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The Campaign

The Campaign

May the best loser win.

201285 minRMidcredits score: 41st percentile of all films
Director
Jay Roach
Starring
Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa

Two rival politicians compete to win an election to represent their small North Carolina congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Campaign?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Campaign to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Campaign?

The Campaign earns 6 badges, led by Star-studded and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Campaign worth watching?

The Campaign's Midcredits score is the 41st percentile of all films, from 260K ratings across 6 sources. 43% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

41st percentile

Better received than 41% of films

46th percentile among Comedy41st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)40th
Approval (how many liked it)42nd

59 /100

40th percentile of all films

45th percentile among Comedy41st percentile among 2010s

Critics 50 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

43% liked it

42nd percentile of all films

47th percentile among Comedy41st percentile among 2010s
43% rated it 7–1057% rated it 1–6

Critics 66% · Audience 51%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 3 noms overall

97th percentile

260K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Comedy97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 30% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$95M
Opening weekend$27M
Domestic gross$87M
Worldwide gross$105M

Returned 1.1× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A raunchy comedy that uses over-the-top antics to mock the absurdity of modern political campaigns, satisfying fans of its stars' trademark humor while frustrating those seeking a cleverer satire.

Fans praised

  • satirical take on money in politics and empty campaign rhetoric
  • strong comedic chemistry between Ferrell and Galifianakis
  • effective low-brow humor and laugh-out-loud set pieces

Detractors panned

  • crude, juvenile humor that lacks wit and overpowers satire
  • wasted potential of a sharp political satire

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

Ferrell and Galifianakis have good chemistry; Ferrell reprises familiar schtick, Galifianakis adds awkward charm

Pacing65

brisk 85-minute runtime but middle section drags

HumorDivisive60

frequent laughs from absurd gags but many fall flat or feel forced

DialogueDivisive55

mix of witty one-liners and excessive crude language

Plot and storyDivisive50

simple, predictable campaign rivalry that loses steam in the second half

CharactersDivisive45

one-note caricatures: sleazy incumbent and naive underdog

Ending40

predictable, schmaltzy resolution that undercuts earlier edge

Originality35

derivative of Ferrell's previous characters and political satire tropes

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Campaign 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 never lets up and leaves you feeling good. 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
AbsurdTenseManic
Heaviest: middle
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsAbsurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneA satirical comedy that holds its absurd political antics with a knowing, exaggerated straight face, never breaking character despite the ridiculousness.
The rideThe film's energy peaks during the campaign's escalating dirty tricks and public spectacles.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically through the campaign timeline, from the scandal to the election and its aftermath.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a warm, funny feeling as the once-corrupt politicians find common ground and take down the real villains.
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

with Rebirth underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film is a political satire structured around a heated campaign rivalry, with escalating absurd slapstick and a redemption arc for the incumbent.

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 filmsSelfCorruption
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% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% (this title) · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · 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%

Power

Corruption · 3% of filmsClass · 3% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film satirizes political corruption and the influence of big money, while also exploring a redemption arc for the incumbent congressman.
StanceThe film lampoons political corruption, campaign tactics, and the influence of moneyed interests.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
PopSupportive music · licensed compilation
SettingA small North Carolina congressional district during a heated election campaign.

Content guide

Is The Campaign okay for kids?

R

The Campaign is rated R: “Rated R for crude sexual content, language and brief nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at intense (65/100), language at intense (75/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (36/100) and frightening material at minimal (10/100). Overall it is heavier than 28% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR15+
  • Belgium16
  • Denmark7
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO12
  • Russia16+
  • Sweden7
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 54% of all filmsHeavier than 28% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 13%
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 81%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 65%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 34%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 4%

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

The reason to think twice is language and sexual 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 Campaign have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Campaign?

Cast

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

Will Ferrell
as Cam Brady
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.
Zach Galifianakis
as Marty Huggins
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jason Sudeikis
as Mitch
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.
Katherine LaNasa
as Rose Brady
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Dylan McDermott
as Tim Wattley
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Sarah Baker
as Mitzi Huggins
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
John Lithgow
as Glenn Motch
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Dan Aykroyd
as Wade Motch
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Brian Cox
as Raymond Huggins
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Karen Maruyama
as Mrs. Yao
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 The Campaign?

Movies like The Campaign include You're Cordially Invited (2025), Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) and A Madea Family Funeral (2019). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Jay Roach, and most are farces.

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

9 of these 12 share its feel: satire. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

560 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: politician. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.