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Rush Hour

Rush Hour

The fastest hands in the East meet the biggest mouth in the West.

199898 minPG-13Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films
Director
Brett Ratner
Starring
Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Tom Wilkinson, Philip Baker Hall

When Hong Kong Inspector Lee is summoned to Los Angeles to investigate a kidnapping, the FBI doesn't want any outside help and assigns cocky LAPD Detective James Carter to distract Lee from the case. Not content to watch the action from the sidelines, Lee and Carter form an unlikely partnership and investigate the case themselves.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Rush Hour?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Rush Hour streaming on Paramount+ via The Roku Channel.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Rush Hour?

Rush Hour earns 8 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Top 10% in Action.

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

Reception

Is Rush Hour worth watching?

Rush Hour's Midcredits score is the 87th percentile of all films, from 1.1M ratings across 6 sources. 75% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

87th percentile

Better received than 87% of films

93rd percentile among Action88th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)85th
Approval (how many liked it)85th

72 /100

85th percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Action88th percentile among 1990s

Critics 61 · Audience 73

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

75% liked it

85th percentile of all films

90th percentile among Action86th percentile among 1990s
75% rated it 7–1025% rated it 1–6

Critics 62% · Audience 79%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 9 noms overall

99th percentile

1.1M ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 3% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$33M
Opening weekend$33M
Domestic gross$141M
Worldwide gross$245M

Returned 7.4× its budget — 93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A formulaic buddy-cop action comedy that pairs a silent martial-arts master with a loudmouth American detective.

Fans praised

  • Electric chemistry between Chan and Tucker as an East-meets-West buddy duo
  • Jackie Chan's inventive, acrobatic martial arts and death-defying stunt work
  • Chris Tucker's fast-talking, high-energy comedic performance

Detractors panned

  • Chris Tucker's screeching, overbearing performance as grating and unfunny
  • Weak, predictable plot that recycles buddy-cop clichés
  • Wastes Jackie Chan's talents with toned-down action and limited fight scenes

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Magnetic chemistry between leads

HumorDivisive70

Slapstick, verbal jabs, culturally-offensive jokes

PacingDivisive70

Brisk, never dull, tight 90-minute runtime

DialogueDivisive65

Fast-paced banter, quotable one-liners

CharactersDivisive60

Broad stereotypes, thin supporting roles

Plot and story40

Generic kidnapping investigation, predictable twists

Originality30

Derivative of 48 Hrs., Lethal Weapon, Beverly Hills Cop

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 11 points higher than over-30s.

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

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Rush Hour 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 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
ThrillingJoyfulAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Witty humor
Register
PlayfulIrreverent · 1% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its buddy-cop action and comedy with a light, knowing distance, never undercutting its own fun.
The rideMostly a high-energy, comedic thriller that builds action steadily; the emotional stakes peak in the final rescue sequence.
StructureThe film follows a straightforward beginning-middle-end structure with no nonlinear devices.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's playful tone and successful mission leave the viewer grinning and satisfied.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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).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

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by Lee and Carter's mission to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the Chinese consul, which fits the quest archetype's rescue subtype.

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 filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · 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% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsFamily bondsFriendship · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film is driven by the pursuit of justice through a kidnapping case, underscored by the protective love of a father for his daughter and the unlikely bond that forms between the two detectives.
StanceThe film celebrates justice achieved through clever teamwork and friendship, without moral ambiguity; the world is presented as solvable through pluck and principle.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · original score · Lalo Schifrin
SettingLos Angeles in 1997; a Chinese consulate, a doughnut shop, restaurants, an art convention center.
MusicSchifrin's score blends funky brass and percussion, matching the buddy-action tone.

Content guide

Is Rush Hour okay for kids?

PG-13

Rush Hour is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sequences of action/violence and shootings, and for language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (59/100), sexual content at minimal (14/100), language at intense (70/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at moderate (36/100). Overall it is heavier than 77% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK12
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • Greece12
  • Hungary12
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 48% of all filmsHeavier than 77% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 70%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 19%
Profanity
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 98%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 74%
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.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-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 Rush Hour have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Rush Hour?

Cast

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

Jackie Chan
as Lee
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Chris Tucker
as Carter
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tom Wilkinson
as Griffin
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Philip Baker Hall
as Captain Diel
Elizabeth Peña
as Johnson
Chris Penn
as Clive
Mark Rolston
as Agent Russ
Tzi Ma
as Consul Han
Rex Linn
as Agent Whitney
Ken Leung
as Sang
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Rush Hour?

Movies like Rush Hour include Rush Hour 3 (2007), Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Money Talks (1997). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Brett Ratner, and most are buddy-cop films.

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

All 12 share its story type: action comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Rush Hour?

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: action comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.