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Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris

Anything can happen in the city of light.

201194 minPG-13Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films
Director
Woody Allen
Starring
Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller

While on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, a nostalgic screenwriter finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Midnight in Paris?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Midnight in Paris streaming on Sony Pictures Core via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Midnight in Paris?

Midnight in Paris earns 13 badges, led by Oscar Winner and Universally Loved.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Midnight in Paris worth watching?

Midnight in Paris' Midcredits score is the 94th percentile of all films, from 1.4M ratings across 6 sources. 83% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

94th percentile

Better received than 94% of films

97th percentile among Comedy95th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)92nd
Approval (how many liked it)93rd

76 /100

92nd percentile of all films

96th percentile among Comedy92nd percentile among 2010s

Critics 81 · Audience 75

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

83% liked it

93rd percentile of all films

95th percentile among Comedy94th percentile among 2010s
83% rated it 7–1017% rated it 1–6

Critics 93% · Audience 83%

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

Awards

1 Oscars won · 3 Oscar noms · 20 wins / 78 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Writing, Original Screenplay
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Art Direction

99th percentile

1.4M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 40% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$17M
Opening weekend$599K
Domestic gross$57M
Worldwide gross$151M

Returned 8.9× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A light, whimsical fantasy about a writer who time-travels to 1920s Paris to meet his literary and artistic heroes.

Fans praised

  • Transportive fantasy bringing the 1920s art scene to life
  • Witty, insightful dialogue about nostalgia and golden age thinking
  • Charming, gentle tone with genuine emotional resonance

Detractors panned

  • Pretentious name-dropping with nothing meaningful to say about the artists
  • Cartoonish, one-dimensional present-day characters
  • Owen Wilson's mimicry of Allen's mannerisms feels forced

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive85

Romantic, dreamy Parisian ambiance lauded by all

DialogueDivisive80

Witty, philosophical exchanges with clever literary references

CinematographyDivisive80

Gorgeous, postcard-like Paris vistas; some call it too clean

Plot and storyDivisive72

Charming fantasy conceit but predictable and thin in dramatic stakes

ActingDivisive72

Wilson mimics Allen competently; supporting cast shines

OriginalityDivisive70

Time-travel to meet literary heroes is fresh, but execution feels familiar

PacingDivisive65

Brisk and airy; some find it repetitive

CharactersDivisive55

Present-day characters are stereotypes; historical figures are caricatures

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Midnight in Paris like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you wistful. 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

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticContemplative
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Whimsical · 2% of filmsRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its fantastical premise with a gentle, whimsical sincerity, romanticizing both Paris and the 1920s while lightly mocking its protagonist's nostalgia.
The rideThe film sustains a gentle, dreamy, and romantic mood throughout, with its most thoughtful moments in the final act.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically, following Gil's days in Paris and his nightly magical trips to the past.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Wistful.

Wistful · 8% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer with a wistful affection for the past and a hopeful acceptance of the present.
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).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% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% (this title) · 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. · Time displacement: Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).

4% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

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

Why this archetypeGil's nightly journeys to 1920s Paris form the core fantastical premise, a time_displacement voyage that leads him to re-examine his present life and ultimately embrace it.

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% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · 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%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeGil's search for his true calling as a writer, and the romantic and nostalgic idealizations that both hinder and clarify that search.
StanceThe film gently questions the allure of nostalgia and the search for purpose, ultimately championing embracing the present.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitMagical realism
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · hybrid
SettingModern-day Paris, with magical nighttime trips to the 1920s artistic scene.
MusicThe score lovingly evokes classic Parisian jazz and romantic orchestral music, complementing the film's period-hopping.

Content guide

Is Midnight in Paris okay for kids?

PG-13

Midnight in Paris is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some sexual references and smoking” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (1/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at mild (25/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (44/100) and frightening material at minimal (2/100). Overall it is heavier than 6% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 21 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12A
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil10
  • Belgium14
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandS
  • Greece12
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway6
  • PortugalM/12
  • Russia16+
  • SK15
  • Sweden7
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 8% of all filmsHeavier than 6% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 1%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Profanity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 12%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 87%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 1%

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 87% 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 Midnight in Paris have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Midnight in Paris?

Cast

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

Owen Wilson
as Gil
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.
Rachel McAdams
as Inez
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kathy Bates
as Gertrude Stein
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Kurt Fuller
as John
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Adrien Brody
as Salvador Dalí
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Carla Bruni
as Museum Guide
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Marion Cotillard
as Adriana
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Michael Sheen
as Paul
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Nina Arianda
as Carol
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tom Hiddleston
as F. Scott Fitzgerald
newcomer then · star now

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Midnight in Paris?

Movies like Midnight in Paris include Coup de Chance (2023), Stolen Kisses (1968) and Forget Paris (1995). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films set in Paris, and several are films that feel whimsical.

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

Woody Allen directed 6 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Midnight in Paris?

458 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: time travel. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.