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The Nice Guys

The Nice Guys

They're not that nice.

2016116 minRMidcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films
Director
Shane Black
Starring
Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer

A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Nice Guys?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Nice Guys 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 Nice Guys?

The Nice Guys earns 13 badges, led by Top 5% in Action and Cultural touchstone.

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

Reception

Is The Nice Guys worth watching?

The Nice Guys' Midcredits score is the 92nd percentile of all films, from 1.8M ratings across 6 sources. 81% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

92nd percentile

Better received than 92% of films

96th percentile among Action92nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)89th
Approval (how many liked it)91st

74 /100

89th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Action89th percentile among 2010s

Critics 70 · Audience 74

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.4 — people broadly agree on this one.

81% liked it

91st percentile of all films

94th percentile among Action92nd percentile among 2010s
81% rated it 7–1019% rated it 1–6

Critics 91% · Audience 79%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 9 wins / 33 noms overall

99th percentile

1.8M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 11% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$50M
Opening weekend$11M
Domestic gross$36M
Worldwide gross$71M

Returned 1.4× its budget — 82nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the film is a stylish, period buddy-comedy built on the chemistry of its two leads, with a messy but ambitious plot and a dark, often crass sense of humor.

Fans praised

  • Gosling and Crowe's comedic chemistry as a bumbling P.I. and grizzled enforcer
  • Angourie Rice's scene-stealing performance as March's precocious daughter
  • Shane Black's witty script and vibrant 1970s period recreation

Detractors panned

  • Convoluted and meandering plot that lacks coherence
  • Uncomfortable, forced inclusion of children in adult/pornographic settings
  • Tonal inconsistency between slapstick comedy and dark violence

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Gosling's physical comedy and Crowe's deadpan straight-man dynamic; Rice steals scenes as the daughter

HumorDivisive80

Physical comedy (Gosling's falls, clumsy gunplay) and rapid-fire banter; detractors find it forced or unfunny

DialogueDivisive80

Witty banter and sharp one-liners; some slapstick jokes land better than others

AtmosphereDivisive80

Immersive 1977 LA with smog, disco, and sleazy porn-industry backdrop; some find it too dark

CharactersDivisive75

Mismatched buddy duo well-defined; daughter character divisive as either charming or intrusive

PacingDivisive60

Strong first two acts lose momentum in final third; some scenes feel drawn out

Ending50

Climactic shootout and resolution feel rushed or underwhelming; hints at sequel

Plot and storyDivisive45

Convoluted conspiracy involving auto industry, porn, and Justice Department; often confusing and meandering

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 16 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 10 points higher than over-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is The Nice Guys 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 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
ThrillingAbsurdTense
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Satirical · 5% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film blends slapstick comedy and hardboiled violence with a wry, self-aware tone that never takes itself too seriously.
The rideThe film sustains a balance of comedic absurdity and thrilling action from start to finish, with tension arising from the conspiracy plot.
StructureThe film follows a straightforward chronological investigation from the death of Misty to the auto show climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you entertained by its witty banter and slapstick, while also prompting reflection on corporate greed and government collusion.
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).Mystery
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% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film is a buddy detective story driven by a missing person case that unravels a corporate conspiracy, with the protagonists tracking the missing woman and exposing the cover-up.

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 filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · 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% (this title) · 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% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsTruth · 4% of filmsFamily bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about two flawed men stumbling toward justice by uncovering a corporate cover-up, while the bond between March and his daughter adds a familial layer.
StanceThe film questions the possibility of achieving justice against systemic corruption, while maintaining a skeptical but not cynical outlook.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral classicalJazzSupportive music · original score
Setting1970s Los Angeles, mixing seedy porn industry with high-level government corruption
MusicThe score blends retro orchestral and jazz elements that evoke the 1970s setting without overpowering the comedy.

Content guide

Is The Nice Guys okay for kids?

R

The Nice Guys is rated R: “Rated R for violence, sexuality, nudity, language and brief drug use” (MPAA). As of August 18, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (73/100), sexual content at intense (76/100), language at severe (90/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (64/100) and frightening material at moderate (41/100). Overall it is heavier than 80% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandR16
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium16
  • BGD
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • Hong KongIIB
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-16
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • Russia16+
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 88% of all filmsHeavier than 80% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 55%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 94%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 91%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 82%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%

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

Heavy almost across the board: language, sexual content, violence, 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 Nice Guys have?

MovieCove's classifier found 7 depicted content warnings in The Nice Guys: Gore or body horror (severe), Gun violence (severe), Child abuse (moderate), Sexual harassment or grooming (moderate), Addiction or relapse (mild), Animal cruelty (mild), Animal death (mild). 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Incest. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGore or body horrorGun violence
ModerateChild abuseSexual harassment or grooming
MildAddiction or relapseAnimal crueltyAnimal death
MentionedIncest

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Nice Guys?

Cast

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

Russell Crowe
as Jackson Healy
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.
Ryan Gosling
as Holland March
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.
Angourie Rice
as Holly March
Matt Bomer
as John Boy
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.
Margaret Qualley
as Amelia Kuttner
newcomer then · star now
Yaya DaCosta
as Tally
Keith David
as Older Guy
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Beau Knapp
as Blueface
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Lois Smith
as Mrs. Glenn
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Murielle Telio
as Misty Mountains
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 Nice Guys?

Movies like The Nice Guys include Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), The Last Boy Scout (1991) and Hot Fuzz (2007). Of the 12 closest matches, half are buddy-cop films, and several are investigation stories.

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

Shane Black wrote 5 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

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