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The Bubble

The Bubble

Where will you be when disaster strikes?

2022126 minRMidcredits score: 7th percentile of all films
Director
Judd Apatow
Starring
Karen Gillan, Iris Apatow, Fred Armisen, Maria Bakalova

Sneaking out. Hooking up. Melting down. The cast and crew of a blockbuster action franchise attempt to shoot a sequel while quarantining at a posh hotel.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Bubble?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Bubble streaming on Netflix.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Bubble?

The Bubble earns 3 badges, led by Overhyped and Star-studded.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Bubble worth watching?

The Bubble's Midcredits score is the 7th percentile of all films, from 97K ratings across 6 sources. 22% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

7th percentile

Better received than 7% of films

6th percentile among Comedy8th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)7th
Approval (how many liked it)11th

43 /100

7th percentile of all films

6th percentile among Comedy8th percentile among 2020s

Critics 34 · Audience 43

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

22% liked it

11th percentile of all films

10th percentile among Comedy13th percentile among 2020s
22% rated it 7–1078% rated it 1–6

Critics 20% · Audience 30%

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

Awards

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

Reach

How many have seen it

96th percentile

97K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Comedy96th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree it's a messy, overlong pandemic-themed comedy that hinges on its starry cast and silly premise.

Fans praised

  • talented ensemble cast carries the comedy
  • knowing satire of pandemic-era Hollywood
  • fun for viewers seeking silly, undemanding laughs

Detractors panned

  • unfunny jokes and flat, scattershot gags
  • underwritten characters: one-note and unlikable
  • bloated runtime and aimless, incoherent story

What stands out

Acting60

cast mostly game, but uneven and sometimes forced

HumorDivisive25

patchy: a few silly moments, but many jokes fall flat

CharactersDivisive25

one-note stereotypes, flat and unlikable

Plot and story20

aimless, disjointed, no clear storyline

DialogueDivisive20

jokes mostly land flat, few clever lines

Pacing10

overlong, drags badly, no momentum

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is The Bubble like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark comedy: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to laugh at things you probably shouldn't.

It swings between moods and leaves you entertained.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Dark comedy.

Moods
AbsurdManicHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
The answer rests on this: Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsAbsurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material at a satirical distance, mocking Hollywood's pandemic protocols and franchise filmmaking with broad, over-the-top gags rather than earnest drama.
The rideThe mood is consistently absurdist and manic, hitting its most chaotic stretch during the middle act's series of production disasters.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional chronological order from quarantine through chaotic filming to escape.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you entertained by its silly antics and a sense of solidarity, but also with a wry taste of the absurdity and frustration of pandemic-era production.
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).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 archetypeThe film follows an ensemble of actors trapped in a chaotic pandemic production, with absurd, escalating mishaps and a collective escape in the end, fitting a farce-shaped comedy.

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 filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • 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

Friendship · 9% of filmsFreedom · 5% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% 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 cast of actors who must rediscover their camaraderie to escape an exploitative production.
StanceThe film satirizes the absurdity of franchise filmmaking and pandemic production, focusing on the intimate group dynamics of the cast rather than global consequences.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · original score · Michael Andrews
Settinga swanky English hotel serving as a pandemic production bubble for a franchise film shoot
MusicScore by Michael Andrews, likely with a playful, contemporary orchestral feel that complements the satire.

Content guide

Is The Bubble okay for kids?

R

The Bubble is rated R: “Rated R for language throughout, sexual content, drug use and some violence” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (58/100), sexual content at moderate (47/100), language at severe (81/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (77/100) and frightening material at moderate (38/100). Overall it is heavier than 59% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil16
  • Hungary16
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland16
  • SingaporeR21
  • Spain16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 75% of all filmsHeavier than 59% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 33%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 47%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 75%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 92%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 21%

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

The reason to think twice is language and drug and alcohol content. 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 Bubble have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Bubble?

Cast

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

Karen Gillan
as Carol Cobb
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.
Iris Apatow
as Krystal Kris
Fred Armisen
as Darren Eigen
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.
Maria Bakalova
as Anika
Vir Das
as Ronjon
David Duchovny
as Dustin Mulray
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.
Samson Kayo
as Bola
Keegan-Michael Key
as Sean Knox
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Guz Khan
as Howie Frangopolous
Leslie Mann
as Lauren Van Chance
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 Bubble?

Movies like The Bubble include Hamlet 2 (2008), Fierce Creatures (1997) and Little (2019). Of the 11 closest matches, most are farces, and most are found-family stories.

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

4 of these 11 share its story type: workplace comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

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