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Hall Pass

Hall Pass

One week. No rules.

2011105 minRMidcredits score: 30th percentile of all films
Directors
Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Starring
Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Jenna Fischer, Christina Applegate

When best buds Rick and Fred begin to show signs of restlessness at home, their wives take a bold approach to revitalize their marriages, they grant the guys a 'hall pass'—one week of freedom to do whatever they want. At first, it seems like a dream come true, but they quickly discover that their expectations of the single life—and themselves—are completely and hilariously out of sync with reality.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Hall Pass?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Hall Pass streaming on Cinemax via Prime Video and HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Hall Pass?

Hall Pass earns 4 badges, led by Feel-good and Preferred by Men.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Hall Pass worth watching?

Hall Pass' Midcredits score is the 30th percentile of all films, from 233K ratings across 6 sources. 36% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

30th percentile

Better received than 30% of films

32nd percentile among Comedy30th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)29th
Approval (how many liked it)32nd

55 /100

29th percentile of all films

31st percentile among Comedy31st percentile among 2010s

Critics 45 · Audience 56

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.0 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

36% liked it

32nd percentile of all films

34th percentile among Comedy31st percentile among 2010s
36% rated it 7–1064% rated it 1–6

Critics 32% · Audience 40%

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

81st percentile

233K ratings across platforms

78th percentile among Comedy82nd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 13% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$36M
Opening weekend$14M
Domestic gross$45M
Worldwide gross$86M

Returned 2.4× its budget — 94th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A crude, predictable comedy about middle-aged married men granted a week off from marriage who fail at being single.

Fans praised

  • funny with several laugh-out-loud scenes, especially closing credits
  • honest premise about middle-aged men being out of practice
  • strong chemistry between Wilson and Sudeikis

Detractors panned

  • crude, gross-out humor that feels forced and unfunny
  • misogynistic and sexist portrayal of women and marriage
  • predictable plot with a boring, preachy ending

What stands out

ActingDivisive55

Wilson charming but one-note; Sudeikis energetic; Fischer and Applegate underused

HumorDivisive45

divisive: some find gross-out jokes hilarious, others offensive and unfunny

OriginalityDivisive40

familiar premise done better in other films

DialogueDivisive40

some witty lines but mostly juvenile and forced

EndingDivisive40

satisfying to some but preachy and predictable to others

Plot and storyDivisive35

predictable, slow start, premise not fully exploited

Characters35

unlikeable, one-dimensional, and stereotypical

PacingDivisive35

too slow in first act and drags in second half

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 18 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Hall Pass like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It is gentle and leaves you feeling good. 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

Easy laugh.

Moods
AbsurdJoyful
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
PlayfulAbsurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe Farrelly brothers play the situations as broadly comic but with genuine affection for the characters, treating their failures with warmth rather than contempt.
The rideThe film maintains a light, absurd, and comedic mood throughout, with moments of tenderness and reconciliation arriving in the final act after the slapstick chaos.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward chronological sequence from the granting of the hall pass through the week's events to the reconciliation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you amused by the characters' misadventures and satisfied that their marriages are affirmed, with a light, positive aftertaste.
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).Voyage
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% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% (this title) · 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%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Fish out of water: Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).

4% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeTwo married men who are granted a week off from marriage to have sex with other women discover that the single life is no longer for them, leading them to reaffirm their commitments.

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

Marriage · 2% of filmsFriendship · 9% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the strain of long-term marriage, the temptation of infidelity, and the value of commitment, all through the premise of a week-long hall pass granted by wives to their husbands.
StanceThe film observes the challenges of long-term marriage without condemning or celebrating the characters' choices, ultimately affirming commitment through a lighthearted lens.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanUrbanIn transitRealistic
RockPopSupportive music · licensed compilation
SettingA suburban American town, with bars, motels, golf course, and a hospital

Content guide

Is Hall Pass okay for kids?

R

Hall Pass is rated R: “Rated R for crude and sexual humor throughout, language, some graphic nudity and drug use” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (31/100), sexual content at intense (74/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (46/100) and frightening material at minimal (8/100). Overall it is heavier than 31% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland16
  • JapanG
  • Brazil14
  • BGC
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyVM14
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland18
  • RO15
  • SK15
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 56% of all filmsHeavier than 31% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 13%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 92%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 49%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 61%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 2%

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

The reason to think twice is sexual content and language. 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 Hall Pass have?

MovieCove's classifier found 1 depicted content warning in Hall Pass, withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Cast and crew

Who is in Hall Pass?

Cast

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

Owen Wilson
as Rick
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.
Jason Sudeikis
as Fred
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.
Jenna Fischer
as Maggie
Christina Applegate
as Grace
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nicky Whelan
as Leigh
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Richard Jenkins
as Coakley
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Stephen Merchant
as Gary
Larry Joe Campbell
as Hog-Head
Bruce Thomas
as Rick Coleman
Tyler Hoechlin
as Gerry

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Hall Pass?

Movies like Hall Pass include Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003), Dumb and Dumber (1994) and Kingpin (1996). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films written or directed by Peter Farrelly, and most are buddy comedies.

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

Bobby Farrelly wrote and directed 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Hall Pass?

2.6K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: buddy comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.