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The Hangover

The Hangover

Some guys just can't handle Vegas.

2009100 minRMidcredits score: 95th percentile of all films
Director
Todd Phillips
Starring
Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha

When three friends finally come to after a raucous night of bachelor-party revelry, they find a baby in the closet and a tiger in the bathroom. But they can't seem to locate their best friend, Doug – who's supposed to be tying the knot. Launching a frantic search for Doug, the trio perseveres through a nasty hangover to try to make it to the church on time.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Hangover?

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

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Hangover?

The Hangover earns 13 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Hangover worth watching?

The Hangover's Midcredits score is the 95th percentile of all films, from 3.2M ratings across 6 sources. 85% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

95th percentile

Better received than 95% of films

97th percentile among Comedy95th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)92nd
Approval (how many liked it)95th

76 /100

92nd percentile of all films

96th percentile among Comedy93rd percentile among 2000s

Critics 73 · Audience 76

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

85% liked it

95th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Comedy95th percentile among 2000s
85% rated it 7–1015% rated it 1–6

Critics 79% · Audience 84%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 13 wins / 25 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Screenplay - Original

99th percentile

3.2M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 25% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$35M
Opening weekend$45M
Domestic gross$277M
Worldwide gross$469M

Returned 13.4× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a raunchy, male-driven bachelor-party farce that revels in gross-out gags and implausible situations.

Fans praised

  • lead trio's chemistry and comedic timing
  • Zach Galifianakis' breakout performance as Alan
  • mystery-box narrative structure with escalating absurdity

Detractors panned

  • predictable frat-boy humor with no wit
  • one-dimensional, unlikeable characters
  • lazy, cliché-ridden plot

What stands out

ActingDivisive83

lead trio's chemistry praised; Galifianakis called scene-stealer

EndingDivisive80

end-credits photos satisfyingly tie the mystery together

HumorDivisive78

sustained laugh-out-loud moments; detractors found it tone-deaf

PacingDivisive78

relentless comedic momentum; slow start noted by some

Plot and storyDivisive70

clever backwards detective story; detractors call it formulaic

DialogueDivisive65

quotable one-liners mixed with forced shock humor

CharactersDivisive62

stereotypical but relatable archetypes; Alan is fan favorite

OriginalityDivisive55

fresh spin on bachelor-party premise; detractors see rehash

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 12 points higher than women.

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 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is The Hangover 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, swings between moods 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

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
AbsurdTenseTriumphant
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Playful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its outrageous scenarios with a deadpan, matter-of-fact attitude while leaning into the absurdity for laughs.
The rideThe mood swings from comedic shock and escalating absurdity to brief relief, with the most stressful period being the desert exchange and final resolution.
StructureThe story is told chronologically with a brief opening flash-forward to set up the stakes, then proceeds in a standard three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you grinning from the absurdity and the camaraderie, with a warm sense of friendship rekindled.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

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% (this title) · 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%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Comedy of errors: Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows a comedy of errors structure: a bachelor party gone wrong, with the protagonists trying to reconstruct the night's events after losing their memory.

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% (this title) · 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% · 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

Friendship · 9% of filmsMarriage · 2% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how three friends handle a crisis together, testing and ultimately strengthening their bonds as one prepares to marry.
StanceThe film celebrates the chaotic yet loyal bond among the three friends, with the wedding serving as a backdrop to reaffirm their connection.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalDomesticStylized realism
PopRockOrchestral modernSupportive music · hybrid · Christophe Beck
SettingLas Vegas, Nevada, during a bachelor weekend
MusicFeatures the iconic use of Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight' during the Mike Tyson scene.

Content guide

Is The Hangover okay for kids?

R

The Hangover is rated R: “Rated R for pervasive language, sexual content including nudity, and some drug material” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (41/100), sexual content at intense (76/100), language at severe (89/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (72/100) and frightening material at mild (28/100). Overall it is heavier than 70% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland16
  • New ZealandR16
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil14
  • Austria12
  • BGC
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-13
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO15
  • SK15
  • Spain18
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland18
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 82% of all filmsHeavier than 70% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 21%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 95%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 89%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 89%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 14%

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

The reason to think twice is language, sexual content, 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 Hangover have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Hangover?

Cast

Bradley Cooper
as Phil
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ed Helms
as Stu
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Zach Galifianakis
as Alan
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.
Justin Bartha
as Doug
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Heather Graham
as Jade
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Sasha Barrese
as Tracy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jeffrey Tambor
as Sid
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Ken Jeong
as Mr. Chow
Rachael Harris
as Melissa
Mike Tyson
as Mike Tyson

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Hangover?

Movies like The Hangover include The Hangover Part II (2011), The Hangover Part III (2013) and Old School (2003). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, and most are buddy comedies.

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

Todd Phillips wrote and directed 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

2.6K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: buddy comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.