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Thunderbolts*

Thunderbolts*

Everyone deserves a second shot.

2025127 minPG-13Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films
Director
Jake Schreier
Starring
Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman

After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, seven disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Thunderbolts*?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Thunderbolts* streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Thunderbolts*?

Thunderbolts* earns 8 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Top 10% in Action.

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

Reception

Is Thunderbolts* worth watching?

Thunderbolts*'s Midcredits score is the 86th percentile of all films, from 2.4M ratings across 6 sources. 74% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

86th percentile

Better received than 86% of films

93rd percentile among Action87th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)85th
Approval (how many liked it)84th

72 /100

85th percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Action84th percentile among 2020s

Critics 68 · Audience 72

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

74% liked it

84th percentile of all films

89th percentile among Action84th percentile among 2020s
74% rated it 7–1026% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 93%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 29 noms overall

99th percentile

2.4M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$180M
Opening weekend$74M
Domestic gross$190M
Worldwide gross$382M

Returned 2.1× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps see Thunderbolts as a character-driven, emotionally heavy MCU entry that departs from typical blockbuster spectacle.

Fans praised

  • bold mental-health focus woven into the story
  • gritty, emotional character depth and arcs
  • moody cinematography and production design

Detractors panned

  • formulaic, meaningless plot with no real tension
  • cringey dialogue and flat character writing
  • underwhelming action and lackluster set pieces

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

ensemble praised for adding nuance to otherwise flat roles

CharactersDivisive72

focus on trauma and personal baggage gives depth, but some call them unlikable

Emotional impactDivisive72

deeply moving for fans, but detractors see attempts as unearned

OriginalityDivisive60

fresh focus on mental health, but overall structure feels recycled

Effects and spectacleDivisive60

action is solid but not over-the-top; some call it formulaic

DialogueDivisive55

some find it interesting, others call it cringey or just words

Plot and storyDivisive45

formulaic and derivative, with no real surprises

TensionDivisive45

lack of real stakes or threat diminishes suspense

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Thunderbolts* like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something tense that holds you to the end.

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

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseHopefulTriumphant
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
In medias res · 1% of films: Opens mid-action, then fills in how we got there.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its dark, trauma-filled material with complete sincerity, never mocking or undercutting the emotional weight, even while allowing moments of warmth and humor.
The rideAction-heavy and suspenseful sequences dominate, with a turn toward hope and catharsis as the team unites.
StructureOpens during an infiltration mission, then follows a conventional three-act structure of setup, confrontation, and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

HopefulCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's resolution of group acceptance and overcoming inner demons leaves the viewer uplifted and emotionally cleansed.
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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): 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% (this title)
  • 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%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Inner demon: The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA team of misfit operatives, manipulated into a trap, unite to confront a super-powered being born from trauma, ultimately winning through emotional acceptance rather than force.

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% · 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% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · 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

Purpose · 9% of filmsTrauma · 7% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeAssassins and outcasts seek a new direction and grapple with their violent pasts, ultimately finding purpose in belonging to a team.
StanceThe film ultimately affirms the characters' search for purpose and the value of found family in the face of exploitation and trauma.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernForeground music · original score · Son Lux
SettingCIA/black-site facilities and New York City
MusicA dynamic, percussive score that underscores both action and emotional beats.

Content guide

Is Thunderbolts* okay for kids?

PG-13

Thunderbolts* is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references” (MPAA). As of October 5, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (63/100), sexual content at minimal (8/100), language at moderate (57/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (38/100) and frightening material at intense (78/100). Overall it is heavier than 93% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 42 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • BGC
  • CL14
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceK12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary16
  • ID13+
  • IndiaU/A 13+
  • IsraelAll
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • LV12+
  • MexicoB
  • MOB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • PhilippinesPG
  • PortugalM/12
  • PRPG-13
  • SingaporePG13
  • SK12
  • South Africa13
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan12+
  • TH13
  • Türkiye16+
  • UA16+
  • VIPG-13
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 62% of all filmsHeavier than 93% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 79%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 8%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 84%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 76%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 95%

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

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence.

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 Thunderbolts* have?

MovieCove's classifier found 6 depicted content warnings in Thunderbolts*: Domestic violence (severe), Gore or body horror (moderate), Kidnapping or confinement (moderate), plus 3 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Addiction or relapse. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereDomestic violence
ModerateGore or body horrorKidnapping or confinement
MentionedAddiction or relapse

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

Cast and crew

Who is in Thunderbolts*?

Cast

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

Florence Pugh
as Yelena Belova
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.
Sebastian Stan
as Bucky Barnes
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.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
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.
Lewis Pullman
as Robert Reynolds
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
David Harbour
as Alexei Shostakov
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Wyatt Russell
as John Walker
Hannah John-Kamen
as Ava Starr
Olga Kurylenko
as Antonia Dreykov
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Geraldine Viswanathan
as Mel
Wendell Pierce
as Congressman Gary
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Thunderbolts*?

Movies like Thunderbolts* include Black Widow (2021), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and The New Mutants (2020). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Eric Pearson, and most are superhero films.

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

Joe Simon and Jack Kirby wrote 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Thunderbolts*?

787 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: superhero. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.