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Roll Bounce

Roll Bounce

BOUNCE, ROCK, SKATE, ROLL

2005112 minPG-13Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films
Director
Malcolm D. Lee
Starring
Shad Moss, Brandon T. Jackson, Chi McBride, Marcus T. Paulk

In the summer of 1978, a teenager and his group of friends face new challenges when their neighborhood roller-skating rink closes, forcing them to visit a different rink.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Roll Bounce?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Roll Bounce streaming on Disney+, STARZ via Apple TV and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Roll Bounce?

Roll Bounce earns 4 badges, led by Award Winner and Preferred by Women.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Roll Bounce worth watching?

Roll Bounce's Midcredits score is the 62nd percentile of all films, from 20K ratings across 6 sources. 54% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

62nd percentile

Better received than 62% of films

70th percentile among Comedy60th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)64th
Approval (how many liked it)58th

65 /100

64th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Comedy63rd percentile among 2000s

Critics 59 · Audience 66

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

54% liked it

58th percentile of all films

65th percentile among Comedy55th percentile among 2000s
54% rated it 7–1046% rated it 1–6

Critics 66% · Audience 70%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 6 noms overall

86th percentile

20K ratings across platforms

84th percentile among Comedy79th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 15% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$7.6M
Domestic gross$17M
Worldwide gross$18M

80th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a nostalgic roller-disco period piece with standout skating sequences and a likeable cast, but it struggles with a thin script and uneven dramatic moments.

Fans praised

  • nostalgic trip back to 70s roller disco era
  • skating showcase with impressive choreography
  • warm performances from Bow Wow and Chi McBride

Detractors panned

  • implausible period details and anachronisms
  • drawn-out melodramatic subplot about broken family
  • weak dialogue and underdeveloped characters

What stands out

Sound and music80

terrifically energized disco soundtrack

ActingDivisive75

warm starring performances from Bow Wow and Chi McBride

AtmosphereDivisive65

evocative 70s roller-rink world-building despite detail slip-ups

Emotional impactDivisive55

coping-with-loss theme moves some, but feels doggedly sincere to others

OriginalityDivisive55

fresh take on under-explored roller-disco niche despite genre clichés

CharactersDivisive50

underdeveloped teens and thin supporting roles

Plot and storyDivisive45

formulaic competition setup weighed down by family melodrama

Pacing45

drawn-out emotional stretches slow the momentum

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 36 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 23 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Roll Bounce like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, has a few laughs and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulWarmBittersweet
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmExuberant · 2% of films: Bursting with energy and joy in its own filmmaking.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material straight with a warm, earnest tone, celebrating friendship and growth without undercutting the characters.
The rideThe film maintains a light, upbeat tone with a mild dip during the middle when the crew struggles and family tension surfaces.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward chronological manner following X and his friends through their summer at the new rink.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a warm, uplifting feeling about friendship, family, and finding one's place, with a hopeful outlook on the characters' futures.
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).Comedy
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% · Buddy comedy 1% (this title) · 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. · Buddy comedy: A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).

11% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows a group of friends navigating a new roller rink after their home base closes, blending coming-of-age growth with comedic competition against the rival skaters.

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 filmsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · 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% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: 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%

Self

Coming of age · 5% of filmsFriendship · 9% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a teenager navigating the transition to a new social scene, leaning on his crew and learning about self-respect and belonging.
StanceThe film celebrates the joy of youth, friendship, and the communal spirit of roller-skating, affirming that growing up is a shared adventure.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalPopForeground music · hybrid · Stanley Clarke
Setting1970s Chicago area, centered on a neighborhood roller rink
MusicThe soundtrack features anachronistic 1970s disco and funk tracks, though the original score may blend with licensed songs.

Content guide

Is Roll Bounce okay for kids?

PG-13

Roll Bounce is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for language and some crude humor” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (22/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Germany6
  • JapanPG12
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (16 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 Roll Bounce have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Roll Bounce?

Cast

Shad Moss
as Xavier 'X'
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Brandon T. Jackson
as Junior
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Chi McBride
as Curtis Smith
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Marcus T. Paulk
as Boo
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rick Gonzalez
as Naps
Khleo Thomas
as Mixed Mike
Jurnee Smollett
as Tori
Kellita Smith
as Vivian
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Mike Epps
as Byron
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Charlie Murphy
as Victor

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Roll Bounce?

Movies like Roll Bounce include The Last Summer (2019), Soul Men (2008) and Johnson Family Vacation (2004). Of the 12 closest matches, several are buddy comedies, and most are films set in the American Midwest.

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

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