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Project X

Project X

The party you've only dreamed about.

201288 minRMidcredits score: 71st percentile of all films
Director
Nima Nourizadeh
Starring
Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper, Jonathan Daniel Brown, Dax Flame

Three high school seniors throw a party to make a name for themselves. As the night progresses, things spiral out of control as word of the party spreads.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Project X?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Project X to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Project X?

Project X earns 15 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Guilty pleasure.

Show 7 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Project X worth watching?

Project X's Midcredits score is the 71st percentile of all films, from 1.3M ratings across 6 sources. 65% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

71st percentile

Better received than 71% of films

79th percentile among Comedy71st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)68th
Approval (how many liked it)72nd

66 /100

68th percentile of all films

77th percentile among Comedy67th percentile among 2010s

Critics 46 · Audience 68

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

65% liked it

72nd percentile of all films

79th percentile among Comedy73rd percentile among 2010s
65% rated it 7–1035% rated it 1–6

Critics 28% · Audience 61%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 5 noms overall

99th percentile

1.3M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$12M
Opening weekend$21M
Domestic gross$55M
Worldwide gross$103M

Returned 8.6× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It's an over-the-top, mindless party movie with little plot or depth.

Fans praised

  • Wildly entertaining and fun if taken as pure popcorn party movie
  • Found-footage style makes you feel like you're actually at the party
  • Great soundtrack and high-energy chaotic atmosphere

Detractors panned

  • Irresponsible, nihilistic message glamorizing destruction and bad behavior
  • No meaningful plot, character development, or moral consequence
  • Repetitive, unfunny, and relies on cheap shock value and nudity

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive75

High-energy soundtrack is a highlight for fans

AtmosphereDivisive70

Immersive party chaos that feels like you're there

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

Over-the-top destruction and set pieces impress some, feel absurd to others

PacingDivisive55

Slow build then relentless chaotic montages; some find it repetitive

HumorDivisive50

Divisive: fans find it hilarious, detractors call it unfunny and crass

Characters20

Stereotypical, underdeveloped, and unlikable archetypes

Originality20

Highly derivative of Superbad, Hangover, and other teen-party films

Plot and story15

Paper-thin premise, predictable escalation, no real story arc

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 28 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 10 points higher than over-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 16 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 15 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Project X 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 and does not take itself seriously.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
ManicTense
Heaviest: late
Register
PlayfulExuberant · 2% of films: Bursting with energy and joy in its own filmmaking.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film embraces its over-the-top party premise with giddy, high-energy sincerity, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film starts with anticipation, escalates to chaotic manic energy, and the heaviest stretch comes as the party turns destructive and the night spirals out of control.
StructureThe story unfolds in linear chronological order, from party setup through escalation to aftermath.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with the pure entertainment of a wild, over-the-top party, no lasting weight.
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).ComedyFarce
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% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% (this title) · 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%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Farce: Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).

11% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeA high school party escalates into absurd chaos and property destruction, played as a farcical comedy of errors.

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 filmsSelfComingof age
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% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · 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%: 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

Coming of age · 5% of films
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a high school party that becomes an epic, out-of-control night, satirizing teenage desperation for popularity and fame.
StanceThe film satirizes the teenage desperation for popularity, showing how the party's quest for status leads to absurd destruction and hollow consequences.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanDomesticRealistic
ElectronicPopRockForeground music · hybrid
SettingA suburban Pasadena house during a raucous high school party
MusicThe party scenes feature a loud, energetic soundtrack that amplifies the manic mood.

Content guide

Is Project X okay for kids?

R

Project X is rated R: “Rated R for crude and sexual content throughout, nudity, drugs, drinking, pervasive language, reckless behavior and mayhem - all involving teens (also extended cut)” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (63/100), sexual content at intense (76/100), language at severe (92/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (91/100) and frightening material at moderate (54/100). Overall it is heavier than 92% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland18
  • JapanR15+
  • Brazil18
  • Belgium18
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceΚ-18
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyVM14
  • LTN-18
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO18
  • Russia18+
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 95% of all filmsHeavier than 92% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 40%
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 95%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 94%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 98%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 36%

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

Heavy almost across the board: language, drug and alcohol content, sexual content, and violence. 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 Project X have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Project X?

Cast

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

Thomas Mann
as Thomas
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Oliver Cooper
as Costa
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jonathan Daniel Brown
as JB
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Dax Flame
as Dax
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kirby Bliss Blanton
as Kirby
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Brady Hender
as Everett
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Nick Nervies
as Tyler
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Alexis Knapp
as Alexis
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Miles Teller
as Miles
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Peter Mackenzie
as Dad
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Project X?

Movies like Project X include Booksmart (2019), House Party (1990) and Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in high school, and several are friends-to-lovers stories.

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

9 of these 12 share its subject: coming of age. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Project X?

456 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: mockumentary. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.