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Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside Llewyn Davis

At a crossroads in the music world, where success remains elusive.

2013104 minRMidcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films
Directors
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Starring
Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, Ethan Phillips

In Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, gifted but volatile folk musician Llewyn Davis struggles with money, relationships, and his uncertain future.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Inside Llewyn Davis?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Inside Llewyn Davis streaming on Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Inside Llewyn Davis?

Inside Llewyn Davis earns 12 badges, led by Top 10% of films and Visual feast.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Inside Llewyn Davis worth watching?

Inside Llewyn Davis' Midcredits score is the 93rd percentile of all films, from 580K ratings across 6 sources. 79% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

93rd percentile

Better received than 93% of films

94th percentile among Drama94th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)94th
Approval (how many liked it)89th

77 /100

94th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Drama94th percentile among 2010s

Critics 93 · Audience 76

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.4 — solid but not unanimous.

79% liked it

89th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Drama90th percentile among 2010s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 74%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 24 wins / 70 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Cinematography
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

98th percentile

580K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 24% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$11M
Opening weekend$405K
Domestic gross$13M
Worldwide gross$33M

Returned 3.0× its budget — 93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a beautifully shot, melancholic character study with great music but a slow, low-stakes plot that may not appeal to everyone.

Fans praised

  • superb cinematography and washed-out chilly-blue visual style
  • great 60s-era music, art direction, and folk performances
  • well-written, realistic, flawed lead character study

Detractors panned

  • lack of emotional connection to the main character
  • supporting cast not fleshed out
  • slow pacing with little plot happening

What stands out

Sound and music90

great folk soundtrack, period-authentic tunes

Cinematography90

beautiful, washed-out chilly-blue visuals

Acting85

top class performances, strong cast

Atmosphere85

immersive early-60s Greenwich Village setting

CharactersDivisive80

realistic, flawed lead, but supporting cast underdeveloped

Emotional impactDivisive60

melancholy and sad, but some find it emotionally distant

Plot and storyDivisive50

episodic week-in-the-life with little conventional story

Pacing40

slow, deliberate, may drag

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 22 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 16 points higher than over-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Inside Llewyn Davis like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Funny and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to laugh and feel something too.

It takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Funny and bittersweet.

Moods
MelancholicAbsurd
Heaviest: throughout
Dry humor
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.Time loop · under 1% of films: The story repeats the same stretch of time (Groundhog Day, Edge of Tomorrow).
ToneThe film holds its material at a knowing distance, with a wry, deadpan humour underlying its melancholy, never tipping into outright comedy or sentimentality.
The rideThe film maintains a consistent low-pressure melancholy, with only brief, absurdist spikes (the recording session, the road trip characters).
StructureThe narrative is episodic, following Llewyn through a series of loosely connected encounters, and the ending mirrors the beginning, creating a loop.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a lingering sadness about Llewyn's fate, but also a deeper appreciation for the music and the era, prompting reflection on the nature of artistic success and failure.
How it ends · evidence
Cyclical 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).
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 a character study of a struggling folk singer over a week, with no conventional plot archetype; it follows his misadventures and cyclical struggles without a clear narrative shape like quest or redemption.

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 filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): 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% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · 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%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsGrief · 6% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film follows a musician who has lost his partner and cannot find a reason to keep going, let alone succeed, while drifting through a folk community that both shelters and resents him.
StanceThe film watches Llewyn drift through failure without moralising or pushing him toward redemption or ruin.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanDomesticIn transitRealistic
FolkOrchestral modernForeground music · original score
SettingGreenwich Village folk scene in early 1961
MusicSongs are performed live on set, giving a raw, period-authentic feel.

Content guide

Is Inside Llewyn Davis okay for kids?

R

Inside Llewyn Davis is rated R: “Rated R for language including some sexual references” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (32/100), sexual content at mild (16/100), language at severe (82/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (42/100) and frightening material at mild (22/100). Overall it is heavier than 20% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 19 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15A
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Austria8
  • Belgium9
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Netherlands6
  • PortugalM/12
  • Russia16+
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 48% of all filmsHeavier than 20% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 13%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 10%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 76%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 10%

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

The reason to think twice is 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 Inside Llewyn Davis have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Inside Llewyn Davis?

Cast

Oscar Isaac
as Llewyn Davis
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or MusicalTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Carey Mulligan
as Jean
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.
Justin Timberlake
as Jim
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Original Song - Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ethan Phillips
as Mitch Gorfein
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Robin Bartlett
as Lillian Gorfein
Max Casella
as Pappi Corsicato
Jerry Grayson
as Mel Novikoff
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Jeanine Serralles
as Joy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Adam Driver
as Al Cody
newcomer then · star now
Stark Sands
as Troy Nelson

Crew

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What are movies like Inside Llewyn Davis?

Movies like Inside Llewyn Davis include A Serious Man (2009), Withnail and I (1987) and A Single Man (2009). Of the 8 closest matches, two are films by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, and half are counterculture films.

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

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