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Bruce Almighty

Bruce Almighty

In Bruce we trust?

2003101 minPG-13Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films
Director
Tom Shadyac
Starring
Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall

Bruce Nolan toils as a "human interest" television reporter in Buffalo, NY, but despite his high ratings and the love of his beautiful girlfriend, Bruce remains unfulfilled. At the end of the worst day in his life, he angrily ridicules God — and the Almighty responds, endowing Bruce with all of His divine powers.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Bruce Almighty?

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

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Highlights

What stands out about Bruce Almighty?

Bruce Almighty earns 11 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Guilty pleasure.

Show 3 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Bruce Almighty worth watching?

Bruce Almighty's Midcredits score is the 71st percentile of all films, from 1.1M ratings across 6 sources. 64% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

71st percentile

Better received than 71% of films

79th percentile among Comedy69th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)69th
Approval (how many liked it)71st

67 /100

69th percentile of all films

78th percentile among Comedy68th percentile among 2000s

Critics 46 · Audience 68

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

64% liked it

71st percentile of all films

78th percentile among Comedy69th percentile among 2000s
64% rated it 7–1036% rated it 1–6

Critics 48% · Audience 57%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 7 wins / 9 noms overall

99th percentile

1.1M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 23% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$81M
Opening weekend$68M
Domestic gross$243M
Worldwide gross$485M

Returned 6.0× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A lightweight comedy that uses Jim Carrey's manic energy to explore what an ordinary man might do with God's powers, for better and worse.

Fans praised

  • Jim Carrey's physical comedy and rubber-faced antics perfectly suited to the role
  • Morgan Freeman's wise, warm, and humorous portrayal of God
  • Clever premise exploring the burden of divine power with entertaining sight gags

Detractors panned

  • Bruce is a selfish, unlikeable protagonist who wastes divine power on petty revenge
  • Predictable formula with tonal whiplash between slapstick and saccharine moralizing
  • Script fails to exploit the premise's imaginative potential, defaulting to romantic-comedy clichés

What stands out

ActingDivisive72

Carrey's physical comedy carries the film; Freeman's dignified God and Aniston's warm presence praised; detractors find Carrey's mugging desperate and repetitive

HumorDivisive60

Best gags (Evan's gibberish broadcast, dog toilet) are laugh-out-loud; most jokes are mild or shown in trailers

OriginalityDivisive55

Clever premise but compared unfavorably to Groundhog Day and It's a Wonderful Life

Effects and spectacleDivisive50

Entertaining but dated CGI; creative miracles are fun but limited in scope

Plot and storyDivisive45

Predictable three-act structure with a promising premise that defaults to romance and moralizing

Pacing45

Fun first half drags into slow, sentimental second act; sluggish editing noted

CharactersDivisive40

Bruce is selfish, entitled, and hard to root for; Grace is underwritten as a supportive girlfriend; Evan's small role steals scenes

Dialogue40

Forced catchphrases ('B-E-A-utiful') and obvious jokes; Freeman's witty one-liners praised

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 13 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 15 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 13 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Bruce Almighty like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It is gentle and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulAbsurdWarmMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with warm sincerity, playing its comedic and serious moments straight without irony.
The rideThe film is mostly light and gag-driven before grounding itself in sober romantic consequences and Bruce's low point near the end.
StructureA conventional linear narrative, told in a straightforward beginning-middle-end sequence.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves the viewer with a sense of warmth and the belief that small acts of kindness matter.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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

Why this archetypeBruce Nolan's journey from self-centered discontent to selfless understanding follows the rebirth archetype, with a redemptive arc as he learns to use his powers for others.

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 filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: 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% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): 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% · 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%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsPurpose · 9% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about a man who must earn back his relationship and his sense of decency after abusing godlike power; his redemption is both moral and romantic.
StanceThe film affirms that personal humility and genuine love matter more than self‑serving power; it doesn't interrogate or satirize that core belief.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral classicalPopSupportive music · hybrid · John Debney
SettingBuffalo, New York, in the world of local TV news with one magical exception
MusicSongs like 'I'm With You' by Avril Lavigne underscore the romantic beat; Debney's score is broad and comedic when needed.

Content guide

Is Bruce Almighty okay for kids?

PG-13

Bruce Almighty is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content and some crude humor” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (49/100), language at intense (60/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (32/100) and frightening material at minimal (11/100). Overall it is heavier than 50% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK12
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12
  • South Korea12
  • BrazilL
  • Argentina+13
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • Greece13
  • Hong KongIIA
  • ItalyT
  • LTV
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/6
  • RO12
  • SpainA
  • Sweden7
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 32% of all filmsHeavier than 50% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 28%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 89%
Profanity
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 90%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 53%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 12%

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

The reason to think twice is language.

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 Bruce Almighty have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Bruce Almighty?

Cast

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

Jim Carrey
as Bruce Nolan
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 God
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.
Jennifer Aniston
as Grace Connelly
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Philip Baker Hall
as Jack Baylor
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Catherine Bell
as Susan Ortega
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lisa Ann Walter
as Debbie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Steve Carell
as Evan Baxter
newcomer then · star now
Nora Dunn
as Ally Loman
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Eddie Jemison
as Bobby
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Paul Satterfield
as Dallas Coleman
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 Bruce Almighty?

Movies like Bruce Almighty include Evan Almighty (2007), A Thousand Words (2012) and Liar Liar (1997). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Steve Oedekerk, and most are redemption stories.

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

Tom Shadyac directed 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Bruce Almighty?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: journalist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.