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Winter's Tale

Winter's Tale

This is not a true story. It's a love story.

2014118 minPG-13Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all films
Director
Akiva Goldsman
Starring
Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe, William Hurt

A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms. When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Winter's Tale?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Winter's Tale streaming on Howdy via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Winter's Tale?

Winter's Tale earns 8 badges, led by Star-studded and Crowd Pleaser.

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

Reception

Is Winter's Tale worth watching?

Winter's Tale's Midcredits score is the 43rd percentile of all films, from 81K ratings across 6 sources. 51% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

43rd percentile

Better received than 43% of films

40th percentile among Drama43rd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)32nd
Approval (how many liked it)54th

56 /100

32nd percentile of all films

28th percentile among Drama34th percentile among 2010s

Critics 31 · Audience 58

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

51% liked it

54th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s
51% rated it 7–1049% rated it 1–6

Critics 12% · Audience 44%

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

Awards

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

95th percentile

81K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Drama95th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 30% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$60M
Opening weekend$7.3M
Domestic gross$13M
Worldwide gross$31M

Returned 0.5× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is an ambitious, visually lush fantasy romance that tries to cover too much ground in its 2-hour runtime.

Fans praised

  • Farrell and Findlay's chemistry makes the central love story feel sincere
  • Cinematography captures a beautiful, wintry New York atmosphere
  • Hans Zimmer's score elevates emotional moments

Detractors panned

  • Script is incoherent and overwrought, cramming too many ideas
  • Russell Crowe and Will Smith deliver miscast, cartoonish performances
  • Romance feels rushed and unearned despite talented leads

What stands out

Cinematography75

Lush, wintry visuals and period detail praised

ActingDivisive65

Farrell engaging, Crowe hammy, Findlay ethereal but lacks depth

AtmosphereDivisive60

Fairy-tale tone undercut by tonal inconsistency

CharactersDivisive40

Thinly drawn archetypes, motivations unclear

Effects and spectacleDivisive40

Cheap-looking CGI flying horse and demon transformations

Emotional impactDivisive40

Tries hard for tearjerker moments but often feels forced

DialogueDivisive35

Overly sentimental, sometimes laughable lines

Plot and storyDivisive30

Convoluted, disjointed narrative across centuries

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 18 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Winter's Tale like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
RomanticMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Register
Romantic · 8% of filmsTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its fantastical romance completely straight, asking the audience to accept its cosmic love story with earnest conviction.
The rideThe romance peaks in the middle with Beverly's death, then shifts to a more hopeful but still poignant tone in the modern-day segment.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from 1916 to 2014, with a prologue in 1895, following a conventional beginning-middle-end arc.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's cosmic affirmation of love and miracles leaves a hopeful warmth, tempered by the melancholy of the lost years and the sacrifices made.
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 archetypePeter Lake, a thief raised by a demon, finds love and redemption across a century, culminating in saving a child—a tale of moral and spiritual renewal.

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

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of filmsHope · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Cosmic stakes: Consequences reach beyond the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeLove between Peter and Beverly transcends death and time, and love for Abby drives Peter's final act of sacrifice and hope.
StanceThe film affirms that love and sacrifice can tip the cosmic balance between good and evil, celebrating romantic love as a transcendent force.

The world

Early 20th centuryUrbanRuralMagical realism
Orchestral modernForeground music · original score
SettingNew York City from 1916 to 2014, with a magical horse and supernatural gangsters
MusicThe score underscores the romantic and fantastical elements with sweeping, emotional orchestration.

Content guide

Is Winter's Tale okay for kids?

PG-13

Winter's Tale is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for violence and some sensuality” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (63/100), sexual content at mild (32/100), language at moderate (38/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (44/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UK12
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12
  • JapanPG12
  • Brazil12 anos
  • Austria12
  • BGC
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark11
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 58%
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (62 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 Winter's Tale have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Winter's Tale?

Cast

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

Colin Farrell
as Peter Lake
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.
Jessica Brown Findlay
as Beverly Penn
Russell Crowe
as Pearly Soames
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.
William Hurt
as Isaac Penn
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jennifer Connelly
as Virginia Gamely
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Will Smith
as Judge
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.
Eva Marie Saint
as Adult Willa
Graham Greene
as Humpstone John
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Matt Bomer
as Young Man
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Kevin Durand
as Cesar Tan

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Winter's Tale?

Movies like Winter's Tale include Weathering with You (2019), The Lake House (2006) and Meet Joe Black (1998). Of the 12 closest matches, most are supernatural dramas, and most are fantasy films.

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

11 of these 12 share its world: magical realism. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Winter's Tale?

559 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: chosen one. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.