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Oblivion

Oblivion

Earth is a memory worth fighting for.

2013124 minPG-13Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films
Director
Joseph Kosinski
Starring
Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough

Jack Harper is one of the last few drone repairmen stationed on Earth. Part of a massive operation to extract vital resources after decades of war with a terrifying threat known as the Scavs, Jack’s mission is nearly complete. His existence is brought crashing down when he rescues a beautiful stranger from a downed spacecraft. Her arrival triggers a chain of events that forces him to question everything he knows and puts the fate of humanity in his hands.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Oblivion?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Oblivion streaming on Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Oblivion?

Oblivion earns 9 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Standout soundtrack.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Oblivion worth watching?

Oblivion's Midcredits score is the 77th percentile of all films, from 955K ratings across 6 sources. 72% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

77th percentile

Better received than 77% of films

88th percentile among Action77th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)71st
Approval (how many liked it)81st

67 /100

71st percentile of all films

85th percentile among Action70th percentile among 2010s

Critics 54 · Audience 68

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.1 — solid but not unanimous.

72% liked it

81st percentile of all films

87th percentile among Action82nd percentile among 2010s
72% rated it 7–1028% rated it 1–6

Critics 53% · Audience 61%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 30 noms overall

99th percentile

954K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 26% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$120M
Opening weekend$37M
Domestic gross$89M
Worldwide gross$286M

Returned 2.4× its budget — 93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually gorgeous, slow-burn sci-fi mystery that borrows heavily from genre classics and prioritizes mood over airtight logic.

Fans praised

  • Stunning visual design and cinematography
  • Evocative, immersive M83 score
  • Clever, emotionally resonant twist-driven storyline

Detractors panned

  • Derivative of Moon, 2001, Independence Day and others
  • Nonsensical plot logic and gaping plot holes
  • Slow, dragged-out pacing with dull stretches

What stands out

Sound and music90

M83 score elevates every scene; sound design of drones and environment immersive

Cinematography86

Breathtaking, clean compositions; stunning Icelandic landscapes and ruined landmarks

Effects and spectacle84

Superb, tactile CGI and practical miniatures; bubble ship and drones praised

Atmosphere80

Haunting, airy, immersive post-apocalyptic world with a sense of melancholy beauty

Acting68

Solid Cruise anchor; Riseborough praised as standout; Kurylenko polarizing; Freeman underused

Plot and storyDivisive50

Intriguing twists but riddled with logical holes and heavy borrowing from better films

CharactersDivisive50

Jack well-drawn but others thin; Freeman and Waldau wasted; character motivations weak

OriginalityDivisive32

Thinly veiled mashup of Moon, 2001, Independence Day, Wall-E; little new

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 25 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Oblivion 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 can give it your full attention, and you want something dark and affecting.

It leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you can only half-watch or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholicContemplative
Heaviest: middle
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Adventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its sci-fi premise and emotional stakes straight, with a serious, earnest delivery and a highly stylized visual and musical design.
The rideThe film sustains a tense, contemplative atmosphere with action peaks in the middle as Jack uncovers the truth.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional linear order, beginning with Jack's routine, moving through discovery and climax, and ending with resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe sacrifice of the protagonist brings hope for a recovering Earth and a reunited family, leaving a bittersweet but uplifting impression.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).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

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

Why this archetypeJack Harper, a drone repairman, discovers that the alien threat he fights is actually an AI that has enslaved humanity; he must overthrow it to free the survivors.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
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% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% (this title) · 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% (this title) · 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

Identity · 14% of filmsMemory · 3% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Jack's struggle with his erased memories and cloned identity, as he discovers he is not who he thought he was.
StanceThe film interrogates the nature of identity and memory, questioning what makes a person human when memories can be erased and bodies cloned.

The world

Near futureRuralUrbanInstitutionalScience fiction
ElectronicOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Joseph Trapanese
Setting2077 Earth after alien invasion, with a ruined Northeastern US and a high-tech tower
MusicThe score blends electronic and orchestral elements to underscore the film's epic yet intimate tone.

Content guide

Is Oblivion okay for kids?

PG-13

Oblivion is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, brief strong language, and some sensuality/nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (53/100), sexual content at moderate (40/100), language at moderate (51/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (30/100) and frightening material at moderate (36/100). Overall it is heavier than 53% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 30 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Austria12
  • Belgium14
  • BGC
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • KZБ14
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • Russia12+
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • THน 13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 33% of all filmsHeavier than 53% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 58%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 73%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 72%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 41%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 36%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 58% 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 Oblivion have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Oblivion?

Cast

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

Tom Cruise
as Jack
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.
Morgan Freeman
as Beech
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.
Olga Kurylenko
as Julia
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.
Andrea Riseborough
as Victoria
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
as Sykes
Melissa Leo
as Sally
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Zoë Bell
as Kara
Abigail Lowe
as Julia's Child
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Isabelle Lowe
as Julia's Child
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Booch O'Connell
as Tourist
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Oblivion?

Movies like Oblivion include Tron: Legacy (2010), Total Recall (2012) and Appleseed (2004). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Michael Arndt, and most are films set in the near future.

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

10 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

291 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: robot or ai. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.