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Any Given Sunday

Any Given Sunday

Life is a contact sport.

1999162 minRMidcredits score: 75th percentile of all films
Director
Oliver Stone
Starring
Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, James Woods

A star quarterback gets knocked out of the game and an unknown third stringer is called in to replace him. The unknown gives a stunning performance and forces the aging coach to reevaluate his game plans and life. A new co-owner/president adds to the pressure of winning. The new owner must prove herself in a male dominated world.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Any Given Sunday?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Any Given Sunday streaming on STARZ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Any Given Sunday?

Any Given Sunday earns 9 badges, led by Word-of-mouth hit and Star-studded.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Any Given Sunday worth watching?

Any Given Sunday's Midcredits score is the 75th percentile of all films, from 199K ratings across 6 sources. 67% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

75th percentile

Better received than 75% of films

77th percentile among Drama77th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)72nd
Approval (how many liked it)75th

68 /100

72nd percentile of all films

75th percentile among Drama76th percentile among 1990s

Critics 52 · Audience 69

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

67% liked it

75th percentile of all films

77th percentile among Drama76th percentile among 1990s
67% rated it 7–1033% rated it 1–6

Critics 51% · Audience 73%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 8 noms overall

96th percentile

199K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Drama94th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 5% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$55M
Opening weekend$14M
Domestic gross$76M
Worldwide gross$100M

Returned 1.8× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is an over-the-top, hyper-stylized football drama with intense game sequences and a large ensemble cast, though its execution divides viewers on whether the excess works.

Fans praised

  • energetic, gritty game action
  • Jamie Foxx's breakout as the arrogant young quarterback
  • Al Pacino's passionate coach and his locker-room speeches

Detractors panned

  • frantic, incoherent editing and camerawork
  • clichéd, predictable sports story
  • over-the-top tone and character caricatures

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Foxx's star turn and Pacino's forceful coach; some call Diaz's owner overdone

Sound and music75

hard-hitting sound design and a driving soundtrack amp up the games

Cinematography60

hyper-kinetic, MTV-style visuals; some call it technique over substance

CharactersDivisive55

Arc of the young QB's rise and fall; owner and others seen as caricatures

Emotional impactDivisive55

underdog rise and team-bonding moments land for some but feel hollow to others

Originality55

intense look at football's dark side, but built on familiar sports tropes

Plot and storyDivisive50

predictable sports clichés and a rushed rise to stardom; some find no coherent story

PacingDivisive45

runs long, grinds in the middle; frantic editing either excites or exhausts

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 34 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 22 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 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Any Given Sunday 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 for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you wrung out and released. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseTriumphantMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Brutal · 7% of filmsMelodramatic · 9% of films: Heightened emotion, played large.Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.
TonePlayed with intense, visceral realism; Stone amplifies the brutality and spectacle of football without irony, taking its themes seriously.
The rideThe synopsis implies high-stakes games and locker-room battles, with the emotional weight peaking as the season concludes.
StructureTold in a conventional three-act structure as the season progresses, with episodic game sequences.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Wrung out and released.

Cathartic · 6% of filmsThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with an emotional release from the final victory and a lingering reflection on fame, integrity, and the business of sports.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).Rags
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% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% (this title) · 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%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Fame and fortune: An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).

3% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

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

Why this archetypeWillie Beamen rises from obscurity to stardom, but his ego threatens his team; he must learn humility and teamwork, echoing a rebirth arc.

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% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • 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% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsLegacy · 4% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates what drives players and coaches to keep going — glory, survival, or something deeper — within a game that devours them.
StanceThe film asks what football costs its players and coaches, refusing a simple verdict on the sport's brutal glamour.

The world

Near futureInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernRockSupportive music · hybrid
SettingThe locker rooms, stadiums, and owner's suites of a professional American football franchise.

Content guide

Is Any Given Sunday okay for kids?

R

Any Given Sunday is rated R: “Rated R for strong language and some nudity/sexuality” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (72/100), sexual content at intense (72/100), language at severe (92/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (71/100) and frightening material at moderate (46/100). Overall it is heavier than 83% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil18
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-12
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 90% of all filmsHeavier than 83% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 90%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 95%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 88%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 29%

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

Heavy almost across the board: language, sexual content, violence, and 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 Any Given Sunday have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Any Given Sunday?

Cast

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

Al Pacino
as Tony D'Amato
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.
Cameron Diaz
as Christina Pagniacci
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.
Dennis Quaid
as Jack 'Cap' Rooney
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.
James Woods
as Dr. Harvey Mandrake
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jamie Foxx
as Willie Beamen
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
LL Cool J
as Julian Washington
Matthew Modine
as Dr. Ollie Powers
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jim Brown
as Montezuma Monroe
Lawrence Taylor
as Luther 'Shark' Lavay
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Bill Bellamy
as Jimmy Sanderson

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Any Given Sunday?

Movies like Any Given Sunday include Driven (2001), Rocky III (1982) and The Express (2008). Of the 12 closest matches, most are sports underdog stories, and several are stories about rivals.

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

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Any Given Sunday?

425 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: prestige drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.