Skip to content
MovieCove
Great Expectations

Great Expectations

Prepare for a life of great expectations.

2012128 minPG-13Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films
Director
Mike Newell
Starring
Jeremy Irvine, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Holliday Grainger

Orphan Pip discovers through lawyer Mr. Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor wishes to ensure that he becomes a gentleman. Reunited with his childhood patron, Miss Havisham, and his first love, the beautiful but emotionally cold Estella, he discovers that the elderly spinster has gone mad from having been left at the altar as a young woman, and has made her charge into a warped, unfeeling heartbreaker.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Great Expectations?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Great Expectations streaming on Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

Subscription

Free

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Great Expectations?

Great Expectations earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

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

Reception

Is Great Expectations worth watching?

Great Expectations' Midcredits score is the 54th percentile of all films, from 23K ratings across 5 sources. 51% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

54th percentile

Better received than 54% of films

53rd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)53rd
Approval (how many liked it)54th

62 /100

53rd percentile of all films

53rd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s

Critics 60 · Audience 63

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

51% liked it

54th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s
51% rated it 7–1049% rated it 1–6

Critics 70% · Audience 50%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 8 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Costume Design

Reach

How many have seen it

90th percentile

23K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Drama91st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 10% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$89K
Domestic gross$259K
Worldwide gross$6.2M

80th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree it is a faithful but compressed adaptation that relies on a strong cast and handsome visuals without surpassing David Lean's 1946 version.

Fans praised

  • Ralph Fiennes' Magwitch is compelling and tragic
  • Production design and cinematography evoke Victorian atmosphere
  • Faithful screenplay preserves Dickens' dialogue and key scenes

Detractors panned

  • Rushed pacing fails to develop character depth
  • Helena Bonham Carter's Miss Havisham feels overly theatrical
  • Jeremy Irvine's Pip lacks nuance and is overshadowed by co-stars

What stands out

Atmosphere74

Evocative period settings; Satis House and Kent coast are immersive

Cinematography72

Beautiful rural landscapes and evocative lighting; London too dark or grimy

ActingDivisive68

Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter praised as highlights; Jeremy Irvine often criticized as overwrought

Emotional impactDivisive52

Magwitch-Pip bond moves; romance and Havisham pathos fall flat

Plot and storyDivisive50

Faithful but rushed; loses nuance and focus from the novel

CharactersDivisive48

Magwitch and Joe are well-drawn; Pip and Estella lack depth and chemistry

EndingDivisive42

Rushed resolution; altered ending reduces emotional weight

PacingDivisive38

Tedious in middle, rushed at end; drama lost to hurried storytelling

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Great Expectations like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. 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

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
MelancholicBittersweetTense
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Melodramatic · 9% of films: Heightened emotion, played large.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its Victorian melodrama with sincere earnestness, avoiding irony or self-consciousness.
The rideSustained melancholy and tension build into a bittersweet, emotionally weighty resolution in the ruined Satis House.
StructureThe film is structured in three clear stages: Pip's childhood in Kent, his time in London as a gentleman, and the resolution with Magwitch and Estella.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe reunion of Pip and Estella after years of separation leaves a bittersweet sense of hope tempered by the hardships they endured.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).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% (this title) · 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%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Social ascent: A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).

3% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows Pip's rise from a poor orphan to a gentleman in London, driven by a mysterious benefactor. His journey of social ascent and personal growth fits the rags_to_riches archetype, with a strong coming-of-age 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 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% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · 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 bondsClass · 3% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Pip's relationship with his surrogate father Joe and his unexpected bond with the convict Magwitch, while his social rise and fall interrogates class divisions and his eventual moral redemption.
StanceThe film examines Pip's personal journey of rising in class and learning what truly matters, questioning whether social ascent brings happiness or moral cost.

The world

19th centuryRuralUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Richard Hartley
SettingKent marshes and London during the Regency era
MusicThe score uses classical orchestration to underline the emotional and Gothic atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Great Expectations okay for kids?

PG-13

Great Expectations is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some violence including disturbing images” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (56/100), sexual content at minimal (5/100), language at moderate (39/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (57/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Germany12
  • Ireland12
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Russia12+
  • SK12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 3%
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (37 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 Great Expectations have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Great Expectations?

Cast

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

Jeremy Irvine
as Pip
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Helena Bonham Carter
as Miss Havisham
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.
Ralph Fiennes
as Magwitch
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.
Holliday Grainger
as Estella
Robbie Coltrane
as Jaggers
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Sally Hawkins
as Mrs. Joe
Jason Flemyng
as Joe Gargery
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Ewen Bremner
as Wemmick
David Walliams
as Mr. Pumblechook
Tamzin Outhwaite
as Molly
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Great Expectations?

Movies like Great Expectations include Wuthering Heights (1939), The Yearling (1946) and Great Expectations (1946). Of the 12 closest matches, all are period dramas, and most are films set in the 19th century.

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

3 of these 12 share its story type: social ascent. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Great Expectations?

2.4K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: soulmates separated. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.