Skip to content
MovieCove
Insomnia

Insomnia

A tough cop. A brilliant killer. An unspeakable crime.

2002118 minRMidcredits score: 89th percentile of all films
Director
Christopher Nolan
Starring
Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Maura Tierney

Two Los Angeles homicide detectives are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn't set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Insomnia?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Insomnia streaming on Apple TV and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Insomnia?

Insomnia earns 8 badges, led by Top 10% in Drama and Standout acting.

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

Reception

Is Insomnia worth watching?

Insomnia's Midcredits score is the 89th percentile of all films, from 809K ratings across 6 sources. 79% 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)89th

72 /100

85th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Drama85th percentile among 2000s

Critics 78 · Audience 72

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.3 — people broadly agree on this one.

79% liked it

89th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Drama88th percentile among 2000s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 77%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 11 noms overall

98th percentile

808K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 21% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$46M
Opening weekend$21M
Domestic gross$67M
Worldwide gross$114M

Returned 2.5× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A slow-burn psychological thriller with strong acting and atmosphere, but derivative of better crime films.

Fans praised

  • Al Pacino's haunted, sleep-deprived performance anchors the film
  • Robin Williams succeeds as a chilling, understated villain
  • Alaska's endless daylight creates an unsettling, atmospheric mood

Detractors panned

  • Formulaic remake that pales next to the Norwegian original
  • Pacing drags and the plot becomes contrived
  • Robin Williams is wasted in a role that doesn't fit him

What stands out

Acting85

Pacino and Williams deliver complex, layered performances; Swank solid but underused

Atmosphere80

Alaska's sunless days and eerie tone create unease

Characters75

Complex moral dilemmas; Pacino's guilt-ridden cop and Williams's writer are compelling

Cinematography75

Beautiful, stark Alaskan landscapes; strong visual storytelling

Sound and music70

David Julyan's score and sound design enhance the insomnia theme

Plot and storyDivisive65

Twisty but sometimes illogical, with a weak third act

Dialogue65

Serviceable, with some memorable exchanges but not Nolan's sharpest

Pacing60

Slow-burn but bogs down in the middle

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 21 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 16 points higher than users.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Insomnia 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, takes its time 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, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicDread
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its subject matter with utmost seriousness, playing the moral collapse and cat-and-mouse game straight without winking at the audience, creating a heavy, brooding atmosphere.
The rideThe film maintains a tense, brooding atmosphere throughout, with the pressure of Dormer's insomnia and guilt mounting to a violent, cathartic conclusion.
StructureThe story progresses chronologically from Dormer's arrival in Alaska through his investigation and downfall, following a classic three-act structure with no narrative gimmicks.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingHaunting · 14% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers with its moral ambiguity and the cost of doing wrong for right reasons.
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).Mystery
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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

with Tragedy underneath

Why this archetypeThe film follows a detective's investigation of a murder that becomes a cat-and-mouse game with the killer, while the detective himself is compromised by his own guilt. The mystery of the initial murder is solved early, but the central mystery becomes whether the detective can escape scrutiny for his own crime.

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 filmsSelfJusticeMorality
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% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% (this title) · 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

Justice · 13% of filmsGuilt · 3% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the blurred line between justice and corruption through a detective's desperate cover-up of his partner's accidental death.
StanceThe story centers on Dormer's internal struggle and personal downfall rather than broader societal consequences, making stakes intimate. It interrogates moral compromise—whether ends justify means—rather than celebrating or mourning. Focus is squarely on Dormer, with Burr and Finch as supporting players.

The world

Contemporary
AmbientSupportive music · original score
SettingA remote Alaskan town under the midnight sun, where the endless daylight exacerbates Dormer's insomnia and psychological torment.
MusicThe score likely uses ominous, droning orchestration to underline the pervasive tension and Dormer's sleepless torment, though specific details are not in the synopsis.

Content guide

Is Insomnia okay for kids?

R

Insomnia is rated R: “Rated R for language, some violence and brief nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (63/100), sexual content at moderate (41/100), language at intense (74/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at intense (61/100). Overall it is heavier than 40% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Argentina13
  • Czechia15+
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaUA
  • IS12
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PE14
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • PortugalM/14
  • Russia16+
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • UA16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 64% of all filmsHeavier than 40% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 40%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 38%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 63%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 41%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 47%

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

The reason to think twice is language, 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 Insomnia have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Insomnia?

Cast

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

Al Pacino
as Will Dormer
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.
Robin Williams
as Walter Finch
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.
Hilary Swank
as Ellie Burr
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Maura Tierney
as Rachel Clement
Martin Donovan
as Hap Eckhart
Nicky Katt
as Fred Duggar
Paul Dooley
as Chief Nyback
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jonathan Jackson
as Randy Stetz
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Larry Holden
as Farrell
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Katharine Isabelle
as Tanya Francke

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Insomnia?

Movies like Insomnia include Insomnia (1997), Shadow of a Doubt (1943) and Prisoners (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, half are stories about detectives, and most are investigation stories.

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

7 of these 12 share its world: small-town America. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

2.7K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: detective. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.