Skip to content
MovieCove
The Lazarus Project

The Lazarus Project

Cheating death is only the beginning

2008100 minPG-13Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all films
Director
John Glenn
Starring
Paul Walker, Piper Perabo, Lambert Wilson, Linda Cardellini

After Ben Garvey foolishly turned back to crime, he thought his life was over when he was sentenced to death by lethal injection. But his death sentence isn't quite what it seems, as Ben regains consciousness near an eerie psychiatric ward, where he's told he's been hired as the groundskeeper. With the state of his soul in question, and the love for his wife and daughter all the more real and powerful, Ben must figure out if he's truly cheated death, or if he's become part of something far more sinister.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Lazarus Project?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Lazarus Project streaming on Tubi (free) and ViX via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Lazarus Project?

The Lazarus Project earns 2 badges, led by Thought-provoking and Broadly Agreed.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is The Lazarus Project worth watching?

The Lazarus Project's Midcredits score is the 43rd percentile of all films, from 28K ratings across 4 sources. 44% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

43rd percentile

Better received than 43% of films

40th percentile among Drama42nd percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)42nd
Approval (how many liked it)44th

59 /100

42nd percentile of all films

39th percentile among Drama41st percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

44% liked it

44th percentile of all films

40th percentile among Drama41st percentile among 2000s
44% rated it 7–1056% rated it 1–6

Critics 60% · Audience 44%

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

91st percentile

28K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Drama85th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 24% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$9.8M
Worldwide gross$9.2K

Returned 0.0× its budget — 12th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a slow-burn psychological mystery with a premise that asks viewers to accept significant implausibilities.

Fans praised

  • compelling central performance by Paul Walker
  • engaging mystery that keeps viewers guessing
  • moody, atmospheric cinematography

Detractors panned

  • plot holes undermine credibility
  • implausible ending and character reactions
  • slow pacing tests patience

What stands out

Acting70

solid performances, especially Paul Walker and Bob Gunton

Cinematography70

moody visuals and effective use of setting

Atmosphere68

effective eerie, isolated tone

OriginalityDivisive50

derivative of Shutter Island and Jacob's Ladder

Characters46

sympathetic lead but thinly written supporting roles

EndingDivisive38

resolution feels unsatisfying and implausible

Plot and storyDivisive35

intriguing concept undercut by logical gaps

PacingDivisive35

deliberate pace divides viewers

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Lazarus Project like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. 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

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its eerie premise with gravity and contemplative dread, never winking or undercutting the mystery.
The rideThe synopsis describes a harrowing thriller with tests and struggles, suggesting sustained tension and dread, lifting to hope only near the end.
StructureThe story proceeds chronologically after the execution, with flashbacks explaining Ben's past life.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe final revelation reframes the entire story, leaving the viewer to ponder reality and hope.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).MysteryEnigma
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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2% (this title)
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

7% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

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

Why this archetypeBen is given a new identity after his execution and uncovers the secret government program behind it, while the central question is what is real.

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 filmsSelf
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% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · 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% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsFaith · 3% of filmsSurvival
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe synopsis describes a man stripped of everything, forced to earn back his life and family through tests of faith and inner struggle, centering on moral restoration and spiritual endurance.
StanceThe focus is on one man's internal journey of faith and redemption, questioned through trials, with intimate personal stakes.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Brian Tyler
Settingan unnamed city with mystical undertones and a religious institution
MusicBrian Tyler's score likely underscores the thriller and mystical elements with a mix of orchestral and electronic textures.

Content guide

Is The Lazarus Project okay for kids?

PG-13

The Lazarus Project is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some violence, disturbing images and thematic material” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at mild (18/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (50/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 25%
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (38 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 Lazarus Project have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Lazarus Project?

Cast

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

Paul Walker
as Ben Garvey
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.
Piper Perabo
as Lisa Garvey
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.
Lambert Wilson
as Avery
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.
Linda Cardellini
as Julie Ingram
Shawn Hatosy
as Ricky Garvey
Bob Gunton
as Father Ezra
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Malcolm Goodwin
as Robbie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Brooklynn Proulx
as Katie Garvey
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tony Curran
as William Reeds
Ross McMillan
as Dr. James
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 Lazarus Project?

Movies like The Lazarus Project include The Reckoning (2003), Frailty (2001) and Blind Horizon (2003). Of the 12 closest matches, half are puzzle films, and half are films set in a religious community.

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

All 12 share its feel: brooding. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

980 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: conspiracy thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.