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Heretic

Heretic

Question everything.

2024111 minRMidcredits score: 79th percentile of all films
Directors
Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Starring
Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Topher Grace

Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Heretic?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Heretic streaming on Hulu, Pluto TV (free), 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 Heretic?

Heretic earns 9 badges, led by Top 5% in Horror and Cultural touchstone.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Heretic worth watching?

Heretic's Midcredits score is the 79th percentile of all films, from 1.7M ratings across 6 sources. 71% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

79th percentile

Better received than 79% of films

97th percentile among Horror80th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)76th
Approval (how many liked it)80th

69 /100

76th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Horror75th percentile among 2020s

Critics 71 · Audience 69

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

71% liked it

80th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Horror80th percentile among 2020s
71% rated it 7–1029% rated it 1–6

Critics 89% · Audience 76%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 7 wins / 39 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Leading Actor

99th percentile

1.7M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Horror99th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 23% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$10M
Opening weekend$11M
Domestic gross$28M
Worldwide gross$60M

Returned 6.0× its budget — 91st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

An engrossing, dialogue-driven cat-and-mouse thriller anchored by Hugh Grant's charismatic performance, even if its ambitious philosophical musings don't fully land in the final act.

Fans praised

  • Hugh Grant's affable, menacing turn as a religion-obsessed psychopath
  • Tense, cat-and-mouse psychological duel between Grant and the two missionaries
  • Thought-provoking theological debates that challenge faith and belief

Detractors panned

  • Contrived, unsatisfying third act that betrays the gripping setup
  • Implausible character decisions that undermine suspense and logic
  • Ending feels like a generic slasher after a promising cerebral thriller

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Hugh Grant's layered villainy and the two leads' strong rapport

DialogueDivisive80

Provocative religious and philosophical exchanges

TensionDivisive75

Simmering psychological suspense, especially in the first two acts

AtmosphereDivisive75

Unsettling house and claustrophobic mood

Originality65

Fresh take on faith-based horror; borrows heavily from other works

Pacing60

Strong build-up loses momentum in the final stretch

Plot and storyDivisive50

Fascinating setup devolves into contrived and unsatisfying third act

EndingDivisive40

Contrived conclusion fails to match setup's promise

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 17 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 20 points higher than users.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Heretic like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you thinking. 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 and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseCold
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its horror premise straight while using intellectual debates about religion to build unease.
The rideThe sustained cat-and-mouse game in a confined house keeps dread and tension high from start to finish.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional linear progression from arrival to confrontation to escape.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves the viewer with questions about faith and manipulation, and a lingering unease.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeTwo Mormon missionaries are trapped by a manipulative man who tests their faith; they must overcome his twisted game to survive.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · 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% · 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% (this title) · 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%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsFaith · 3% of filmsSurvival
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how personal faith and identity are tested when faced with a predatory manipulator in a confined setting.
StanceThe film takes a questioning stance toward faith and identity, focusing on the two women's experience as they confront the strange man.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Chris Bacon
Settinga religious mission and a strange man's isolated house
MusicThe score amplifies the tension and dread within the confined setting.

Content guide

Is Heretic okay for kids?

R

Heretic is rated R: “Rated R for some bloody violence” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (73/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at mild (16/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (7/100) and frightening material at intense (70/100). Overall it is heavier than 27% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 45 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandR16
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina+16
  • BGD
  • CL14
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceK15
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ID17+
  • IndiaA
  • Israel16
  • Italy14+
  • LTN-16
  • LV16+
  • MexicoB-15
  • MOC
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesR-16
  • PortugalM/14
  • PRR
  • RO15
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeNC16
  • SK15
  • South Africa16
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland14
  • Taiwan15+
  • TH18
  • Türkiye16+
  • UA16+
  • VIR
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 53% of all filmsHeavier than 27% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 56%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 19%
Profanity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 2%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 2%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 66%

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

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

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 Heretic have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in Heretic: Kidnapping or confinement (severe), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereKidnapping or confinement

Cast and crew

Who is in Heretic?

Cast

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

Hugh Grant
as Mr. Reed
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.
Sophie Thatcher
as Sister Barnes
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Chloe East
as Sister Paxton
Topher Grace
as Elder Kennedy
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.
Elle Young
as Prophet
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Julie Lynn Mortensen
as Pedestrian
Best so far: Their highest-reaching film role to date — the title is too recent to say more.
Haylie Hansen
as Teenager
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Elle McKinnon
as Teenager
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Anesha Bailey
as Neighbor
Best so far: Their highest-reaching film role to date — the title is too recent to say more.
Miguel Castillo
as Neighbor

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Heretic?

Movies like Heretic include The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025), The Lords of Salem (2012) and The Ledge (2011). Of the 8 closest matches, several are films set in a religious community, and half are psychological horror films.

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

3 of these 8 share its story type: home invasion. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Heretic?

304 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: home invasion. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.