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Skyfall

Skyfall

Think on your sins.

2012143 minPG-13Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Sam Mendes
Starring
Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes

When Bond's latest assignment goes gravely wrong, agents around the world are exposed and MI6 headquarters is attacked. While M faces challenges to her authority and position from Gareth Mallory, the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, it's up to Bond, aided only by field agent Eve, to locate the mastermind behind the attack.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Skyfall?

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

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Skyfall?

Skyfall earns 13 badges, led by Oscar Winner and Modern classic.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Skyfall worth watching?

Skyfall's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 1.9M ratings across 6 sources. 87% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

98th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)94th
Approval (how many liked it)96th

77 /100

94th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action94th percentile among 2010s

Critics 81 · Audience 77

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

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

87% liked it

96th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2010s
87% rated it 7–1013% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 86%

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

Awards

2 Oscars won · 3 Oscar noms · 30 wins / 67 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Editing

99th percentile

1.9M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 6% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$200M
Opening weekend$88M
Domestic gross$304M
Worldwide gross$1.1B

Returned 5.5× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the film is a visually stunning, well-acted Bond entry with a strong villain, though they differ on the coherence of the plot and character depth.

Fans praised

  • 50th anniversary celebration with a personal, emotional M-Bond story
  • Judi Dench's M is given a rare, poignant character arc
  • Bardem's Silva is a charismatic, memorable villain

Detractors panned

  • plot holes and illogical moments undermine the story
  • villain's plan relies on contrived coincidences
  • pacing sags in the middle, losing momentum

What stands out

Cinematography95

Stunning visuals, especially the Shanghai skyscraper fight and Scotland landscapes

Atmosphere95

Rich, atmospheric world-building from Istanbul to the Scottish Highlands

Effects and spectacle90

Spectacular stunts and set pieces, from the Istanbul chase to the final siege

Sound and music90

Adele's theme and Thomas Newman's score are praised as among the franchise's best

Acting85

Craig and Dench deliver career-best Bond work; Bardem is a scene-stealing villain

Characters75

M gets a rare emotional arc; Bond's veteran weariness adds depth, but some find Silva's motivation muddled

Pacing65

Thrilling set pieces but drags in the middle; runtime feels padded

Plot and story60

Ambitious but riddled with plot holes and contrivances; personal stakes elevate the story

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Skyfall like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicThrilling
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Adventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material with earnest gravity, especially in the exploration of Bond and M's relationship, while maintaining the classic Bond spirit of adventure.
The rideSustained tension throughout, with a melancholy undercurrent and action set pieces, building to the emotionally heavy climax at Skyfall.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure: Bond's fall and return (Act 1), investigation and capture of Silva (Act 2), and the climactic defence at Skyfall (Act 3).

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe departure of M and Bond's acceptance of his legacy leave a mix of loss and resolve.
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).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · 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%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film pits Bond against a personal nemesis, Silva, a former agent turned cyberterrorist, whose vendetta against M drives the plot to a violent confrontation. Plot types of revenge and siege reflect the villain's motive and the final standoff.

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 filmsSelfLoyaltyBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • 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%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · 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%

Bonds

Loyalty · 4% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Grief · 6% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores loyalty to country, to a mentor figure, and to oneself, as Bond's and Silva's opposing choices regarding M define the central conflict.
StanceThe film questions what loyalty to an institution costs—both Bond and Silva are products of M's choices—without settling whether that cost is justified.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanWildernessInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernForeground music · original score · Thomas Newman
SettingMI6 headquarters, Istanbul, Shanghai, Macau, London, Scottish Highlands
MusicNewman's score blends tense electronics with traditional orchestral drama, supporting both brooding and action sequences.

Content guide

Is Skyfall okay for kids?

PG-13

Skyfall is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (66/100), sexual content at moderate (49/100), language at moderate (46/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at moderate (60/100). Overall it is heavier than 86% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 31 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium14
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • Poland12 lat
  • PortugalM/12
  • RON - 15
  • Russia12+
  • SK15
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland12
  • THน 13+
  • Türkiye13+
  • UA16+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 54% of all filmsHeavier than 86% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 86%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 89%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 60%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 80%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 74%

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

The reason to think twice is violence.

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 Skyfall have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Skyfall?

Cast

5 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Daniel Craig won the CCA for this film.

Daniel Craig
as James Bond
CCA win: Critics Choice Award — Best Actor in an Action MovieTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Judi Dench
as M
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.
Javier Bardem
as Silva
BAFTA nominee: BAFTA Award nomination — Best Supporting Actor
Ralph Fiennes
as Gareth Mallory
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.
Naomie Harris
as Eve
Bérénice Marlohe
as Sévérine
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Albert Finney
as Kincade
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Ben Whishaw
as Q
Rory Kinnear
as Tanner
Ola Rapace
as Patrice

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Skyfall?

Movies like Skyfall include Casino Royale (2006), Spectre (2015) and Johnny English Reborn (2011). Of the 12 closest matches, all are spy films, and most are films about loyalty.

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

Robert Wade and Neal Purvis wrote 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

824 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: terrorist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.