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Rumor Has It...

Based on a true rumor.

200597 minPG-13Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all films
Director
Rob Reiner
Starring
Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Ruffalo

Sarah Huttinger learns that her family was the inspiration for the book and film "The Graduate" -- and that she just might be the offspring of the well-documented event.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Rumor Has It...?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Rumor Has It... streaming on Howdy via Prime Video, 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 Rumor Has It...?

Rumor Has It... earns 7 badges, led by Overhyped and Before they were famous.

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

Reception

Is Rumor Has It... worth watching?

Rumor Has It...'s Midcredits score is the 19th percentile of all films, from 156K ratings across 6 sources. 28% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

19th percentile

Better received than 19% of films

19th percentile among Comedy19th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)21st
Approval (how many liked it)20th

52 /100

21st percentile of all films

20th percentile among Comedy21st percentile among 2000s

Critics 35 · Audience 53

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.6 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

28% liked it

20th percentile of all films

19th percentile among Comedy18th percentile among 2000s
28% rated it 7–1072% rated it 1–6

Critics 21% · Audience 41%

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

96th percentile

156K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Comedy93rd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 48% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$55M
Opening weekend$3.5M
Domestic gross$43M
Worldwide gross$89M

Returned 1.6× its budget — 94th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A clever premise connecting to The Graduate is undermined by an unappealing protagonist and a lackluster script.

Fans praised

  • Shirley MacLaine steals every scene as the sharp-tongued grandmother
  • Intriguing premise linking the family to The Graduate
  • Strong chemistry between Aniston and Ruffalo as the fiancés

Detractors panned

  • Creepy, implausible plot point of three generations sleeping with the same man
  • Unlikable, whiny protagonist and poorly written characters
  • Unfunny, flat comedy with forced jokes and dull pacing

What stands out

ActingDivisive63

MacLaine praised as scene-stealer; Aniston and Costner often criticized as bland or miscast

DialogueDivisive40

Occasionally witty lines (mostly MacLaine) but largely clichéd and unfunny

CharactersDivisive35

Unlikable, whiny protagonist; shallow, unsympathetic supporting roles

OriginalityDivisive35

High-concept tie-in to The Graduate is fresh but execution is formulaic

Emotional impactDivisive35

Attempted heartfelt moments feel forced and unearned

Plot and storyDivisive30

Interesting initial concept devolves into predictable, forced romance

HumorDivisive30

Few genuine laughs; many jokes fall flat or rely on running gags

EndingDivisive30

Unconvincing forgiveness and saccharine resolution; audience feels unearned

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 10 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Rumor Has It... 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 that leaves you smiling.

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

The answer rests on this: How it leaves you

  • Feel-good
  • Hopeful

Setting

  • Late 20th century
  • Realistic
  • Urban
  • Domestic
  • In transit

Story

  • Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.

What it asks of you

  • Even-paced
  • Casual
  • Easy watch
  • Open-ended

Feelings

  • Contemplative
  • Romantic
  • Warm

Themes

  • Identity
  • Family bonds
  • Deception

Style

  • Warm
  • Romantic
ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Heaviest: throughoutWarm humor
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its romantic comedy material with earnestness, mining humour from family quirks while keeping its emotional beats sincere.
The rideA consistently light, curious mood punctuated by romantic tension, never peaking dramatically.
StructureLinear narrative moving from Pasadena wedding to San Francisco search to New York resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Why it leaves you this wayThe film ends on a reconciliatory high, leaving a warm, reassuring aftertaste.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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).
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1% (this title)
  • 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%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Pilgrimage: The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.

10% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

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

Why this archetypeA woman on the verge of marriage uncovers a family secret linked to The Graduate, embarking on a journey to discover her true identity, which leads to personal growth and reconciliation.

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% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · 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% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • 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%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsFamily bondsDeception · 9% of films
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 Sarah's anxious need to discover who she really is, using the family secret as a lever to question her place in the world and her worth in a relationship.
StanceThe film questions whether identity is inherited or chosen, but resolves with a warm, affirming embrace of family—making the stance more curious than condemning.

The world

Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Marc Shaiman
SettingPasadena and San Francisco as backdrops for a family legacy linked to The Graduate
MusicA light, playful orchestral score that keeps the tone buoyant.

Content guide

Is Rumor Has It... okay for kids?

PG-13

Rumor Has It... is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, sexual content, crude humor and a drug reference” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (3/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at mild (27/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at minimal (3/100). Overall it is heavier than 1% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
  • AustriaAA
  • Czechia12+
  • GreecePG
  • Hungary12
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Poland12
  • SK12
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 3% of all filmsHeavier than 1% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 2%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 40%
Profanity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 13%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 30%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 2%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 13% 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 Rumor Has It... have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Rumor Has It...?

Cast

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

Jennifer Aniston
as Sarah Huttinger
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.
Kevin Costner
as Beau Burroughs
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.
Shirley MacLaine
as Katharine Richelieu
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Mark Ruffalo
as Jeff Daly
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richard Jenkins
as Earl Huttinger
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Christopher McDonald
as Roger McManus
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Steve Sandvoss
as Scott
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Mena Suvari
as Annie Huttinger
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Mike Vogel
as Blake Burroughs
newcomer then · star now
Rob Lanza
as New Year's Eve M.C.
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 Rumor Has It...?

Movies like Rumor Has It... include The Story of Us (1999), The Magic of Belle Isle (2012) and The Bucket List (2007). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set in Los Angeles, and most are films that feel warm.

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

Rob Reiner directed 5 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Rumor Has It...?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: journalist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.