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Shazam!

Shazam!

Just say the word.

2019132 minPG-13Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films
Director
David F. Sandberg
Starring
Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer

A boy is given the ability to become an adult superhero in times of need with a single magic word.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Shazam!?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Shazam! streaming on Cinemax via Prime Video and HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Shazam!?

Shazam! earns 6 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Box Office Hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Shazam! worth watching?

Shazam!'s Midcredits score is the 77th percentile of all films, from 1.3M ratings across 6 sources. 69% 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

87th percentile among Action77th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)74th
Approval (how many liked it)77th

68 /100

74th percentile of all films

86th percentile among Action73rd percentile among 2010s

Critics 71 · Audience 68

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

69% liked it

77th percentile of all films

85th percentile among Action78th percentile among 2010s
69% rated it 7–1031% rated it 1–6

Critics 90% · Audience 81%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 28 noms overall

94th percentile

1.3M ratings across platforms

89th percentile among Action94th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 7% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$100M
Opening weekend$54M
Domestic gross$140M
Worldwide gross$368M

Returned 3.7× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

This is a light, funny, family-friendly superhero movie that doesn't take itself seriously and follows a predictable origin story formula.

Fans praised

  • Zachary Levi's performance perfectly captures a teenage boy in an adult body
  • Genuinely funny with well-timed comedy and numerous laugh-out-loud moments
  • Heartwarming family story about a foster kid finding belonging

Detractors panned

  • Weak, forgettable villain with generic motivation and no depth
  • Poor CGI, especially the demon designs of the Seven Deadly Sins
  • Billy Batson and Shazam feel like two completely different characters with no continuity

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

Zachary Levi is charismatic and perfectly cast; child actors are competent but some feel flat

HumorDivisive70

Majority of jokes land; childish humor divides audiences on age-appropriateness

Emotional impactDivisive65

Family themes and foster-family warmth resonate; drama feels forced to some

CharactersDivisive55

Foster siblings have chemistry but are underdeveloped; Billy/Shazam personality mismatch widely noted

Plot and storyDivisive50

Predictable origin story with formulaic structure; slow first act, familiar beats

Effects and spectacleDivisive50

CGI ranges from passable to cheap-looking; monster designs widely panned

PacingDivisive45

Long setup before Shazam appears; third act battle overstays its welcome

OriginalityDivisive40

Heavily derivative of Big, Spider-Man, and typical superhero tropes

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 15 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Shazam! 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

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulThrillingMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its superhero fantasy straight while mining constant humour from a kid in an adult body, keeping the tone light and heartfelt even during dramatic moments.
The rideThe film alternates between lighthearted superheroics and emotional family moments, with the middle act carrying the emotional weight of Billy's conflict.
StructureA conventional three-act structure: Billy acquires powers, explores them comically, then faces the villain in a climactic battle, with parallel origin stories for hero and villain.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayA light, joyous ride that leaves you grinning and optimistic about the importance of found family.
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

with Overcoming the monster underneath

Why this archetypeBilly Batson, a troubled foster kid, is given magical powers and must learn to accept his new family as his true home, healing from his past abandonment. This personal rebirth is framed by a monster battle against Dr. Sivana, who embodies resentment and the Seven Deadly Sins.

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% (this title) · 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% · 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

Identity · 14% of filmsFamily bonds
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a boy discovering who he truly is through a magical transformation, while also exploring his need for a real family and a sense of home.
StanceThe film celebrates the joy of discovering one's identity and the power of family, presenting heroism as a matter of heart rather than circumstance.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingPhiladelphia in the present, with a magical realm linked to the Wizard
MusicThe score likely underscores the film's playful and heroic tone without dominating.

Content guide

Is Shazam! okay for kids?

PG-13

Shazam! is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (58/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at moderate (43/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (28/100) and frightening material at intense (60/100). Overall it is heavier than 65% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 36 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary12
  • ID13+
  • IndiaUA
  • Israel12
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB
  • MOB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • SingaporePG
  • SK12
  • South Africa10-12PG
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Taiwan6+
  • Türkiye13+
  • UA16+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 40% of all filmsHeavier than 65% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 68%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 54%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 37%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 75%

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

The reason to think twice is frightening material. 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 Shazam! have?

MovieCove's classifier found 2 depicted content warnings in Shazam!: Gun violence (moderate), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateGun violence

Cast and crew

Who is in Shazam!?

Cast

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

Zachary Levi
as Shazam
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.
Mark Strong
as Dr. Sivana
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.
Asher Angel
as Billy Batson
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jack Dylan Grazer
as Freddy Freeman
Adam Brody
as Super Hero Freddy
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Djimon Hounsou
as Wizard
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Meagan Good
as Super Hero Darla
Grace Caroline Currey
as Mary Bromfield
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Michelle Borth
as Super Hero Mary
Ian Chen
as Eugene Choi
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.

Crew

Directed by

David F. Sandberg

Written by

Henry Gayden

Cinematography

Maxime Alexandre

Edited by

Michel Aller

Music by

Benjamin Wallfisch

Produced by

Peter Safran

More like this

What are movies like Shazam!?

Movies like Shazam! include Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019) and Deadpool (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, most are action comedies, and half are fantasy films.

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

11 of these 12 share its world: superhero. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with Shazam!?

552 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: supervillain. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.