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Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey

We've been expecting you.

2019122 minPGMidcredits score: 90th percentile of all films
Director
Michael Engler
Starring
Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy

The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Downton Abbey?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Downton Abbey streaming on Netflix 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 Downton Abbey?

Downton Abbey earns 9 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Downton Abbey worth watching?

Downton Abbey's Midcredits score is the 90th percentile of all films, from 145K ratings across 6 sources. 81% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

90th percentile

Better received than 90% of films

92nd percentile among Drama90th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)85th
Approval (how many liked it)91st

72 /100

85th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Drama85th percentile among 2010s

Critics 64 · Audience 73

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.6 — solid but not unanimous.

81% liked it

91st percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Drama92nd percentile among 2010s
81% rated it 7–1019% rated it 1–6

Critics 85% · Audience 94%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 19 noms overall

96th percentile

145K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Drama96th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$13M
Opening weekend$31M
Domestic gross$97M
Worldwide gross$195M

Returned 15.0× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a nostalgic fan service that delivers exactly what Downton Abbey enthusiasts expect, but lacks the depth and narrative ambition of a standalone cinematic experience.

Fans praised

  • sumptuous period production design and costumes
  • beloved cast chemistry and return of original characters
  • witty dialogue and Maggie Smith's biting one-liners

Detractors panned

  • thin, predictable plot padded with too many subplots
  • feels like a padded TV episode rather than a real film
  • underdeveloped character arcs and lack of real drama

What stands out

Cinematography80

gorgeous visual polish, expansive shots of Highclere Castle

AtmosphereDivisive80

immersive period world, transports viewers to 1920s Downton

Acting78

ensemble cast seamlessly reprises roles, Maggie Smith scene-stealing

DialogueDivisive70

witty put-downs and heartwarming exchanges, some forced

HumorDivisive70

genuine laughs from witty lines and character interactions

CharactersDivisive55

beloved characters return but with shallow, formulaic arcs

Plot and storyDivisive40

convenient royal visit device, overcrowded with minor subplots

PacingDivisive40

rushed cramming of multiple storylines, feels jumpy

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 12 points higher than men.

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 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Downton Abbey like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmJoyfulContemplative
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters and their world with genuine warmth and affection, playing both drama and humour in a sincere, earnest manner.
The rideThe mood is likely warm and upbeat throughout, with the heaviest emotional weight landing towards the end of the royal visit.
StructureThe story is presented in chronological order with a classic setup-conflict-resolution structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodCozy · 2% of films
Why it leaves you this wayViewers leave with a warm, satisfied feeling of seeing beloved characters get their happy endings, making it a comforting and nostalgic experience.
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).
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%: 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% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 22% of films: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeThe film is an ensemble drama centered on the royal visit; no single plot archetype dominates.

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% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% (this title) · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% (this title) · 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

Family bondsDuty · 2% of filmsClass · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the bonds between family members and servants as they unite to uphold their roles during a momentous royal visit.
StanceThe film celebrates the bonds of family and service within the household community during the royal visit.

The world

Early 20th centuryDomesticRuralRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · John Lunn
Settingan English country estate in the 1920s preparing for a royal visit
MusicComposer John Lunn returns to provide a score that evokes the series' period atmosphere and emotional warmth.

Content guide

Is Downton Abbey okay for kids?

PG

Downton Abbey is rated PG: “Rated PG for thematic elements, some suggestive material, and language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (9/100), sexual content at mild (31/100), language at minimal (6/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (25/100) and frightening material at mild (23/100). Overall it is heavier than 14% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 22 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-7
  • Hungary12
  • IsraelAll
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • ROAP
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • Spain7
  • Sweden7
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 4% of all filmsHeavier than 14% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 9%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 70%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 9%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 46%
Frightening / Intense
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 21%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is sexual content, heavier than 70% of PG-rated films.

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 Downton Abbey have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Downton Abbey?

Cast

Hugh Bonneville
as Robert Crawley
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Laura Carmichael
as Lady Edith
Jim Carter
as Mr Carson
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Raquel Cassidy
as Miss Baxter
Brendan Coyle
as Mr Bates
Michelle Dockery
as Lady Mary
Joanne Froggatt
as Anna Bates
Elizabeth McGovern
as Cora Crawley
Kevin Doyle
as Mr Molesley
Michael Fox
as Andy
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 Downton Abbey?

Movies like Downton Abbey include Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022), Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025) and Gosford Park (2001). Of the 12 closest matches, all are period dramas, and half are films about royalty and aristocracy.

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

Julian Fellowes wrote 6 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Downton Abbey?

8.5K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: period drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.