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Mercury Rising

Mercury Rising

Someone knows too much.

1998111 minRMidcredits score: 41st percentile of all films
Director
Harold Becker
Starring
Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin, Miko Hughes, Chi McBride

Renegade FBI agent Art Jeffries protects a nine-year-old autistic boy who has cracked the government's new "unbreakable" code.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Mercury Rising?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Mercury Rising to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Mercury Rising?

Mercury Rising earns 7 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Mercury Rising worth watching?

Mercury Rising's Midcredits score is the 41st percentile of all films, from 115K ratings across 6 sources. 41% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

41st percentile

Better received than 41% of films

57th percentile among Action44th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)43rd
Approval (how many liked it)39th

59 /100

43rd percentile of all films

60th percentile among Action46th percentile among 1990s

Critics 37 · Audience 61

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

41% liked it

39th percentile of all films

54th percentile among Action41st percentile among 1990s
41% rated it 7–1059% rated it 1–6

Critics 21% · Audience 40%

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

Awards

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

96th percentile

115K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Action94th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 60% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$60M
Opening weekend$10M
Domestic gross$33M
Worldwide gross$93M

Returned 1.6× its budget — 84th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A standard, watchable Bruce Willis action-thriller that is entertaining but far from great or original.

Fans praised

  • Miko Hughes' believable, touching performance as the autistic boy
  • Natural chemistry between Bruce Willis and Miko Hughes
  • Effective tension and thrills from editing and action set pieces

Detractors panned

  • Implausible, formulaic, and predictable plot
  • Subpar dialogue and mediocre handling of every scene
  • Disappointing spectacle and lackluster tension or pulse

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

Miko Hughes' touching autistic portrayal and natural chemistry with Willis; Willis solid but not award-worthy, Baldwin chilling

Emotional impactDivisive60

Touching scenes between the boy and his parents, and the bond with Willis, but not consistently moving

TensionDivisive55

Some suspenseful moments, but detractors find the thrills predictable or flat

PacingDivisive55

Keeps interest with engaging rhythm, but sags in places

Plot and storyDivisive45

Gripping but implausible and predictable, with logical holes; boy cracks unbreakable code

Characters40

Formulaic characterizations, with the boy's savant traits and Willis' tough-tender agent as standouts

DialogueDivisive35

Easy to understand but goofy and lackluster

Originality30

Formulaic and derivative of child-protection action thrillers

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 15 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Mercury Rising like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense and leaves you hopeful.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrillingHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its dramatic situations with earnest gravity and balances action with a tender central relationship.
The rideThe film maintains a constant pressure of pursuit and danger, with brief respites of tenderness between Jeffries and Simon.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the opening hostage scene to the final confrontation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe ending affirms the bond between Art and Simon and suggests a safe future, leaving a sense of relief and hope.
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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · 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%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA disgraced FBI agent protects an autistic boy from government assassins who want to silence him after he cracks a top-secret code.

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 filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: 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% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsFamily bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe central concern is whether a cornered federal agent can deliver justice to an innocent child when the system itself is corrupt.
StanceThe film questions whether justice can be achieved when institutions like the NSA act outside the law, and follows Art Jeffries as the lone principled man.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · John Barry
Setting1990s Chicago and environs, FBI and NSA offices, suburban homes
MusicJohn Barry's score blends tense brass with melancholic strings, underscoring both action and the emotional bond.

Content guide

Is Mercury Rising okay for kids?

R

Mercury Rising is rated R: “Rated R for violence and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (72/100), sexual content at minimal (6/100), language at intense (71/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (35/100) and frightening material at intense (65/100). Overall it is heavier than 43% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • Belgium18
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Greece16
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway18
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/12
  • Russia18+
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 66% of all filmsHeavier than 43% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 59%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 32%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 56%

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

The reason to think twice is violence, language, and frightening material. 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 Mercury Rising have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Mercury Rising?

Cast

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

Bruce Willis
as Art Jeffries
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.
Alec Baldwin
as Nick Kudrow
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.
Miko Hughes
as Simon Lynch
Chi McBride
as Tommy B. Jordan
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kim Dickens
as Stacey
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Robert Stanton
as Dean Crandell
Bodhi Elfman
as Leo Pedranski
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Carrie Preston
as Emily Lang
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lindsey Ginter
as Peter Burrell
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Peter Stormare
as Shayes

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Mercury Rising?

Movies like Mercury Rising include Marauders (2016), The Package (1989) and City Hall (1996). Of the 12 closest matches, half are conspiracy thrillers, and several are stories about assassins.

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

All 12 share its subject: justice. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Mercury Rising?

980 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: conspiracy thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.