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Code 46

How do you solve a crime when the last thing you want to know is the truth?

200393 minRMidcredits score: 47th percentile of all films
Director
Michael Winterbottom
Starring
Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton, Nabil Elouahabi, Om Puri

In a dystopian future, insurance fraud investigator William Gold arrives in Shanghai to investigate a forgery ring for "papelles", futuristic passports that record people's identities and genetics. Gold falls for Maria Gonzalez, the woman in charge of the forgeries. After a passionate affair, Gold returns home, having named a coworker as the culprit. But when one of Gonzalez's customers is found dead, Gold is sent back to Shanghai to complete the investigation.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Code 46?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Code 46 streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free), ScreenPix via Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Code 46?

Code 46 earns 3 badges, led by Award Winner and Box Office Flop.

  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Code 46 worth watching?

Code 46's Midcredits score is the 47th percentile of all films, from 29K ratings across 6 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

47th percentile

Better received than 47% of films

45th percentile among Drama46th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)45th
Approval (how many liked it)49th

60 /100

45th percentile of all films

43rd percentile among Drama44th percentile among 2000s

Critics 57 · Audience 60

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Drama47th percentile among 2000s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Critics 52% · Audience 58%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 9 noms overall

90th percentile

29K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Drama83rd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 39 days to Oct 28Up 42% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$7.5M
Opening weekend$20K
Domestic gross$286K
Worldwide gross$886K

Returned 0.1× its budget — 58th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree Code 46 is a slow, mood-driven sci-fi romance that prioritizes atmosphere over plot.

Fans praised

  • wistful mood and atmospheric world-building
  • strong lead chemistry with natural performances by Robbins and Morton
  • intelligent, low-budget future with subtle cultural-linguistic details

Detractors panned

  • plodding pace and inert narrative
  • underdeveloped romance lacking emotional spark
  • convoluted plot with logical gaps and unresolved ideas

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive80

dreamy, melancholic mood and immersive world-building consistently highlighted

Cinematography80

stunning photography of Shanghai and desert landscapes with dreamy hues

ActingDivisive75

Robbins and Morton deliver natural, vulnerable performances; detractors find no chemistry

OriginalityDivisive75

fresh low-key approach to dystopian tropes despite derivative elements

Emotional impactDivisive60

affecting for some viewers; others find the romance cold and unconvincing

CharactersDivisive55

thinly drawn leads with little depth or clear motivation

Plot and storyDivisive40

loose, meandering story with underdeveloped themes and logical holes

PacingDivisive30

slow, deliberate rhythm criticized as sleepy or boring by many

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is Code 46 like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night.

Style

  • Dreamlike: Logic gives way to atmosphere and association.
  • Romantic

Themes

  • Romantic love
  • Fate
  • Class

Story

  • Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.

What it asks of you

  • Even-paced
  • Engaged
  • Heavy
  • Open-ended

The answer rests on this: Feelings

  • Melancholic
  • Tense

Setting

  • Near future
  • Science fiction
  • Urban
  • Institutional

The answer rests on this: How it leaves you

  • Bittersweet
  • Wistful
ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

Heaviest: late
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film takes its romantic tragedy seriously, with a dreamlike, wistful atmosphere and no ironic distance.
The rideThe mood is consistently melancholic and tense, building toward the doomed conclusion that carries the emotional weight.
StructureThe story unfolds in a linear, chronological order from investigation to romance to inevitable separation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a poignant sadness about love doomed by genetic law, and a lingering sense of loss.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic 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).
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% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% (this title) · 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%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Doomed love: Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA love story that is genetically forbidden and crushed by the controlling regime, fitting the pattern of love destroyed by circumstance.

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% (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% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% (this title) · 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%: 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% (this title): Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsFate · 1% of filmsClass · 3% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeA forbidden love affair unfolds across genetic and social barriers, with destiny and hierarchy conspiring against the protagonists.
StanceThe film mourns the impossibility of love under oppressive genetic and social controls, focusing on the personal tragedy of two individuals.

The world

ElectronicAmbientSupportive music · original score · David Holmes
Settinga controlled future metropolis where genetic identity governs life and love
MusicElectronic score by David Holmes and Stephen Hilton supports the futuristic yet intimate atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Code 46 okay for kids?

R

Code 46 is rated R: “Rated R for a scene of sexuality, including brief graphic nudity” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (37/100), sexual content at intense (63/100), language at minimal (5/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany12
  • Netherlands12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 79%
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
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 (61 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 Code 46 have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Code 46?

Cast

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

Tim Robbins
as William Geld
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.
Samantha Morton
as Maria Gonzales
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nabil Elouahabi
as Vendor
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Om Puri
as Bahkland
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Emil Marwa
as Mohan
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Nina Fog
as Wole
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Bruno Lastra
as Bikku
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Togo Igawa
as Driver
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Natalie Mendoza
as Sphinx Receptionist
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jeanne Balibar
as Sylvie

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Code 46?

Movies like Code 46 include Equals (2015), Frequencies (2013) and In the Mood for Love (2000). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set in the near future, and half are films about fate.

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

5 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Code 46?

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