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A Ghost Story

A Ghost Story

It's all about time.

201792 minRMidcredits score: 80th percentile of all films
Director
David Lowery
Starring
Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, McColm Cephas Jr., Kenneisha Thompson

Recently deceased, a white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to console his bereft wife, only to find that in his spectral state he has become unstuck in time, forced to watch passively as the life he knew and the woman he loves slowly slip away.

Where to watch

Where can I watch A Ghost Story?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists A Ghost Story streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about A Ghost Story?

A Ghost Story earns 15 badges, led by Visual feast and Indie breakout.

Show 7 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is A Ghost Story worth watching?

A Ghost Story's Midcredits score is the 80th percentile of all films, from 451K ratings across 6 sources. 66% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

80th percentile

Better received than 80% of films

83rd percentile among Drama80th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)84th
Approval (how many liked it)74th

72 /100

84th percentile of all films

87th percentile among Drama84th percentile among 2010s

Critics 84 · Audience 71

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

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

66% liked it

74th percentile of all films

75th percentile among Drama74th percentile among 2010s
66% rated it 7–1034% rated it 1–6

Critics 91% · Audience 67%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 5 wins / 18 noms overall

97th percentile

451K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 32% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$100K
Opening weekend$104K
Domestic gross$1.6M
Worldwide gross$2M

Returned 19.5× its budget — 69th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a slow-moving, minimalist art piece with little dialogue and long, static takes, which some find deeply moving while others find tedious and pretentious.

Fans praised

  • meditative slow-burn that rewards patience with deep emotional resonance
  • haunting score and square aspect ratio craft a hypnotic, isolating atmosphere
  • existential themes of grief, love, and time are conveyed with poetic artistry

Detractors panned

  • interminable long takes and a notorious pie scene feel self-indulgent and boring
  • characters lack chemistry and emotional connection, making the drama feel flat
  • pretentious and pointless, with no plot and little to say beyond arty posturing

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive90

hypnotic, haunting, and meditative tone that immerses in grief

OriginalityDivisive90

boldly unconventional art house approach to ghost story

Cinematography88

square aspect ratio and gorgeous frames evoke isolation and eternity

Emotional impactDivisive85

deeply moving meditation on loss and love, but some find it cold

Sound and music85

Daniel Hart's score is haunting and cosmic, enhancing the mood

EndingDivisive70

resonant emotional payoff for those who connect

Plot and storyDivisive45

minimal story nearly nonexistent, exploring existential themes

PacingDivisive35

deliberate long takes feel immersive to some, interminable to others

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 22 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 24 points higher than over-30s.

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.

Watch experience

What is A Ghost Story 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 ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you are in a patient, quiet mood.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Quiet and reflective.

Moods
MelancholicContemplativeElegiac
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.Single location · 5% of films: Confined to essentially one place throughout.
ToneThe film plays its ghostly premise completely earnestly, treating grief and time with quiet gravity.
The rideThe tone is hushed, sorrowful, and meditative from start to finish, with very few shifts in emotional register.
StructureThe story unfolds through vignettes of the house's occupants across time, all observed by the ghost; much of the film stays in one house.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

Haunting · 14% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's meditation on grief and time lingers as a sad, beautiful ache long after viewing.
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% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Tragedy underneath

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

Why this archetypeThe ghost's silent vigil over his widow and the house across centuries tracks a release from attachment; the film mourns loss even as it finally lets go.

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 filmsSelfGriefSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · 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% (this title) · 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% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · 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% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

Grief · 6% of filmsMemory · 3% of filmsLegacy · 4% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is a meditation on grief and the persistence of memory, exploring what remains after loss and how love echoes through time.
StanceThe film grieves the loss of love and the fleeting nature of existence, never offering comfort or closure.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticSuburbanMagical realism
AmbientOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Daniel Hart
SettingA suburban house in Texas, observed across many years
MusicThe score uses droning strings and piano to create a timeless, aching atmosphere.

Content guide

Is A Ghost Story okay for kids?

R

A Ghost Story is rated R: “Rated R for brief language and a disturbing image” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (36/100), sexual content at mild (22/100), language at mild (31/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at moderate (45/100). Overall it is heavier than 1% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12A
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Austria12
  • Czechia12+
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 16% of all filmsHeavier than 1% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 17%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 16%
Profanity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 7%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 12%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 28%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 28% of R-rated films.

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 A Ghost Story have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in A Ghost Story?

Cast

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

Casey Affleck
as C
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.
Rooney Mara
as M
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.
McColm Cephas Jr.
as Little Boy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kenneisha Thompson
as Doctor
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Grover Coulson
as Man in Wheelchair
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Liz Cardenas
as Linda
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Barlow Jacobs
as Gentleman Caller
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richard Krause
as Mover
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Dagger Salazar
as Mover
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sonia Acevedo
as Maria
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like A Ghost Story?

Movies like A Ghost Story include Upstream Color (2013), Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013) and Handling the Undead (2024). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films about memory, and several are magical-realist films.

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

9 of these 12 share its subject: grief. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with A Ghost Story?

678 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: slow cinema. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.