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Noises Off...

The comedy where everyone gets caught in the act.

1992101 minPG-13Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films
Director
Peter Bogdanovich
Starring
Carol Burnett, Michael Caine, Denholm Elliott, Julie Hagerty

Hired to helm an Americanized take on a British play, director Lloyd Fellowes does his best to control an eccentric group of stage actors. With a star actress quickly passing her prime, a male lead with no confidence, and a bit actor that's rarely sober, chaos ensues in the lead up to a Broadway premiere.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Noises Off...?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Noises Off... to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Noises Off...?

Noises Off... earns 6 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

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

Reception

Is Noises Off... worth watching?

Noises Off...'s Midcredits score is the 90th percentile of all films, from 30K ratings across 6 sources. 78% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

90th percentile

Better received than 90% of films

94th percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)89th
Approval (how many liked it)88th

74 /100

89th percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 1990s

Critics 65 · Audience 75

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

Approval

How many liked it

78% liked it

88th percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Comedy89th percentile among 1990s
78% rated it 7–1022% rated it 1–6

Critics 61% · Audience 84%

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

86th percentile

30K ratings across platforms

85th percentile among Comedy81st percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 30% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$12M
Opening weekend$981K
Domestic gross$2.3M
Worldwide gross$2.3M

Returned 0.2× its budget — 53rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the material was originally a brilliantly constructed stage farce that relies on split-second timing and ensemble coordination.

Fans praised

  • perfect comic timing and choreography
  • impeccable ensemble cast performances
  • hilarious backstage antics and physical comedy

Detractors panned

  • lost edge and energy in translation from stage to screen
  • camera work and editing lack fluidity and precision
  • chaotic and tiresome rather than funny

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

star-studded cast delivering high-energy performances; some detractors find Ritter and others miscast

HumorDivisive80

fans find it hilarious and rewatchable; detractors call it unfunny and forced

OriginalityDivisive80

unique meta-theatrical structure; fans call it inventive, detractors note it's a stage adaptation

DialogueDivisive75

witty and clever script from the original play; some find it stale on film

AtmosphereDivisive75

immersive backstage chaos convincingly captures theater world

PacingDivisive70

fast-paced and relentless; fans love the momentum, detractors find it exhausting

CharactersDivisive70

archetypal theater personalities well established within the farce framework

TensionDivisive70

mounting chaos creates comedic suspense; some feel it lacks stakes

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 11 points higher than critics.

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

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Noises Off... 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 intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

Feelings

  • Absurd
  • Joyful
  • Manic

Story

  • Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.

Style

  • Playful
  • Absurdist: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
  • Wry: Amused and slightly dry about it.

What it asks of you

  • Relentless
  • Engaged
  • Easy watch
  • Resolved

Setting

  • Contemporary
  • Realistic
  • Institutional

Themes

  • Romantic love
  • Ambition
  • Community: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.

How it leaves you

  • Fun
  • Feel-good
ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Heaviest: throughoutSlapstick humor
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film plays its theatrical farce at full tilt, affectionately winking at the absurd pretensions of actors and the chaos of putting on a show while genuinely loving its characters.
The rideThe film delivers consistent comedic chaos and absurdity, with sustained manic energy from rehearsal to performance.
StructureA Broadway-opening frame bookends a largely chronological account of the play's disastrous tour, told in three escalating stages: dress rehearsal, backstage chaos, then on-stage collapse.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

Why it leaves you this wayA laugh-a-minute farce that leaves you grinning at the chaos of backstage life, warmed by a cast that finally pulls together for opening night.
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).
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% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% (this title) · 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%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Farce: Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA door-slamming farce in which a bedraggled theater troupe's attempt to stage a sex comedy collapses into escalating chaos, driven by jealousy, alcohol and missed cues rather than any single goal or mystery.

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% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · 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% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9% (this title): Community 14% (this title) · 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%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores tangled romantic relationships among the cast and crew, set against the ambition of putting on a successful play, with the theatre company forming a makeshift community.
StanceThe film watches its characters navigate romantic and professional entanglements without moral judgment, focusing on the comedy of human folly.

The world

Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
Settingtheatre stages and backstage areas across multiple U.S. cities during a play's tour

Content guide

Is Noises Off... okay for kids?

PG-13

Noises Off... is rated PG-13. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (23/100), sexual content at mild (28/100), language at moderate (54/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). Its drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 24% of PG-13-rated films.

Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 19% of all filmsHeavier than 24% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 17%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 48%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 77%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 77% of PG-13-rated films.

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 Noises Off... have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Noises Off...?

Cast

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

Carol Burnett
as Dotty Otley
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michael Caine
as Lloyd Fellowes
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.
Denholm Elliott
as Selsdon Mowbray
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Julie Hagerty
as Poppy Taylor
Marilu Henner
as Belinda Blair
Mark Linn-Baker
as Tim Allgood
Christopher Reeve
as Frederick Dallas
John Ritter
as Gary Lejeune
Nicollette Sheridan
as Brooke Ashton
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Zoe R. Cassavetes
as Miami Stagehand
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 Noises Off...?

Movies like Noises Off... include She's Funny That Way (2014), The Ladies Man (2000) and Twentieth Century (1934). Of the 12 closest matches, several are farces, and several are screwball comedies.

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

7 of these 12 share its story type: workplace comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Noises Off...?

496 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: workplace comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.