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The Weather Man

The Weather Man

...bring an umbrella

2005102 minRMidcredits score: 61st percentile of all films
Director
Gore Verbinski
Starring
Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, Hope Davis, Gemmenne de la Peña

David Spritz, a Chicago weather man, separated from his wife and children, debates whether professional and personal success are mutually exclusive.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Weather Man?

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

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Weather Man?

The Weather Man earns 7 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Preferred by Men.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Weather Man worth watching?

The Weather Man's Midcredits score is the 61st percentile of all films, from 127K ratings across 6 sources. 58% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

61st percentile

Better received than 61% of films

70th percentile among Comedy59th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)58th
Approval (how many liked it)63rd

64 /100

58th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Comedy58th percentile among 2000s

Critics 61 · Audience 64

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

58% liked it

63rd percentile of all films

70th percentile among Comedy61st percentile among 2000s
58% rated it 7–1042% rated it 1–6

Critics 60% · Audience 56%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

94th percentile

127K ratings across platforms

94th percentile among Comedy90th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 4% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$22M
Opening weekend$4.2M
Domestic gross$12M
Worldwide gross$19M

Returned 0.9× its budget — 81st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a dark, unflinching character study of a man's failed personal life and professional emptiness, but they clash over whether that makes it insightful or just miserable.

Fans praised

  • Raw, honest portrayal of middle-aged disappointment and familial failure
  • Nicolas Cage's earnest, nuance-driven performance as a deeply flawed everyman
  • Michael Caine's poignant, understated turn as the dying, exacting father

Detractors panned

  • Relentlessly bleak and depressing tone with little comic relief
  • Gratuitous profanity and crude sexual humor that feels forced and off-putting
  • Meandering, plotless story that fails to resolve its many subplots

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

Cage's earnest, restrained performance as a hapless everyman; Caine's dignified, poignant father

CharactersDivisive65

Flawed, realistic family; the father-son dynamic viewed as either moving or underdeveloped

Emotional impactDivisive60

Devastatingly sad for fans; detractors find it manipulative and joyless

OriginalityDivisive60

Unconventional, anti-Hollywood take on midlife crisis; detractors call it derivative of 'American Beauty'

DialogueDivisive45

Crass, profanity-laced exchanges; fans find them authentic, critics gratuitous

Plot and storyDivisive40

Loose, meandering structure focused on daily failures rather than traditional narrative arc

PacingDivisive35

Slow, deliberate rhythm; some see meditative quality, others find it tedious

HumorDivisive30

Dark, awkward comedy; the food-throwing and vulgar jokes divide audiences sharply

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 27 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 10 points higher than under-30s.

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

  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Weather Man like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Quiet and reflective: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in a patient, quiet mood.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you thinking. 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

Quiet and reflective.

Moods
MelancholicWarmAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Bleak · 8% of filmsTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.In medias res · 1% of films: Opens mid-action, then fills in how we got there.
ToneThe film holds its material at a knowing, wry distance—the comedy is dry and observational, but the emotional core is played with complete sincerity.
The rideThe film sustains a low-grade melancholic ache with occasional absurd jolts; the most emotionally charged stretch is Dave's final conversation with Robert near the end.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional chronological order, opening with Dave in the middle of his troubled life and following his attempts to fix it.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you pondering the nature of adult disappointment and the slow, imperfect process of trying to change your life, with a gentle melancholy that lingers.
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).Rebirth
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% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe film follows Dave Spritz's slow, often stumbling attempt to find meaning and connection in his life, a gradual moral and emotional reawakening rather than a single triumphant arc.

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 filmsSelfSelf-worth
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% (this title) · 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% · 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

Self-worth · 7% of filmsFamily bondsPurpose · 9% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Dave's struggle to see his own value amid constant humiliation and his desperate attempt to earn his father's and family's respect before it is too late.
StanceThe film watches Dave flail through personal crises without judging him or offering easy consolation; it stays close to his perspective.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanSuburbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · James S. Levine
SettingChicago and New York City in the mid-2000s, moving between a TV weatherman's polished studio and his messy suburban home life
MusicThe score underscores Dave's inner disarray with a mixture of warm strings and off-kilter piano.

Content guide

Is The Weather Man okay for kids?

R

The Weather Man is rated R: “Rated R for strong language and sexual content” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (21/100), sexual content at moderate (54/100), language at severe (81/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at mild (25/100). Its violence, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany6
  • FranceU
  • Ireland16
  • JapanR18+
  • Belgium18
  • Denmark15
  • Greece13
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • Poland16
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 62%
Profanity
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 74%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (61 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 Weather Man have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Weather Man?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Nicolas Cage
as David Spritz
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.
Michael Caine
as Robert Spritzel
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.
Hope Davis
as Noreen
Gemmenne de la Peña
as Shelly
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Nicholas Hoult
as Mike
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Michael Rispoli
as Russ
Gil Bellows
as Don
Judith McConnell
as Lauren
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Chris Marrs
as DMV Guy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Dina Facklis
as Andrea
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Weather Man?

Movies like The Weather Man include In Good Company (2004), Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) and Wonder (2017). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories about estranged parents and children, and most are redemption stories.

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

10 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 Weather Man?

1.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: parent and child estranged. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.