Skip to content
MovieCove
The Terminal

The Terminal

Life is waiting.

2004128 minPG-13Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films
Director
Steven Spielberg
Starring
Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride

An Eastern European tourist unexpectedly finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Terminal?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Terminal streaming on Paramount+ and Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Free

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Terminal?

The Terminal earns 13 badges, led by Top 5% in Comedy and Cultural touchstone.

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

Reception

Is The Terminal worth watching?

The Terminal's Midcredits score is the 91st percentile of all films, from 1.3M ratings across 6 sources. 81% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

91st percentile

Better received than 91% of films

95th percentile among Comedy90th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)88th
Approval (how many liked it)91st

73 /100

88th percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Comedy87th percentile among 2000s

Critics 55 · Audience 75

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.5 — people broadly agree on this one.

81% liked it

91st percentile of all films

94th percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 2000s
81% rated it 7–1019% rated it 1–6

Critics 61% · Audience 73%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 5 wins / 8 noms overall

99th percentile

1.3M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy98th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 29% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$60M
Opening weekend$19M
Domestic gross$78M
Worldwide gross$219M

Returned 3.7× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a charming but far-fetched story anchored by Tom Hanks' performance.

Fans praised

  • Tom Hanks' performance carries the film with warmth and humor
  • Heartwarming and feel-good tone with genuine charm
  • Clever premise of a man stranded in an airport terminal

Detractors panned

  • Unrealistic and preposterous premise
  • Lack of depth and emotional grit
  • Underdeveloped side plots and inconsistent tone

What stands out

ActingDivisive82

Tom Hanks' performance is widely praised; Stanley Tucci is seen as effective but sometimes unbelievable

Cinematography75

Impressive airport set and visual grandeur

Originality70

Unique premise of a man living in an airport terminal

Atmosphere70

The airport terminal is immersive and well-realized

Characters65

Viktor is endearing but overly flawless; supporting characters lack depth

Humor65

Cute and lighthearted comedic moments that work for some, fall flat for others

Plot and story55

Premise is far-fetched and unrealistic but engaging; some find it underdeveloped

Pacing55

Slow opening and occasional lulls; some feel it drags

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 11 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 12 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Terminal 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 warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmHopeful
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmWhimsical · 2% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats Viktor's predicament with earnest warmth, finding gentle humor in his resourcefulness without mockery.
The rideThe film maintains a gentle, optimistic register throughout with its most emotionally weighty moments coming toward the climax.
StructureLinear narrative follows Viktor's arrival, his adaptation to terminal life, and his eventual departure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you smiling at Viktor's triumph and his new community, but with a touch of wistfulness for the love he leaves behind.
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).QuestMission
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · 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%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

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

Why this archetypeViktor Navorski is stranded at JFK after a coup invalidates his passport; the story follows his quest to complete his late father's jazz autograph collection while building a life in the terminal.

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 filmsSelfPurposeSelf
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% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · 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% (this title) · 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%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Family bonds
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 themeViktor's quest to complete his father's jazz-autograph mission gives him unwavering purpose, while the airport community he builds becomes a surrogate family.
StanceThe film celebrates purpose and community as Viktor's quiet determination inspires those around him.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · John Williams
SettingJFK International Airport's transit lounge and terminals
MusicA warm, playful score that mirrors the film's gentle tone and includes jazz touches reflecting Viktor's father's passion.

Content guide

Is The Terminal okay for kids?

PG-13

The Terminal is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for brief language and drug references” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (8/100), sexual content at mild (23/100), language at mild (32/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (28/100) and frightening material at minimal (10/100). Overall it is heavier than 2% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 25 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium14
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandS
  • Greece13
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway9
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • ROAP
  • Russia16+
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 4% of all filmsHeavier than 2% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 8%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 35%
Profanity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 25%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 33%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 9%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 25% of PG-13-rated films.

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 Terminal have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Terminal?

Cast

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

Tom Hanks
as Viktor Navorski
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.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
as Amelia Warren
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Stanley Tucci
as Frank Dixon
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.
Chi McBride
as Mulroy
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Diego Luna
as Enrique Cruz
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Barry Shabaka Henley
as Thurman
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Kumar Pallana
as Gupta Rajan
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Zoe Saldaña
as Dolores Torres
newcomer then · star now
Eddie Jones
as Salchak
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Jude Ciccolella
as Karl Iverson

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Terminal?

Movies like The Terminal include St. Vincent (2014), New York, I Love You (2008) and The Intern (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Jeff Nathanson, and most are films set in New York.

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

6 of these 12 share its praise for acting. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

742 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: hangout movie. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.