lantos
Donald Sutherland
as Thomas Pruitt
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Kimberly Elise
as Lorraine Deavers
Loren Dean
as Donald Stanford
Donnie Keshawarz
as Captain Lawrence Tanner
Sean Blakemore
as Willie Levant
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Bobby Nish
as Franklin Yoshida
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ad Astra?

Movies like Ad Astra include Interstellar (2014), Mission to Mars (2000) and The Midnight Sky (2020). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in the near future, and most are stories about astronauts.

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

11 of these 12 share its world: outer space. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Ad Astra?

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