Skip to content
MovieCove
The Walk

The Walk

Every dream begins with a single step

2015123 minPGMidcredits score: 87th percentile of all films
Director
Robert Zemeckis
Starring
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley, Charlotte Le Bon, James Badge Dale

The story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit's attempt to cross the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Walk?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Walk streaming on Sony Pictures Core 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 Walk?

The Walk earns 9 badges, led by Top 10% in Adventure and Visual feast.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Walk worth watching?

The Walk's Midcredits score is the 87th percentile of all films, from 260K ratings across 6 sources. 79% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

87th percentile

Better received than 87% of films

91st percentile among Adventure87th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)82nd
Approval (how many liked it)89th

71 /100

82nd percentile of all films

89th percentile among Adventure81st percentile among 2010s

Critics 70 · Audience 71

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.3 — people broadly agree on this one.

79% liked it

89th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Adventure90th percentile among 2010s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Critics 83% · Audience 77%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 17 noms overall

97th percentile

260K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Adventure97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 40% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$35M
Opening weekend$1.6M
Domestic gross$10M
Worldwide gross$61M

Returned 1.7× its budget — 85th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is visually spectacular and features a strong lead performance, but differ on whether the glossy style enhances or undermines the story.

Fans praised

  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt's committed, charismatic performance as Philippe Petit
  • Breathtaking 3D cinematography and vertigo-inducing wire-walk sequences
  • Tension and suspense built during the heist-like planning and execution

Detractors panned

  • Exaggerated tone and theatrical narration make Petit feel like a caricature
  • Patchy structure that only truly engages during the wire-walk finale
  • Lacks character depth and meaningful relationships

What stands out

Cinematography90

Stunning 3D visuals and immersive set pieces

Effects and spectacle90

Groundbreaking 3D effects and realistic wire-walk sequences

ActingDivisive85

Gordon-Levitt's magnetic, committed portrayal of Petit

Tension85

Heist-like preparation builds suspense despite known outcome

Plot and story60

Slow first act, but engaging once in New York

Pacing55

Patchy pacing with a long setup before the thrilling finale

Characters50

Lacks depth in supporting roles and relationships

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 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Walk like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. 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

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingJoyfulContemplative
Heaviest: early
Warm humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneRobert Zemeckis plays the story straight with sincere wonder and affection for its hero, even in its most absurd or tense moments.
The rideThe film builds tension during the preparation and heist phases (thrilling), with the actual walk feeling joyful and triumphant; there is a bittersweet note early in Philippe's struggle and in the closing contemplation.
StructureThe story is told in a conventional three-act structure with Philippe narrating from the Statue of Liberty, framing the tale as a memory.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you inspired by the triumph of a dream, while the closing shot of the absent towers adds a layer of poignant loss.
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

Why this archetypePhilippe Petit's journey to wire-walk between the Twin Towers is a mission: a dangerous, obsessive project he plans and executes with a team.

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 filmsSelfAmbitionSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · 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% (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% (this title) · Technology 1%

Self

Ambition · 7% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Art · 4% of films
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 themeThe film centers on Philippe's single-minded ambition to walk between the Twin Towers, enabled by a found community of accomplices and framed as a pure act of artistic creation.
StanceThe film celebrates Philippe's ambitious dream as a triumph of artistic will, framing it as a personal achievement rather than a societal or global statement.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · Alan Silvestri
SettingParis in 1973 and New York City in 1974, centered on the World Trade Center towers under construction
MusicSilvestri's soaring orchestral score underscores Philippe's walk with a sense of wonder and majesty.

Content guide

Is The Walk okay for kids?

PG

The Walk is rated PG: “Rated PG for thematic elements involving perilous situations, and for some nudity, language, brief drug references and smoking” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (29/100), sexual content at mild (31/100), language at moderate (38/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (32/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). Overall it is heavier than 84% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium14
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • GreeceK12
  • Hungary16
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands9
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • Spain7
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 35% of all filmsHeavier than 84% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 32%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 71%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 76%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 68%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 94%

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

The reason to think twice is frightening material.

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 Walk have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Walk?

Cast

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

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
as Philippe Petit
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.
Ben Kingsley
as Papa Rudy
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.
Charlotte Le Bon
as Annie
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
James Badge Dale
as Jean-Pierre
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Clément Sibony
as Jean-Louis
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
César Domboy
as Jeff
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Benedict Samuel
as David
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ben Schwartz
as Albert
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Steve Valentine
as Barry Greenhouse
Mark Camacho
as Guy Tozzoli

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Walk?

Movies like The Walk include The Polar Express (2004) and 54 (1998), both stories about mentors and protégés.

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

Explore by

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

1.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: heist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.