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Source Code

Source Code

Make every second count.

201193 minPG-13Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films
Director
Duncan Jones
Starring
Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright

When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Source Code?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Source Code streaming on Howdy via Prime Video, MovieSphere+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (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 Source Code?

Source Code earns 9 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 5% in Action.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Source Code worth watching?

Source Code's Midcredits score is the 93rd percentile of all films, from 986K ratings across 6 sources. 84% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

93rd percentile

Better received than 93% of films

96th percentile among Action94th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)89th
Approval (how many liked it)94th

74 /100

89th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Action89th percentile among 2010s

Critics 74 · Audience 74

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.6 — people broadly agree on this one.

84% liked it

94th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Action95th percentile among 2010s
84% rated it 7–1016% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 82%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 7 noms overall

99th percentile

986K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 29% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$32M
Opening weekend$15M
Domestic gross$55M
Worldwide gross$147M

Returned 4.6× its budget — 88th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller about a man reliving the last eight minutes on a train to find a bomber, but fans see it as smart and suspenseful while detractors find it nonsensical and logically broken.

Fans praised

  • relentless pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat
  • smart, twisty script with philosophical depth
  • strong central performance by Jake Gyllenhaal

Detractors panned

  • pseudo-scientific premise full of gaping plot holes
  • illogical and internally inconsistent world-building

What stands out

Pacing82

Tight 93-minute runtime with relentless forward momentum; barely a wasted moment

TensionDivisive80

Edge-of-your-seat thriller with effective countdown and repeated suspenseful sequences

ActingDivisive78

Jake Gyllenhaal's performance widely praised as compelling and versatile; supporting cast solid but some find Michelle Monaghan underused

AtmosphereDivisive72

Immersive blend of suspense and emotional weight with convincing world-building

OriginalityDivisive70

Blends Groundhog Day-style time loop with Quantum Leap premise; considered fresh by fans, derivative by detractors

CharactersDivisive65

Protagonist relatable and layered; supporting characters lack depth and feel like cardboard cutouts to detractors

Plot and storyDivisive58

Clever time-loop mystery undermined by major logical inconsistencies and pseudo-scientific explanations

EndingDivisive55

Divisive final act; many praise the freeze-frame but criticize the subsequent 'happy ending' as illogical

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Source Code 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 intense, never lets up and leaves you hopeful.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseHopefulBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Time loop · under 1% of films: The story repeats the same stretch of time (Groundhog Day, Edge of Tomorrow).
ToneThe film takes its premise seriously, balancing suspense with a sense of action and a touch of romance.
The rideThe repeated countdown generates sustained tension throughout, with the heaviest emotional weight concentrated in the final sequence where Stevens chooses to stay in the alternate reality.
StructureThe narrative repeats the same eight-minute window from different angles, with each iteration advancing the mystery.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a sense of triumph and emotional closure, tinged with the bittersweet nature of what was sacrificed.
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).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

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by Colter Stevens repeatedly reliving eight minutes to identify a train bomber, revealing clues through an investigation within a time loop.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · 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%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% (this title) · 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 filmsSacrifice · 4% of filmsMortality · 2% 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 themeStevens's fragmented memory forces him to rediscover who he is—a dead soldier kept artificially alive—while he chooses to sacrifice his last chance at peace to save others, directly confronting his own mortality.
StanceThe film questions what constitutes identity and personhood when Stevens's body is destroyed but his mind lives on—it does not celebrate or condemn, but examines.

The world

ContemporaryIn transitInstitutionalScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Chris Bacon
SettingA commuter train heading into Chicago and a subterranean military lab where the Source Code is operated.
MusicThe score blends tense electronic pulses with orchestral swells to underscore the repeating countdown and Stevens's emotional awakening.

Content guide

Is Source Code okay for kids?

PG-13

Source Code is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some violence including disturbing images, and for language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (55/100), sexual content at minimal (10/100), language at moderate (47/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (4/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). Overall it is heavier than 56% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 30 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium16
  • BGC
  • Czechia12
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreecePG
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • KZБ14
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • SK12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • THน 15+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 35% of all filmsHeavier than 56% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 61%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 11%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 62%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 3%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 65%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 65% 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 Source Code have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Source Code?

Cast

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

Jake Gyllenhaal
as Colter Stevens
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.
Michelle Monaghan
as Christina Warren
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Vera Farmiga
as Colleen Goodwin
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeffrey Wright
as Dr. Rutledge
Michael Arden
as Derek Frost
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Cas Anvar
as Hazmi
Russell Peters
as Max Denoff
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Brent Skagford
as George Troxel
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Craig Thomas
as Gold Watch Executive
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Gordon Masten
as Conductor
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Source Code?

Movies like Source Code include Next (2007), Eagle Eye (2008) and Unthinkable (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, several are whirlwind romances, and several are films about corporate life.

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

6 of these 12 share its story type: time travel. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Source Code?

292 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: time loop. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.