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Wanted

Wanted

Choose your destiny.

2008110 minRMidcredits score: 68th percentile of all films
Director
Timur Bekmambetov
Starring
James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp

Doormat Wesley Gibson is an office worker whose life is going nowhere. He meets an attractive woman named Fox and discovers that his recently murdered father - whom Wesley never knew - belonged to the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins which takes its orders from Fate itself. Fox and Sloan, the Fraternity's leader, teach Wesley, through intense training, to tap into dormant powers and hone his innate killing skills. Though he enjoys his newfound abilities, he begins to suspect that there is more to the Fraternity than meets the eye.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Wanted?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Wanted streaming on STARZ 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 Wanted?

Wanted earns 6 badges, led by Spectacle and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Wanted worth watching?

Wanted's Midcredits score is the 68th percentile of all films, from 734K ratings across 6 sources. 62% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

68th percentile

Better received than 68% of films

81st percentile among Action66th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)66th
Approval (how many liked it)68th

66 /100

66th percentile of all films

80th percentile among Action65th percentile among 2000s

Critics 64 · Audience 66

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

62% liked it

68th percentile of all films

79th percentile among Action66th percentile among 2000s
62% rated it 7–1038% rated it 1–6

Critics 71% · Audience 69%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 28 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Editing
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

98th percentile

734K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 40 days to Oct 26Down 26% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$75M
Opening weekend$51M
Domestic gross$135M
Worldwide gross$342M

Returned 4.6× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Wanted is a style-over-substance action film with a preposterous plot and a heavy reliance on spectacle.

Fans praised

  • Inventive, over-the-top action set pieces and stylish visual effects
  • James McAvoy's performance as the office loser turned assassin
  • Self-aware, darkly humorous tone that doesn't take itself seriously

Detractors panned

  • Nonsensical plot with absurd concepts like the magical loom and bullet-curving
  • Excessive, gratuitous violence that is mean-spirited and off-putting
  • Derivative of The Matrix and Fight Club, offering little originality

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive85

Incredible special effects and jaw-dropping stunts, especially the bullet-curving and train crash

ActingDivisive75

McAvoy praised for transformation from wimp to killer; Jolie and Freeman seen as charismatic but underused

CinematographyDivisive75

Slick, stylish, and visually striking with dynamic camera work

PacingDivisive70

Fast-paced and relentless once it gets going, but sluggish and overlong in parts

HumorDivisive65

Dark, self-aware humor that works for fans, but falls flat for others

CharactersDivisive40

Wesley relatable as underdog, but supporting cast and villains are paper-thin

OriginalityDivisive35

Visually inventive but heavily derivative of The Matrix and Fight Club

Plot and storyDivisive25

Nonsensical, full of holes, and driven by absurd concepts like the Loom of Fate

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Wanted 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, never lets up and leaves you entertained.

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
TenseThrillingAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Playful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film is knowingly absurd and plays its over-the-top action and premise for fun, never taking itself seriously.
The rideSustained high tension with action peaks; the finale carries most emotional weight as betrayals and sacrifices land.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning, middle, and end structure with no nonlinear elements.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's high-octane, stylized action and dark humor leave the viewer exhilarated and entertained.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

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).Rags
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% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% (this title) · 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%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Underdog triumph: Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).

3% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeWesley's transformation from a powerless office worker into a skilled assassin who takes control of his life fits the rags-to-riches underdog triumph archetype, driven by a revenge motive.

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% · 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% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · 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 filmsBetrayal · 5% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeWesley transforms from a powerless nobody into a skilled killer, gaining self-worth, but the film interrogates whether that empowerment is genuine or merely manipulation.
StanceThe film warns that seeking power and status through violence is corrosive and ultimately hollow, even as it revels in the mayhem.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score · Danny Elfman
SettingChicago — a drab office, a secret assassin base in a cotton mill, and the city's streets for chases and shootouts.
MusicAggressive, percussive score punctuated by industrial electronic elements that underline the kinetic action.

Content guide

Is Wanted okay for kids?

R

Wanted is rated R: “Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, pervasive language and some sexuality” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (91/100), sexual content at moderate (55/100), language at severe (86/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). Overall it is heavier than 81% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 21 other countries
  • UK18
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany18
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland16
  • JapanR18+
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil16
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • Greece16
  • Hungary18
  • LTN-13
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO18+
  • Russia18+
  • Spain18
  • Switzerland18
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 88% of all filmsHeavier than 81% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 88%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 64%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 84%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 57%

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

The reason to think twice is violence, language, and frightening material. 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 Wanted have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Wanted?

Cast

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

James McAvoy
as Wesley
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Angelina Jolie
as Fox
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.
Morgan Freeman
as Sloan
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.
Terence Stamp
as Pekwarsky
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Thomas Kretschmann
as Cross
Common
as The Gunsmith
Kristen Hager
as Cathy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Marc Warren
as The Repairman
David O'Hara
as Mr. X
Dato Bakhtadze
as The Butcher
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 Wanted?

Movies like Wanted include Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012), Kick-Ass (2010) and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Chris Morgan, and most are action comedies.

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

6 of these 12 share its world: superhero. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Wanted?

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