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The Cup

The Cup

Two brothers. One dream. The odds were incredible. And the story is true.

201199 minPGMidcredits score: 37th percentile of all films
Director
Simon Wincer
Starring
Stephen Curry, Brendan Gleeson, Tom Burlinson, Jodi Gordon

At the heart of this true story is Damien Oliver, a young jockey who loses his only brother in a tragic racing accident, hauntingly reflecting of the way their father died 27 years earlier. After suffering through a series of discouraging defeats, Damien teams with Irish trainer Dermot Weld, and triumphs at the 2002 Melbourne Cup in one of the most thrilling finales in sporting history.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Cup?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Cup streaming on STARZ and Tubi (free).

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Cup?

The Cup earns 2 badges, led by Hopeful and Nonlinear.

Reception

Is The Cup worth watching?

The Cup's Midcredits score is the 37th percentile of all films, from 1.2K ratings across 5 sources. 41% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

37th percentile

Better received than 37% of films

12th percentile among Biography37th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)35th
Approval (how many liked it)39th

57 /100

35th percentile of all films

12th percentile among Biography37th percentile among 2010s

Critics 33 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.0 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

41% liked it

39th percentile of all films

14th percentile among Biography39th percentile among 2010s
41% rated it 7–1059% rated it 1–6

Critics 30% · Audience 45%

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

Reach

How many have seen it

47th percentile

1.2K ratings across platforms

25th percentile among Biography51st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 11% in 30 days

Box office

BudgetA$15M

In Australian dollar, not converted to dollars.

Worldwide gross$2.7M

47th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A sincere, true-story sports drama about jockey Damien Oliver's personal tragedy and triumph at the 2002 Melbourne Cup.

Fans praised

  • Inspiring true story with emotional weight
  • Strong performances by Brendan Gleeson and Stephen Curry
  • Captures the excitement and atmosphere of the Melbourne Cup

Detractors panned

  • Clunky, cliché-ridden screenplay with melodramatic tone
  • Cheesy editing and soap-opera feel undermine tension
  • Overly pleasant characters lack dirt or realism

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

Brendan Gleeson and Stephen Curry praised as standout; some critics note iffy supporting turns

EndingDivisive65

Triumphant and satisfying conclusion to real-life victory

AtmosphereDivisive60

Captures excitement and glamour of race day but feels sanitized

Emotional impactDivisive58

Heartwarming and weepy for fans; manipulative for critics

PacingDivisive56

Slow start but picks up; detractors call it dull and aimless

Plot and storyDivisive55

Compelling true story undermined by cluttered narrative and clichés

CharactersDivisive52

Characters portrayed as decent but overly pleasant and lacking depth

OriginalityDivisive35

Familiar genre beats compared to Seabiscuit and Secretariat

Watch experience

What is The Cup like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It leaves you hopeful.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseHopefulMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film treats its tragic subject with earnest emotion and occasional melodramatic touches.
The rideThe mood shifts from grief through struggle to a climactic, high-stakes race, with the heaviest emotional weight in the final stretch.
StructureThe story uses flashbacks to the father's death and brother's accident within a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe story of overcoming grief to achieve a victory leaves the audience inspired and emotionally released.
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

Why this archetypeThe film follows a jockey who, after his brother's death, must decide whether to race in the Melbourne Cup, ultimately overcoming grief to win.

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 filmsSelfGriefSurvival
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%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · 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% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

Grief · 6% of filmsHope · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Damien Oliver's struggle with the loss of his brother and his journey to find the strength to race again.
StanceThe film celebrates perseverance and triumph over personal adversity, framing Damien's victory as redemptive and inspiring.

The world

Early 21st centuryInstitutionalIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingThe international horse racing circuit culminating at the 2002 Melbourne Cup in Australia.

Content guide

Is The Cup okay for kids?

PG

The Cup is rated PG: “Rated PG for thematic elements and language” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its sexual content at mild (17/100). It has too few votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
Overall
needs 3 or more scored categories
not ranked
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Overall standing needs at least three scored categories; this title has 1.

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 Cup have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Cup?

Cast

Stephen Curry
as Damien Oliver
Brendan Gleeson
as Dermot Weld
Tom Burlinson
as Dave Phillips
Jodi Gordon
as Trish Oliver
Daniel MacPherson
as Jason Oliver
Martin Sacks
as Neil Pinner
Alice Parkinson
as Jenny
Shaun Micallef
as Lee Freedman
Kate Bell
as Claire
Rodger Corser
as Jason McCartney

Crew

Directed by

Simon Wincer

Written by

Simon Wincer

Cinematography

David Burr

Music by

Bruce Rowland

Produced by

David LeeSimon Wincer

More like this

What are movies like The Cup?

Movies like The Cup include Soorma (2018), Ride Like a Girl (2019) and When the Game Stands Tall (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, most are biopics, and most are stories about siblings.

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

10 of these 12 share its story type: sports underdog. Those cards say what else they share.

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

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: sports underdog. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.