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One Battle After Another

One Battle After Another

Some search for battle, others are born into it...

2025161 minRMidcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films
Director
Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro

Washed-up revolutionary Bob exists in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited, self-reliant daughter, Willa. When his evil nemesis resurfaces after 16 years and she goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her, father and daughter both battling the consequences of his past.

Where to watch

Where can I watch One Battle After Another?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists One Battle After Another streaming on HBO Max and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about One Battle After Another?

One Battle After Another earns 10 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Top 10% of films.

Show 2 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is One Battle After Another worth watching?

One Battle After Another's Midcredits score is the 93rd percentile of all films, from 3.3M ratings across 6 sources. 78% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

93rd percentile

Better received than 93% of films

94th percentile among Crime93rd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)94th
Approval (how many liked it)88th

77 /100

94th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Crime93rd percentile among 2020s

Critics 95 · Audience 76

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.4 — solid but not unanimous.

78% liked it

88th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Crime88th percentile among 2020s
78% rated it 7–1022% rated it 1–6

Critics 94% · Audience 85%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 40 wins / 59 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best Director - Motion Picture
  • WonGolden Globes· Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

99th percentile

3.3M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Crime99th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 9% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$130M
Opening weekend$22M
Domestic gross$73M
Worldwide gross$213M

Returned 1.6× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • urgent political commentary on authoritarianism and systemic racism
  • breakneck pacing and relentless momentum that sustains tension
  • sharp, witty dialogue blended with dark humor

Detractors panned

  • overlong runtime and episodic, disjointed structure
  • underwritten, one-dimensional characters, especially antagonists
  • heavy-handed political messaging that feels like a manifesto

What stands out

Acting85

DiCaprio's comedic timing, Penn's menacing presence, Infiniti's revelatory debut

Tension85

constant edge-of-your-seat suspense

Dialogue80

quick-fire, pithy, politically charged

Atmosphere80

immersive, paranoid tone that captures contemporary dread

Originality75

evolves PTA's style with overt satire, but echoes Pynchon's novel

Plot and storyDivisive70

sprawling generational story with personal and political stakes

PacingDivisive65

relentless energy that some find exhausting and disjointed

CharactersDivisive60

few characters have depth beyond political archetypes; Penn's Lockjaw has unexpected nuance

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 12 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is One Battle After Another like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadAbsurd
Heaviest: throughout
Dark humor
Register
Sardonic · 1% of films: Mocking with a bitter edge.Adventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material at a knowing distance, undercutting serious themes with absurd, darkly comic beats.
The rideThe film sustains a high-alert, paranoid atmosphere from start to finish, punctuated by bursts of dark comedy.
StructureThe film follows a linear progression from the enemy's reappearance to the reunion and rescue attempt, with no reported nonlinear devices.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a mix of emotional investment and an unresolved sense of missed potential, lingering with its themes but falling short of greatness.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).QuestRescue
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · 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%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

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

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by a group of ex-revolutionaries reuniting to rescue their friend's daughter from a resurgent enemy, fitting a rescue mission within a quest framework, with an underlying monster in the enemy.

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 filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · 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%

Power

Oppression · 4% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines systemic oppression and discrimination faced by marginalized communities, while the characters' reunification highlights bonds of loyalty.
StanceThe film warns about the resurgence of fascism and the smallness of the men who perpetrate it, while also observing the characters' commitments with a certain dark humor.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Jonny Greenwood
SettingA sprawling, contemporary landscape of political upheaval and exile, where ex-revolutionaries move across borders and hide in the margins.
MusicGreenwood's score likely underpins the film's tense, paranoid energy.

Content guide

Is One Battle After Another okay for kids?

R

One Battle After Another is rated R: “Rated R for pervasive language, violence, sexual content, and drug use” (MPAA). As of October 25, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (66/100), sexual content at moderate (57/100), language at severe (87/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (65/100) and frightening material at intense (65/100). Overall it is heavier than 74% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 44 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandR16
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina+16
  • Austria16
  • Belgium16
  • BGD
  • CL14
  • Czechia15+
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceK15
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary18
  • ID17+
  • IndiaA
  • Israel14
  • Italy10+
  • LTN-16
  • LV16+
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesR-16
  • PortugalM/16
  • PRR
  • RO15
  • SingaporeM18
  • SK15
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland14
  • Taiwan15+
  • TH15
  • Türkiye16+
  • UA16+
  • VIR
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 84% of all filmsHeavier than 74% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 68%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 86%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 55%

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

Heavy almost across the board: language, violence, drug and alcohol content, 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 One Battle After Another have?

MovieCove's classifier found 5 depicted content warnings in One Battle After Another: Gun violence (severe), Hate-motivated violence (moderate), Sexual harassment or grooming (moderate), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Sexual violence. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGun violence
ModerateHate-motivated violenceSexual harassment or grooming
MentionedSexual violence

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in One Battle After Another?

Cast

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

Leonardo DiCaprio
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.
Sean Penn
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.
Chase Infiniti
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Benicio Del Toro
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.
Regina Hall
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Teyana Taylor
Wood Harris
D.W. Moffett
as Bill Desmond
Best so far: Their highest-reaching film role to date — the title is too recent to say more.
John Hoogenakker
Best so far: Their highest-reaching film role to date — the title is too recent to say more.
April Grace

Crew

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1.1K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: political thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.