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Invincible

Invincible

Dreams are not lived on the sidelines

2006105 minPGMidcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films
Director
Ericson Core
Starring
Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Conway

Inspired by the true story of Vince Papale, a man with nothing to lose who ignored the staggering odds and made his dream come true. When the coach of Papale's beloved hometown football team hosted an unprecedented open tryout, the public consensus was that it was a waste of time – no one good enough to play professional football was going to be found this way.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Invincible?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Invincible streaming on Disney+, STARZ, Tubi (free) and Wonder Project via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Invincible?

Invincible earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Rousing.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Invincible worth watching?

Invincible's Midcredits score is the 83rd percentile of all films, from 129K ratings across 6 sources. 76% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

83rd percentile

Better received than 83% of films

73rd percentile among Biography81st percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)77th
Approval (how many liked it)86th

69 /100

77th percentile of all films

68th percentile among Biography77th percentile among 2000s

Critics 63 · Audience 70

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.2 — people broadly agree on this one.

76% liked it

86th percentile of all films

76th percentile among Biography84th percentile among 2000s
76% rated it 7–1024% rated it 1–6

Critics 71% · Audience 73%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

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

95th percentile

129K ratings across platforms

89th percentile among Biography91st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 7% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$40M
Opening weekend$17M
Domestic gross$58M
Worldwide gross$58M

Returned 1.5× its budget — 91st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A feel-good, formulaic sports movie about a blue-collar underdog making an NFL team.

Fans praised

  • inspirational true story with an uplifting underdog arc
  • authentic 1970s period detail and blue-collar atmosphere
  • strong lead performance from Mark Wahlberg conveying quiet determination

Detractors panned

  • formulaic, predictable underdog sports narrative
  • inaccuracies and liberties taken with the real Vince Papale story
  • Mark Wahlberg's emotionally restrained performance feels flat

What stands out

Sound and music75

excellent 1970s rock soundtrack enhances period atmosphere

AtmosphereDivisive72

captures gritty blue-collar Philadelphia and fan culture

ActingDivisive68

Wahlberg convincing as underdog; Kinnear praised as Vermeil; some find Wahlberg unemotional

Emotional impactDivisive65

inspirational underdog journey; some find it overly sentimental

Cinematography65

vivid period look, sepia-toned non-football scenes, immersive football action

Pacing58

slow first half; football scenes provide energy

Plot and storyDivisive55

predictable underdog formula with significant dramatic license

Originality30

by-the-numbers underdog sports story, heavily derivative of Rudy and Rocky

Preferred by

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

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

Watch experience

What is Invincible like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you want something serious but easy to take.

It takes its time, has a few laughs and leaves you fired up. 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

Moods
HopefulTriumphantMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlays the underdog story straight with earnest emotion, avoiding irony or cynicism.
The rideThe film leans hopeful as Vince climbs toward his goal, with the most emotionally weighty and triumphant stretch arriving at the game-winning touchdown and its aftermath.
StructureConventional beginning-middle-end structure follows Vince from his lowest point through training camp to his game-winning touchdown.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Fired up.

Rousing · 10% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves viewers inspired by Vince's unlikely triumph and the solidarity of his community.
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).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% (this title) · 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%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Underdog triumph: Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).

3% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeVince Papale, a down-on-his-luck bartender and substitute teacher, overcomes divorce and unemployment to win a spot on the Philadelphia Eagles through an open tryout.

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 filmsSelfSelf-worth
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% (this title) · 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% (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% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of filmsHope · 5% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a man rebuilding his sense of value after being told he would never amount to anything, and the community rooting for him amplifies that journey.
StanceThe film celebrates Vince's self-worth journey as an inspirational triumph powered by community support, with no critical distance toward its underdog narrative.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernRockSupportive music · original score
SettingPhiladelphia blue-collar bars and pro-football training camp, mid-1970s

Content guide

Is Invincible okay for kids?

PG

Invincible is rated PG: “Rated PG for sports action and some mild language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (27/100), sexual content at mild (23/100), language at mild (30/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at mild (23/100). Overall it is heavier than 31% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 11 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • France12
  • JapanPG12
  • Brazil12
  • Austria6
  • Greece13
  • Hungary12
  • Poland7
  • ROAP
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 9% of all filmsHeavier than 31% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 27%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 52%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 57%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 69%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 21%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is drug and alcohol content, heavier than 69% of PG-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 Invincible have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Invincible?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Mark Wahlberg
as Vince Papale
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.
Greg Kinnear
as Dick Vermeil
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.
Elizabeth Banks
as Janet
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.
Kevin Conway
as Frank Papale
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Michael Rispoli
as Max
Kirk Acevedo
as Tommy
Dov Davidoff
as Johnny
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Kelly
as Pete
Sal Darigo
as Mick
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Nicoye Banks
as TJ Banks
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

Directed by

Ericson Core

Written by

Brad Gann

Cinematography

Ericson Core

Edited by

Gerald B. Greenberg

Music by

Mark Isham

Produced by

Gordon GrayKen MokMark Ciardi

More like this

What are movies like Invincible?

Movies like Invincible include Pride (2007), The Express (2008) and Rocky (1976). Of the 12 closest matches, most are biopics, and all are films that feel triumphant.

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

11 of these 12 share its story type: sports underdog. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: sports underdog. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.