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The Day

The Day

Fight. Or die.

201187 minRMidcredits score: 18th percentile of all films
Director
Doug Aarniokoski
Starring
Shawn Ashmore, Brianna Barnes, Ashley Bell, Brayden Edwards

Open war against humanity rages. For five survivors – lost and on the run – the pursuit is relentless, the bullets are dwindling and the battle is everywhere. This is a 24-hour look into their lives.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Day?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Day streaming on MovieSphere+ 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 Day?

The Day earns 3 badges, led by Overhyped and Unsettling.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Day worth watching?

The Day's Midcredits score is the 18th percentile of all films, from 17K ratings across 6 sources. 26% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

18th percentile

Better received than 18% of films

30th percentile among Action19th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)23rd
Approval (how many liked it)17th

53 /100

23rd percentile of all films

36th percentile among Action25th percentile among 2010s

Critics 41 · Audience 53

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

26% liked it

17th percentile of all films

28th percentile among Action16th percentile among 2010s
26% rated it 7–1074% rated it 1–6

Critics 31% · Audience 28%

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

Awards

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

Reach

How many have seen it

82nd percentile

17K ratings across platforms

70th percentile among Action83rd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 2% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$10K
Domestic gross$21K
Worldwide gross$81K

16th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps acknowledge the film's effective bleak, color-drained atmosphere and solid acting, but differ on whether its grim minimalism and violence are gripping or hollow.

Fans praised

  • Bleak, drained-color cinematography sets a grim post-apocalyptic mood
  • Strong ensemble cast with standout performances, especially Ashley Bell and Dominic Monaghan
  • Taut, brutal survival story with effective tension and a gutsy, uncompromising finale

Detractors panned

  • Boring melodrama and cringeworthy dialogue undercut the tension
  • Derivative of Night of the Living Dead, lacking its depth and character work
  • Thin, simplistic plot with nonsensical character decisions and a hollow ending

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive80

Grim, desperate, and immersive; both camps note the bleak mood, but detractors find it hollow

CinematographyDivisive75

Color-drained, black-and-white imagery praised for mood, but some call it derivative or a gimmick

Acting70

Cast widely praised; Ashley Bell and Dominic Monaghan singled out, though some find Hardrict's tough lines fall flat

CharactersDivisive60

Well-drawn survivors with little backstory; some crave more depth, others find them engaging and human

TensionDivisive60

Effective dread and group conflict; detractors find the threats vague and the standoffs static

Plot and storyDivisive45

Simple survival premise; fans call it effective and twisty, detractors call it thin and nonsensical

PacingDivisive40

Short runtime still feels long to some; others find it a tight, effective slow burn

DialogueDivisive35

Cringeworthy and laughable lines frequently mentioned by detractors; a few fans note weak tough-guy dialogue

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Day like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTense
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film maintains a grim, unsentimental posture, treating its post-apocalyptic violence and survival with earnest seriousness.
The rideThe film maintains a constant atmosphere of dread and tension as the survivors face ongoing threats.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning, middle, and end, with the bulk of the tension confined to the farmhouse siege.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's relentless grimness and violent siege leave a lingering unease and a somber sense of hopelessness.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · 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. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeA group of survivors takes refuge in a farmhouse only to be besieged by cannibalistic mutants, turning the story into a defensive struggle for survival.

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 filmsSelfSurvival
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% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% (this title) · 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%

Survival

SurvivalViolence · 4% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on five survivors' daily struggle to endure and find safety in a hostile, post-apocalyptic world.
StanceThe film neutrally observes the group's struggle to survive without moralizing.

The world

Near futureRuralDomesticScience fiction
ExperimentalElectronicSupportive music · original score · Rock Mafia
Settinga dilapidated country house in a post-apocalyptic landscape
MusicThe score likely underscores the tense, bleak atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic setting.

Content guide

Is The Day okay for kids?

R

The Day is rated R: “Rated R for strong bloody violence, pervasive language and some nudity” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (83/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at severe (100/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (42/100) and frightening material at severe (100/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • UK18
  • CanadaR
  • Germany18
  • South Korea19
  • NetherlandsNR
Overall
Severe · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 28%
Profanity
Severe
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Severe
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (29 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Day have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Day?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Shawn Ashmore
as Adam
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Brianna Barnes
as Nikki
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Ashley Bell
as Mary
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Brayden Edwards
as Timmy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Eklund
as Father
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Steffi Hagel
as Sally
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Cory Hardrict
as Henson
Dominic Monaghan
as Rick
Shannyn Sossamon
as Shannon
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Shimon Moore
as Boss
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Day?

Movies like The Day include Concrete Utopia (2023), 40 Acres (2024) and The Divide (2011). Of the 12 closest matches, half are dystopian films, and most are survival stories.

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

11 of these 12 share its world: post-apocalyptic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

547 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: post apocalyptic. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.