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Ted

Ted

Ted is coming.

2012106 minRMidcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films
Director
Seth MacFarlane
Starring
Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Joel McHale

John Bennett, a man whose childhood wish of bringing his teddy bear to life came true, now must decide between keeping the relationship with the bear or his girlfriend, Lori.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ted?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Ted 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 Ted?

Ted earns 9 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and 10× return.

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

Reception

Is Ted worth watching?

Ted's Midcredits score is the 72nd percentile of all films, from 2M ratings across 6 sources. 68% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

72nd percentile

Better received than 72% of films

80th percentile among Comedy72nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)66th
Approval (how many liked it)76th

66 /100

66th percentile of all films

76th percentile among Comedy66th percentile among 2010s

Critics 62 · Audience 66

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

68% liked it

76th percentile of all films

83rd percentile among Comedy77th percentile among 2010s
68% rated it 7–1032% rated it 1–6

Critics 68% · Audience 73%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 13 wins / 29 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song

99th percentile

2M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 33% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$50M
Opening weekend$54M
Domestic gross$219M
Worldwide gross$549M

Returned 11.0× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Ted is a vulgar, irreverent buddy comedy that wears its Family Guy lineage on its sleeve, delivering exactly the type of crude, pop-culture-soaked humor its premise promises.

Fans praised

  • consistently hilarious with rapid-fire crude jokes
  • surprisingly heartfelt friendship story beneath the raunch
  • seamless CGI and believable interaction with human cast

Detractors panned

  • one-note premise that wears thin after twenty minutes
  • lazy reliance on shock humor without witty setup
  • formulaic rom-com plot with no character growth

What stands out

Effects and spectacle80

CGI bear looks convincing and interacts seamlessly with actors

HumorDivisive65

divisive; fans call it laugh-a-minute, detractors say jokes fall flat and rely on shock

ActingDivisive65

Wahlberg solid as man-child, MacFarlane voices Ted like Peter Griffin, Kunis grounding

DialogueDivisive65

quick-fire one-liners and pop-culture references; detractors call it lazy non-sequiturs

OriginalityDivisive55

novel premise of a living, foul-mouthed teddy bear, but formulaic rom-com execution

PacingDivisive50

strong first act loses steam in second half, dragged-down third-act kidnap plot

CharactersDivisive40

John's arrested development is the point; detractor camp calls them one-dimensional clichés

Plot and storyDivisive30

predictable man-chooses-between-girlfriend-and-best-friend arc

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 35 points higher than women.

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.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Ted 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 gentle and leaves you entertained. 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

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulAbsurd
Heaviest: middle
Raunchy humor
Register
Irreverent · 1% of filmsSatirical · 5% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its absurd premise with a knowing, irreverent wink, never taking itself seriously.
The rideThe film is mostly a light, raucous comedy with sentimental interludes; the most emotionally heavy stretch is the breakup and fight mid-film.
StructureThe story is told straightforwardly from John's childhood to adulthood, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's crude humor and heartwarming resolution leave a fun, lighthearted feeling.
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).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

Why this archetypeThe film follows the buddy comedy structure, with John and Ted's friendship driving the conflict as John must choose between his girlfriend and his immature friend.

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 filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: 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% · 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

Friendship · 9% of filmsComing of age · 5% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about whether a childhood friendship can survive adulthood, and what it costs to grow up.
StanceThe film ultimately celebrates friendship and love while acknowledging that growing up means change.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · hybrid · Walter Murphy
SettingBoston, Massachusetts, with a magical-realist premise
MusicFeatures songs from the 80s and a central karaoke performance of 'All Time High'.

Content guide

Is Ted okay for kids?

R

Ted is rated R: “Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, and some drug use” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (40/100), sexual content at intense (66/100), language at severe (90/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (87/100) and frightening material at mild (22/100). Overall it is heavier than 76% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 34 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland16
  • New ZealandPG
  • JapanR18+
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina16
  • Belgium18
  • BGC
  • Czechia15
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • IS14
  • Israelהותר לבני 14 ומעלה
  • ItalyVM14
  • LTN-16
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway11
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO18+
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • Spain16
  • Sweden11
  • Taiwan18
  • THน 18+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 86% of all filmsHeavier than 76% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 20%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 92%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 96%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 10%

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

The reason to think twice is language, drug and alcohol content, and sexual content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

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 Ted have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ted?

Cast

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

Mark Wahlberg
as John Bennett
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.
Mila Kunis
as Lori Collins
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.
Seth MacFarlane
as Ted
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original SongTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Joel McHale
as Rex
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Giovanni Ribisi
as Donny
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Patrick Warburton
as Guy
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Matt Walsh
as Thomas
Jessica Barth
as Tami-Lynn
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Aedin Mincks
as Robert
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Bill Smitrovich
as Frank
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ted?

Movies like Ted include Ted 2 (2015), Superbad (2007) and The Heat (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films that feel raunchy, and most are films about friendship.

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

All 12 share its story type: buddy comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

2.6K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: buddy comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.