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The Brothers Grimsby

The Brothers Grimsby

Behind every hero is an embarrassing sibling.

201683 minRMidcredits score: 48th percentile of all films
Director
Louis Leterrier
Starring
Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Isla Fisher, Penélope Cruz

Wrongfully accused and on the run, a top MI6 assassin joins forces with his long-lost, football hooligan brother to save the world from a sinister plot.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Brothers Grimsby?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Brothers Grimsby streaming on Sony Pictures Core via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Brothers Grimsby?

The Brothers Grimsby earns 9 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is The Brothers Grimsby worth watching?

The Brothers Grimsby's Midcredits score is the 48th percentile of all films, from 243K ratings across 6 sources. 50% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

48th percentile

Better received than 48% of films

64th percentile among Action48th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)43rd
Approval (how many liked it)52nd

59 /100

43rd percentile of all films

60th percentile among Action44th percentile among 2010s

Critics 44 · Audience 61

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

50% liked it

52nd percentile of all films

66th percentile among Action52nd percentile among 2010s
50% rated it 7–1050% rated it 1–6

Critics 37% · Audience 41%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

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

97th percentile

243K ratings across platforms

94th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 36% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$35M
Opening weekend$3.3M
Domestic gross$6.9M
Worldwide gross$28M

Returned 0.8× its budget — 71st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is an extremely vulgar, crude comedy packed with gross-out gags and over-the-top action.

Fans praised

  • laugh-out-loud gross-out gags come thick and fast
  • over-the-top action scenes rival Hollywood spy films
  • Sacha Baron Cohen's unapologetic envelope-pushing humor

Detractors panned

  • relentless toilet humor feels forced and try-hard
  • lazy writing with no coherent plot or setups
  • jokes are predictable and repetitive, all in the trailer

What stands out

Effects and spectacle70

slick action sequences and impressive visual effects

HumorDivisive65

laugh-out-loud gross-out gags vs forced and repetitive

Acting60

Baron Cohen's committed dumb act, Rebel Wilson shines

PacingDivisive50

rapid-fire gags but rushed and disjointed

OriginalityDivisive40

derivative spy parody, recycled gross-out tropes

Plot and story25

coherence-free sketch showcase, no real story

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 21 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

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

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Brothers Grimsby 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

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
AbsurdManic
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Campy · 4% of filmsAbsurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its absurd, vulgar material completely straight, treating extreme scatological and shock gags as if they are perfectly normal in a spy thriller, which creates a deadpan ironic distance.
The rideThe film maintains a fast, absurd, and chaotic tone throughout, with the most intense (and still absurd) action concentrated in the final football-match set piece.
StructureTold in a straightforward chronological order following the brothers' misadventures.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you laughing at outrageous scenarios and satisfied by the ridiculous 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).Comedy
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% · Buddy comedy 1% (this title) · 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. · Buddy comedy: A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeTwo brothers—one an MI6 agent, the other a football hooligan—are forced to go on the run after a disastrous reunion that makes them look like terrorists; they must clear their name and expose a global conspiracy.

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 filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · 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%: 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%

Bonds

Family bondsLoyalty · 4% of films
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Nobby's relentless efforts to reunite with and protect his long-lost brother Sebastian, ultimately rebuilding their fractured bond.
StanceThe film satirizes family bonds by using extreme, ridiculous situations and gross-out humor to depict the brothers' reunion and loyalty.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
SettingA poor English town and various glamorous locations around the world.

Content guide

Is The Brothers Grimsby okay for kids?

R

The Brothers Grimsby is rated R: “Rated R for strong crude sexual content, graphic nudity, violence, language, and some drug use” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (61/100), sexual content at severe (86/100), language at intense (77/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (74/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). Overall it is heavier than 77% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Belgium18
  • BGD
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyVM14
  • LTN-18
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM12
  • RO18
  • Russia18+
  • SK15
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 86% of all filmsHeavier than 77% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 38%
Sex & Nudity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 99%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 69%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 90%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%

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

Heavy almost across the board: sexual content, language, drug and alcohol 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 The Brothers Grimsby have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Brothers Grimsby?

Cast

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

Sacha Baron Cohen
as Nobby
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mark Strong
as Sebastian Graves
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.
Isla Fisher
as Jodie Figgis
Penélope Cruz
as Rhonda George
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.
Rebel Wilson
as Dawn Grobham
Gabourey Sidibe
as Banu the Cleaner
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Annabelle Wallis
as Lina Smit
Nick Sampson
as WHN Newscaster
David Harewood
as Black Gareth
Scott Adkins
as Pavel Lukashenko
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Brothers Grimsby?

Movies like The Brothers Grimsby include Ride Along (2014), Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) and Death at a Funeral (2007). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Peter Baynham, and several are action comedies.

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

6 of these 12 share its story type: buddy comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Brothers Grimsby?

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