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Home Again

Home Again

Starting over is not for beginners.

201797 minPG-13Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films
Director
Hallie Meyers-Shyer
Starring
Reese Witherspoon, Nat Wolff, Jon Rudnitsky, Pico Alexander

Life for a single mom in Los Angeles takes an unexpected turn when she allows three young guys to move in with her.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Home Again?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Home Again streaming on Shout! TV via The Roku Channel and STARZ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Home Again?

Home Again earns 5 badges, led by Box Office Hit and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Home Again worth watching?

Home Again's Midcredits score is the 35th percentile of all films, from 85K ratings across 6 sources. 38% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

35th percentile

Better received than 35% of films

38th percentile among Comedy35th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)35th
Approval (how many liked it)35th

57 /100

35th percentile of all films

39th percentile among Comedy37th percentile among 2010s

Critics 41 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

38% liked it

35th percentile of all films

38th percentile among Comedy34th percentile among 2010s
38% rated it 7–1062% rated it 1–6

Critics 33% · Audience 44%

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

Awards

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

97th percentile

85K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Comedy97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 40% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$12M
Opening weekend$8.6M
Domestic gross$27M
Worldwide gross$37M

Returned 3.1× its budget — 88th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is a lightweight, fluffy romantic comedy that does not aim for depth or originality.

Fans praised

  • light, feel-good rom-com with charm
  • Reese Witherspoon carries with likable energy
  • three young actors bring charisma and chemistry

Detractors panned

  • unrealistic premise and contrived plot
  • thin, one-dimensional characters
  • lacks genuine comedy and romance

What stands out

ActingDivisive65

Witherspoon charming and natural; young cast appealing but uneven; some critics find performances amateurish

Pacing50

short runtime appreciated; feels rushed and uneven

Emotional impactDivisive45

mildly heartwarming for fans; hollow for detractors

CharactersDivisive40

thinly written, one-dimensional, except George and Isabel's bond

HumorDivisive40

gentle chuckles but few genuine laughs

DialogueDivisive40

snappy at times but mostly cheesy and awkward

Plot and storyDivisive35

contrived, predictable, no real stakes or conflict

Originality30

derivative, formulaic rom-com with familiar tropes

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 11 points higher than men.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Home Again 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
WarmJoyfulRomantic
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents its romantic and familial conflicts with a light, affectionate touch, never undercutting its sentiment.
The rideSustained light, warm tone with a brief bump of tension in the middle when conflicts arise.
StructureTold in linear order with a conventional beginning, middle, and end.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves the viewer with a warm, optimistic feeling about starting over and found family.
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).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

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA separated mother's life is disrupted when three young filmmakers move into her guesthouse, leading to romance and found family.

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% (this title) · 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

Family bondsPurpose · 9% 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 explores forming a new kind of family from chosen relationships while each character seeks their own direction in life.
StanceThe film celebrates finding a new family and personal fulfillment, centered on Alice's journey.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · original score · John Debney
SettingLos Angeles, present day, centered around Alice's inherited home and the film industry circles
MusicA blend of warm orchestral and light pop cues that match the film's upbeat, romantic mood.

Content guide

Is Home Again okay for kids?

PG-13

Home Again is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some thematic and sexual material” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at moderate (46/100), language at mild (30/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (35/100) and frightening material at minimal (6/100). Overall it is heavier than 19% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany0
  • Ireland12
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • AustriaAA
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark7
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • Russia16+
  • SpainAPTA
  • SwedenBtl
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 16% of all filmsHeavier than 19% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 85%
Profanity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 19%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 66%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 4%

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 85% of PG-13-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 Home Again have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Home Again?

Cast

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

Reese Witherspoon
as Alice
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.
Nat Wolff
as Teddy
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.
Jon Rudnitsky
as George
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Pico Alexander
as Harry
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lake Bell
as Zoey
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Reid Scott
as Justin
Dolly Wells
as Tracy
Lola Flanery
as Isabel
Michael Sheen
as Austen
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.
Candice Bergen
as Lillian
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Home Again?

Movies like Home Again include Post Grad (2009), Little Italy (2018) and Yours, Mine & Ours (2005). Of the 12 closest matches, several are whirlwind romances, and several are films set in Los Angeles.

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

10 of these 12 share its story type: romantic comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Home Again?

4.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: whirlwind romance. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.