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Speed

Speed

Get ready for rush hour.

1994116 minRMidcredits score: 91st percentile of all films
Director
Jan de Bont
Starring
Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Joe Morton

Tensions run high when a crazed bomber rigs a Los Angeles bus with a device that will kill everyone on board if the vehicle's speed dips below fifty miles per hour.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Speed?

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

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Speed?

Speed earns 10 badges, led by Oscar Winner and Top 5% in Action.

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

Reception

Is Speed worth watching?

Speed's Midcredits score is the 91st percentile of all films, from 939K ratings across 6 sources. 78% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

91st percentile

Better received than 91% of films

95th percentile among Action92nd percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)90th
Approval (how many liked it)88th

74 /100

90th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Action92nd percentile among 1990s

Critics 78 · Audience 74

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.3 — people broadly agree on this one.

78% liked it

88th percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Action89th percentile among 1990s
78% rated it 7–1022% rated it 1–6

Critics 95% · Audience 77%

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

Awards

2 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 19 wins / 20 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Sound

99th percentile

939K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Action98th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 10% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$30M
Opening weekend$14M
Domestic gross$121M
Worldwide gross$350M

Returned 11.7× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A high-concept, adrenaline-fueled 90s action film driven by lead chemistry and a bomb-on-a-bus premise, but with a script that demands suspension of disbelief and features uneven acting.

Fans praised

  • Chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock
  • Relentless, high-stakes action with a simple, gripping premise
  • Practical effects and set pieces still hold up

Detractors panned

  • Keanu Reeves' wooden acting
  • Illogical, cheesy, and predictable plot
  • Overlong with unnecessary padding

What stands out

TensionDivisive80

Thrilling, suspenseful set pieces; some detractors cite over-reliance on disbelief

Effects and spectacleDivisive75

Practical effects and big set pieces praised, though some see them as dated

OriginalityDivisive70

High-concept premise seen as fresh, but formulaic in execution

Sound and music70

Strong score adds to tension and story

ActingDivisive65

Reeves and Bullock's chemistry praised, but Reeves' wooden delivery and Bullock's character depth criticized

PacingDivisive65

Fast-paced and engaging for fans, but detractors find it overlong with unnecessary parts

Plot and story60

Simple, plausible premise but criticized for illogical, predictable, and padded story

Emotional impactDivisive60

Warmth from lead chemistry, but detractors find it cheesy

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 18 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Speed like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you fired up.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrilling
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsExuberant · 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 takes its high-concept premise seriously and plays it straight, delivering non-stop excitement with earnest heroics and a romantic subplot.
The rideThe film maintains a near-constant state of high tension and exhilaration once the bus bomb is activated, with the heaviest stretch (the bus chase) occupying the middle portion of the runtime.
StructureThe film unfolds chronologically from the initial elevator rescue through the bus chase to the subway climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Fired up.

The answer rests on this: Rousing · 10% of filmsFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the audience exhilarated by the thrilling ride and satisfied by the heroic resolution.
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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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%: 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. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows a cop who boards a city bus rigged to explode if it drops below 50 mph, creating a high-speed chase across Los Angeles; the story also involves a siege-like standoff on the bus and a final confrontation in the subway.

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% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · 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% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · 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 filmsSurvivalSacrifice · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a cop's duty to stop a remorseless killer and save innocent lives, often at great personal risk.
StanceThe film celebrates the bravery and ingenuity of everyday people and police who risk everything to stop a threat to public safety.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernForeground music · original score · Mark Mancina
SettingLos Angeles freeways, a bus, a subway train, and a police command center
MusicThe propulsive, synth-infused orchestral score drives the relentless momentum of the chase.

Content guide

Is Speed okay for kids?

R

Speed is listed as R; the MPAA's rating reason reads “(Rated R for violence and language)”. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (66/100), sexual content at mild (24/100), language at intense (75/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (15/100) and frightening material at intense (62/100). Overall it is heavier than 39% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 20 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaA
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO18
  • SK15
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 62% of all filmsHeavier than 39% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 17%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 64%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 5%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 49%

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

The reason to think twice is language, violence, 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 Speed have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Speed?

Cast

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

Keanu Reeves
as Jack Traven
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.
Dennis Hopper
as Howard Payne
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.
Sandra Bullock
as Annie
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.
Joe Morton
as Capt. McMahon
Jeff Daniels
as Harry
Alan Ruck
as Stephens
Glenn Plummer
as Jaguar Owner
Richard Lineback
as Norwood
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Beth Grant
as Helen
Hawthorne James
as Sam
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 Speed?

Movies like Speed include Lethal Weapon 3 (1992), Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997) and Broken Arrow (1996). Of the 11 closest matches, several are films written by Graham Yost, and most are films about law enforcement.

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

7 of these 11 share its world: Los Angeles. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

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