Skip to content
MovieCove
Fail Safe

Fail Safe

TV movie200086 minMidcredits score: 89th percentile of all films
Directors
Stephen Frears, Martin Pasetta
Starring
Richard Dreyfuss, Noah Wyle, Brian Dennehy, Sam Elliott

Cold War tensions climb to a fever pitch when a U.S. bomber is accidentally ordered to drop a nuclear warhead on Moscow.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Fail Safe?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Fail Safe to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Fail Safe?

Fail Safe earns 8 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% in Drama.

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

Reception

Is Fail Safe worth watching?

Fail Safe's Midcredits score is the 89th percentile of all films, from 9K ratings across 4 sources. 80% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

89th percentile

Better received than 89% of films

91st percentile among Drama88th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)85th
Approval (how many liked it)90th

72 /100

85th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Drama84th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

80% liked it

90th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Drama89th percentile among 2000s
80% rated it 7–1020% rated it 1–6

Critics 100% · Audience 78%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 11 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television

Reach

How many have seen it

81st percentile

9K ratings across platforms

84th percentile among Drama74th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 25% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A faithful live remake of the 1964 Cold War thriller about a nuclear accident that builds tension through dialogue and atmosphere rather than action.

Fans praised

  • Exceptional ensemble acting with no weak links
  • Live broadcast adds immediacy and tension to the Cold War drama
  • Black-and-white cinematography and period authenticity create immersive atmosphere

Detractors panned

  • Performances feel stiff and lack tension compared to original
  • Live format gimmick distracts from storytelling, pacing drags
  • Richard Dreyfuss miscast as president, lacks authority

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive80

Black-and-white and live format enhance period Cold War feel

Plot and story72

Faithful adaptation of a compelling premise, but some see it as dated

Cinematography72

Effective black-and-white and camera work add period realism

ActingDivisive68

Ensemble praised but some performances called wooden or miscast

DialogueDivisive68

Sharp script, but some lines feel rushed or too deliberate

TensionDivisive65

Edge-of-seat build for fans, but detractors find it lacking urgency

PacingDivisive58

Smooth real-time progression for fans, slow and unengaging for critics

OriginalityDivisive40

Divided: praised as fresh for live TV, criticized as unnecessary remake

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 17 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 16 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 17 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Fail Safe like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you devastated. 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 and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseCold
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Bleak · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlayed with cold documentary realism; every line and decision matters.
The rideThe film sustains a mounting dread and tension as the crisis deepens, with the emotional weight falling heaviest on the final unraveling, likely ending in tragedy.
StructureConventional chronological narrative tracing the crisis from order to consequence.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Devastated.

The answer rests on this: Devastating · 3% of filmsHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe final sacrifice leaves a bitter, haunting weight about the cost of human error.
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).Tragedy
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% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • 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. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeAn accidental order sends a bomber unstoppably toward Moscow; the tragedy lies in the inescapable momentum of events.

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 filmsSelfDutyMorality
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% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% (this title) · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · 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

Duty · 2% of filmsSurvivalJustice · 13% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the weight of duty on leaders forced to make unthinkable choices to prevent catastrophe, paired with the primal drive for survival and a desperate search for justice in a failing system.
StanceThe film warns of the dangers of technological and bureaucratic failure in nuclear command, presenting duty as a burden that can lead to catastrophe.

The world

Mid 20th centuryInstitutionalIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score
SettingCold War-era command centers, bomber cockpits, and the White House
MusicA score likely uses tense, minimalist motifs to underscore the escalating crisis.

Content guide

Is Fail Safe okay for kids?

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Germany12
  • FranceU

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does Fail Safe have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Fail Safe?

Cast

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

Richard Dreyfuss
as President
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Noah Wyle
as Buck
newcomer then · star now
Brian Dennehy
as Gen. Bogan
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Sam Elliott
as Congressman Raskob
James Cromwell
as Gordon Knapp
John Diehl
as Col. Cascio
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Hank Azaria
as Prof. Groeteschele
Norman Lloyd
as Defense Secretary Swenson
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Bill Smitrovich
as Gen. Stark
Don Cheadle
as Lt. Jimmy Pierce

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Fail Safe?

Movies like Fail Safe include Fail Safe (1964), Thirteen Days (2000) and Fat Man and Little Boy (1989). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set during the Cold War, and several are stories about US presidents.

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

11 of these 12 share its story type: political thriller. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Fail Safe?

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