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Chasing Amy

Chasing Amy

It's not who you love. It's how.

1997113 minRMidcredits score: 85th percentile of all films
Director
Kevin Smith
Starring
Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes

Holden and Banky are comic book artists. Everything is going good for them until they meet Alyssa, also a comic book artist. Holden falls for her, but his hopes are crushed when he finds out she's a lesbian.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Chasing Amy?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Chasing Amy streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free) and The Roku Channel (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Chasing Amy?

Chasing Amy earns 11 badges, led by Top 10% in Comedy and Indie breakout.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Chasing Amy worth watching?

Chasing Amy's Midcredits score is the 85th percentile of all films, from 256K ratings across 6 sources. 75% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

85th percentile

Better received than 85% of films

90th percentile among Comedy86th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)81st
Approval (how many liked it)85th

71 /100

81st percentile of all films

88th percentile among Comedy84th percentile among 1990s

Critics 71 · Audience 70

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.4 — solid but not unanimous.

75% liked it

85th percentile of all films

89th percentile among Comedy86th percentile among 1990s
75% rated it 7–1025% rated it 1–6

Critics 86% · Audience 83%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 16 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical

96th percentile

255K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Comedy95th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$250K
Opening weekend$52K
Domestic gross$12M
Worldwide gross$12M

Returned 48.1× its budget — 75th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

An ambitious romantic comedy that pushes boundaries with profane, conversational dialogue and an unconventional love triangle.

Fans praised

  • authentic, rapid-fire dialogue that feels true to life
  • raw, believable chemistry among the three leads
  • honest exploration of love, sexuality, and emotional vulnerability

Detractors panned

  • improbable premise of a lesbian instantly converted by a straight man
  • forced, self-conscious dialogue that breaks the film's realism
  • muddled, unresolved treatment of sexual identity

What stands out

DialogueDivisive80

witty, raunchy, and emotionally resonant for fans; forced and self-conscious for critics

ActingDivisive78

natural, emotionally charged performances from Affleck, Adams, and Lee

OriginalityDivisive75

refreshingly non-formulaic for fans; derivative of tired tropes for detractors

HumorDivisive72

crude, character-driven comedy that lands for fans; juvenile and jarring for detractors

Emotional impactDivisive72

deeply moving for fans; unearned or shallow for detractors

CharactersDivisive70

flawed, three-dimensional leads but inconsistent depth for supporting roles

Plot and storyDivisive55

polarizing premise of straight man winning over lesbian

EndingDivisive55

emotionally resonant and ambiguous for fans; anticlimactic or unsatisfying for detractors

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 23 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 17 points higher than under-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Chasing Amy like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It is funny and leaves you bittersweet.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticBittersweetWarm
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Romantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with a sincere emotional core, balancing heartfelt romantic drama with Kevin Smith's characteristically wry and crude humor.
The rideThe film shifts from flirtatious humor to a raw, uncomfortable confrontation in the final act, making the emotional weight land hardest there.
StructureThe film unfolds in a linear, conventional three-act structure: introducing the characters and the central conflict, exploring the relationship and its challenges, and resolving with a bittersweet conclusion.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe unresolved, poignant ending leaves the viewer with a mix of sadness and lingering hope, reflecting the complexity of the characters' romantic journey.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

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).Comedy
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% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% (this title) · 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%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Romantic comedy: Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows Holden's determined romantic pursuit of Alyssa, a lesbian comic book artist, and the comedic and dramatic complications that arise from their unconventional relationship.

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 filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: 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% · 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%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsIdentity · 14% of filmsFriendship · 9% 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 interrogates what love means when it collides with sexual identity and past history, asking whether true intimacy can transcend labels and insecurities.
StanceThe film questions whether love can transcend sexual identity and past history, refusing easy answers about what intimacy truly requires.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticIn transitRealistic
RockSupportive music · hybrid · David Pirner
SettingThe indie comic book scene in mid-1990s New Jersey and New York City.
MusicThe soundtrack features a mix of indie rock and a melancholic score by Soul Asylum's David Pirner, reinforcing the film's bittersweet tone.

Content guide

Is Chasing Amy okay for kids?

R

Chasing Amy is rated R: “Rated R for strong graphic sex-related dialogue, language, sexuality and drug content” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (34/100), sexual content at moderate (53/100), language at severe (90/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (61/100) and frightening material at mild (30/100). Overall it is heavier than 49% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 11 other countries
  • UK18
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • Ireland18
  • South Korea18
  • Belgium16
  • FinlandK-12
  • Netherlands6
  • Spain16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 70% of all filmsHeavier than 49% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 15%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 61%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 91%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 78%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 15%

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

The reason to think twice is language 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 Chasing Amy have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Chasing Amy?

Cast

2 award-winning performances in the cast.

Ben Affleck
as Holden
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Joey Lauren Adams
as Alyssa
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
Jason Lee
as Banky
Spirit win: Independent Spirit Award — Best Supporting MaleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Jason Mewes
as Jay
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Kevin Smith
as Silent Bob
Spirit win: Independent Spirit Award — Best Screenplay
Ethan Suplee
as Fan
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Scott Mosier
as Collector
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Casey Affleck
as Little Kid
newcomer then · star now
Matt Damon
as Exec. #2
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Brian O'Halloran
as Exec. #1

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Chasing Amy?

Movies like Chasing Amy include Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), Mallrats (1995) and Clerks (1994). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Kevin Smith, and half are films about friendship.

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

11 of these 12 share its subject: romantic love. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Chasing Amy?

3.9K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: forbidden love. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.