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Mr. Mom

Mr. Mom

When mom goes to work, dad goes berserk!

198391 minPGMidcredits score: 65th percentile of all films
Director
Stan Dragoti
Starring
Michael Keaton, Teri Garr, Frederick Koehler, Taliesin Jaffe

Jack and Caroline are a couple making a decent living when Jack suddenly loses his job. They agree that he should stay at home and look after the house while Caroline works. It's just that he's never done it before, and really doesn't have a clue...

Where to watch

Where can I watch Mr. Mom?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Mr. Mom streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Mr. Mom?

Mr. Mom earns 7 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Mr. Mom worth watching?

Mr. Mom's Midcredits score is the 65th percentile of all films, from 60K ratings across 6 sources. 58% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

65th percentile

Better received than 65% of films

73rd percentile among Comedy67th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)64th
Approval (how many liked it)63rd

65 /100

64th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Comedy67th percentile among 1980s

Critics 50 · Audience 66

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

58% liked it

63rd percentile of all films

70th percentile among Comedy65th percentile among 1980s
58% rated it 7–1042% rated it 1–6

Critics 77% · Audience 57%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

91st percentile

60K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 39% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$947K
Domestic gross$65M
Worldwide gross$65M

93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A lighthearted, dated 1980s role-reversal comedy that relies on Michael Keaton's performance of a bumbling stay-at-home dad.

Fans praised

  • Keaton's comic timing and physical performance
  • Warm, good-natured tone with quotable lines
  • Relatable role-reversal premise that still holds up

Detractors panned

  • Outdated gender stereotypes and sexist premise
  • Script lacks originality and genuine jokes
  • Plot is predictable, thin, and sitcom-ish

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

Keaton's comic timing and charm; Garr also praised

HumorDivisive60

Slapstick and physical gags; often called unfunny

DialogueDivisive60

Some quotable lines but overall weak wit

CharactersDivisive46

Jack written as an imbecile; female lead underdeveloped

Emotional impactDivisive45

Heartfelt family moments but feel forced

Plot and storyDivisive40

Predictable formula with no narrative risks

OriginalityDivisive25

Derivative sitcom premise common for era

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 15 points higher than under-30s.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 25 points higher than non-US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users even

Watch experience

What is Mr. Mom like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh.

It is gentle and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulAbsurd
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its role-reversal premise and domestic chaos with warm-hearted earnestness, never winking at the audience despite the absurdity.
The rideThe film is mostly light and comic, dips into melancholic frustration when Jack is depressed, then rebounds to warm resolution.
StructureConventional linear narrative with clear setup, crisis and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayA lighthearted comedy that leaves the viewer smiling at the restored family unity.
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).RebirthHealing
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% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeJack loses his job, becomes a stay-at-home dad, descends into depression, then pulls himself together and reconciles with his wife, emerging a better husband and father.

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 filmsSelfMarriageBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% (this title) · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% (this title) · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: 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% · 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

Marriage · 2% of filmsParenthood · 2% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe strain of reversed roles tests Jack and Caroline's marriage, and both must rediscover their value inside and outside the home.
StanceThe film affirms marriage and family as worth fighting for, treating role reversal as a challenge that strengthens rather than breaks a couple.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanSuburbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalPopSupportive music · hybrid · Lee Holdridge
SettingDetroit suburbs, 1983, an auto engineer's home and his wife's ad agency
MusicThe score blends orchestral whimsy with early-80s pop cues to underline the comedy and heart.

Content guide

Is Mr. Mom okay for kids?

PG

Mr. Mom is rated PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (32/100), sexual content at moderate (39/100), language at moderate (36/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (35/100) and frightening material at minimal (8/100). Overall it is heavier than 50% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Germany6
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 15% of all filmsHeavier than 50% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 39%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 82%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 71%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 76%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 5%

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 82% 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 Mr. Mom have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Mr. Mom?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Michael Keaton
as Jack
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Teri Garr
as Caroline Butler
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Frederick Koehler
as Alex Butler
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Taliesin Jaffe
as Kenny Butler
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Martin Mull
as Ron Richardson
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ann Jillian
as Joan Hampton
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jeffrey Tambor
as Jinx Lathman
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Christopher Lloyd
as Larry
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Graham Jarvis
as Howard Humphries
Carolyn Seymour
as Eve

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Mr. Mom?

Movies like Mr. Mom include The Oh in Ohio (2006), She's Having a Baby (1988) and She's Out of Control (1989). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by John Hughes, and most are films about parenthood.

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

All 12 share its world: suburban middle class. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Mr. Mom?

318 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: role reversal. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.