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American Ultra

American Ultra

Everyone's getting smoked.

201596 minRMidcredits score: 45th percentile of all films
Director
Nima Nourizadeh
Starring
Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Topher Grace, Connie Britton

Mike is an unmotivated stoner whose small-town life with his live-in girlfriend, Phoebe, is suddenly turned upside down. Unbeknownst to him, Mike is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as his secret past comes back to haunt him, Mike is thrust into the middle of a deadly government operation and is forced to summon his inner action-hero in order to survive.

Where to watch

Where can I watch American Ultra?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists American Ultra streaming on MovieSphere+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free), The Roku Channel (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 American Ultra?

American Ultra earns 7 badges, led by Star-studded and Heavy for an R-rated film.

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

Reception

Is American Ultra worth watching?

American Ultra's Midcredits score is the 45th percentile of all films, from 198K ratings across 6 sources. 43% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

45th percentile

Better received than 45% of films

61st percentile among Action45th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)42nd

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

64th percentile among Action48th percentile among 2010s

Critics 50 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

43% liked it

42nd percentile of all films

57th percentile among Action41st percentile among 2010s
43% rated it 7–1057% rated it 1–6

Critics 44% · Audience 45%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

97th percentile

198K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 36% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$28M
Opening weekend$5.5M
Domestic gross$14M
Worldwide gross$27M

Returned 1.0× its budget — 71st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

An ultraviolent genre mashup that can't quite decide whether it's a stoner comedy or a Bourne-style action thriller.

Fans praised

  • leads' genuine, charming chemistry
  • enjoyable blend of ultraviolent action and black humor
  • quick pace never drags

Detractors panned

  • frustratingly muddled tone between comedy, action, and drama
  • cartoonish one-note villain performances

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

Eisenberg and Stewart's chemistry praised; Topher Grace and Walton Goggins panned as over-the-top

OriginalityDivisive60

Unique stoner-sleeper-agent mashup but derivative of Bourne and stoner comedies

PacingDivisive60

Lean runtime; some critics say momentum fades in second half

Effects and spectacleDivisive60

Creative, brutal violence with everyday objects; low-budget shows

CharactersDivisive55

Lead couple believable and charming but villain feels undercooked; characterization uneven

DialogueDivisive55

Quirky and clever in spots but often tries too hard and falls flat

HumorDivisive50

Black humor lands for some but many find jokes misfire

Plot and storyDivisive45

Fun premise but execution unfocused; CIA subplot distracts

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is American Ultra like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you entertained.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingAbsurdTense
Heaviest: late
Dry humor
Register
PlayfulBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its absurd premise straight, balancing violent action with sincere relationship moments, but with a knowing wink at its own ridiculousness.
The rideThe film oscillates between goofy stoner humor and intense action sequences, building to a climactic final confrontation.
StructureThe story follows a conventional timeline: setup in the stoner life, activation and attacks, then a final confrontation with the CIA antagonists.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film delivers a satisfyingly violent and humorous ride, but the revelation of Phoebe's hidden role leaves a tinge of heartbreak under the adrenaline.
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 Rebirth underneath

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

Why this archetypeA laid-back stoner discovers he is a trained CIA asset when the agency tries to eliminate him, forcing him to fight back against the system that created him, while also reclaiming his identity.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · 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% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · 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

Identity · 14% of filmsSurvival
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores who Mike really is when his suppressed government training clashes with his stoner persona, all while he fights for his life.
StanceThe film celebrates the idea that Mike's stoner identity and his relationship with Phoebe are more authentic than the government's attempt to weaponize him.

The world

ContemporaryRuralInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Marcelo Zarvos
Settinga small West Virginia town where Mike lives a stoner life and a government facility
MusicA propulsive score that blends orchestral tension with electronic beats to match the film's action-comedy tone.

Content guide

Is American Ultra okay for kids?

R

American Ultra is rated R: “Rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexual content” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (91/100), sexual content at mild (28/100), language at severe (88/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (84/100) and frightening material at intense (60/100). Overall it is heavier than 90% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 19 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Denmark15
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • LTN-16
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia18+
  • Spain16
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 94% of all filmsHeavier than 90% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 87%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 21%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 87%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 94%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%

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

Heavy almost across the board: violence, language, drug and alcohol content, and frightening material. 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 American Ultra have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in American Ultra?

Cast

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

Jesse Eisenberg
as Mike Howell
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.
Kristen Stewart
as Phoebe Larson
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.
Topher Grace
as Adrian Yates
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Connie Britton
as Victoria Lasseter
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Walton Goggins
as Laugher
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
John Leguizamo
as Rose
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Bill Pullman
as Krueger
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Tony Hale
as Petey Douglas
Stuart Greer
as Sheriff Watts
Michael Papajohn
as Otis

Crew

More like this

What are movies like American Ultra?

Movies like American Ultra include Freaks of Nature (2015), Mr. Right (2015) and True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films set in a small town, and most are action comedies.

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

8 of these 12 share its subject: identity. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with American Ultra?

569 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: origin story. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.