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Gambit

Gambit

A fake masterpiece. The perfect plan.

201289 minPG-13Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films
Director
Michael Hoffman
Starring
Colin Firth, Cameron Diaz, Alan Rickman, Tom Courtenay

An art curator decides to seek revenge on his abusive boss by conning him into buying a fake Monet, but his plan requires the help of an eccentric and unpredictable Texas rodeo queen.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Gambit?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Gambit to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Gambit?

Gambit earns 3 badges, led by Fun and Broadly Agreed.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Gambit worth watching?

Gambit's Midcredits score is the 28th percentile of all films, from 39K ratings across 4 sources. 32% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

28th percentile

Better received than 28% of films

30th percentile among Comedy29th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)32nd
Approval (how many liked it)26th

56 /100

32nd percentile of all films

35th percentile among Comedy34th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.8 — solid but not unanimous.

32% liked it

26th percentile of all films

26th percentile among Comedy25th percentile among 2010s
32% rated it 7–1068% rated it 1–6

Critics 18% · Audience 24%

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

Awards

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

Reach

How many have seen it

92nd percentile

39K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Comedy92nd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 5% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$10M

73rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A lightweight, old-fashioned caper comedy that leans on physical farce and broad stereotypes.

Fans praised

  • witty dialogue and sharp wordplay
  • Colin Firth's adept comic timing underplayed embarrassment
  • Alan Rickman's scene-stealing, disdainful boss

Detractors panned

  • flat, unfunny script despite star power
  • Cameron Diaz's grating, fake Texas accent
  • reliance on dated, juvenile humor (fart gags, trousers-off farce)

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

Firth and Rickman praised for comic chops; Diaz divisive, some find her charming, others grating

DialogueDivisive55

Witty Coen-esque lines praised by fans; detractors find them flat

PacingDivisive50

Short runtime (88 min) helps, but slow stretches and rushed resolution

EndingDivisive50

Twist ending divisive: some find it clever, others a cop-out

HumorDivisive45

Polarizing: fans enjoy subtle British wit and farce; detractors find it unfunny, juvenile

Plot and storyDivisive40

Simple heist premise, predictable execution; fans enjoy the chaotic unraveling

CharactersDivisive35

Skin-deep stereotypes: stuffed-shirt Englishman, brassy Texan, pantomime villain

Originality20

Remake of 1966 classic, derivative and formulaic

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Gambit 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 funny and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmTense
Heaviest: middle
Witty humor
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its con-game premise as a lighthearted, sophisticated comedy, with the characters' schemes and mishaps treated affectionately rather than cynically.
The rideThe film balances playful, warm banter with moments of tension during the con's execution, with the middle building intrigue before the finale's reveal.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Harry's initial plan to its execution, with a brief imagined sequence showing his ideal outcome.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayA light, entertaining caper that leaves you smiling without much lingering weight.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeHarry Deane plans to con his abusive boss into buying a fake Monet, using a rodeo queen to authenticate the painting's provenance.

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 filmsSelfDeception
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · 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% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% (this title) · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • 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%

Morality

Deception · 9% of filmsRevenge · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a scheme built on lies — a fake painting presented as real — while Harry's quest is fueled by revenge against his abusive art-world boss, and the heist's success depends on crossing class lines between high-society London and rural Texas.
StanceThe film celebrates the cleverness of the con and the triumph of the underdog, treating deception as a witty, satisfying game.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRuralDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Rolfe Kent
SettingLondon art world and the Texas desert, including a rodeo queen's mobile home and a London masquerade ball.
MusicTypical of a light caper, the score likely reinforces the playful, sophisticated mood.

Content guide

Is Gambit okay for kids?

PG-13

Gambit is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some suggestive content, partial nudity and a rude gesture” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (37/100), sexual content at mild (26/100), language at mild (29/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at minimal (10/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • Ireland12
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Austria6
  • Denmark11
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • LTN-13
  • Netherlands6
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 43%
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (7 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (49 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Gambit have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Gambit?

Cast

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

Colin Firth
as Harry Deane
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 PJ Puznowski
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.
Alan Rickman
as Lionel Shabandar
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.
Tom Courtenay
as The Major
Stanley Tucci
as Zaidenweber
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Cloris Leachman
as Grandma Merle
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Alex Macqueen
as Mr. Dunlop
Joe Berryman
as Gas Station Cashier
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Anna Skellern
as Fiona (Secretary)
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lorna Brown
as Couple Wife
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Gambit?

Movies like Gambit include Gambit (1966), Locked Down (2021) and Where the Money Is (2000). Of the 12 closest matches, most are heist films, and half are films set in London.

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

All 12 share its character type: partners in crime. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Gambit?

997 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: con artist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.