Skip to content
MovieCove
The Beach

The Beach

Somewhere on this planet it must exist.

2000119 minRMidcredits score: 64th percentile of all films
Director
Danny Boyle
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio, Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume Canet, Tilda Swinton

Twenty-something Richard travels to Thailand and finds himself in possession of a strange map. Rumours state that it leads to a solitary beach paradise, a tropical bliss - excited and intrigued, he sets out to find it.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Beach?

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

Subscription

New

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Beach?

The Beach earns 9 badges, led by Visual feast and Guilty pleasure.

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

Reception

Is The Beach worth watching?

The Beach's Midcredits score is the 64th percentile of all films, from 526K ratings across 6 sources. 60% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

64th percentile

Better received than 64% of films

72nd percentile among Adventure61st percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)59th
Approval (how many liked it)66th

64 /100

59th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Adventure58th percentile among 2000s

Critics 43 · Audience 65

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

60% liked it

66th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Adventure63rd percentile among 2000s
60% rated it 7–1040% rated it 1–6

Critics 21% · Audience 57%

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

Awards

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

98th percentile

525K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Adventure96th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 137% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$50M
Opening weekend$15M
Domestic gross$40M
Worldwide gross$144M

Returned 2.9× its budget — 91st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually beautiful film about a secret island community that starts as a paradise fantasy but descends into psychological and social breakdown.

Fans praised

  • stunning Thailand locations and cinematography
  • thought-provoking themes about paradise and human nature
  • strong Leonardo DiCaprio performance

Detractors panned

  • muddled plot that loses focus in the second half
  • underdeveloped characters with shallow motivations
  • pretentious tone that overreaches its themes

What stands out

Cinematography85

gorgeous Thai island scenery and lush visuals

AtmosphereDivisive75

effective paradise-to-hell shift in tone

ActingDivisive65

DiCaprio solid but divisive; Swinton and Carlyle praised

TensionDivisive60

shark attack and drug-farmer scenes create suspense

Plot and storyDivisive35

loses coherence and momentum in second half

Pacing35

dragging middle and rushed descent into madness

CharactersDivisive30

underwritten and unsympathetic, especially Richard

Ending30

unsatisfying and abrupt resolution

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 14 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 18 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users even

Watch experience

What is The Beach 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 and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseElegiacMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Dark humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsDreamlike · 2% of films: Logic gives way to atmosphere and association.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneDanny Boyle films the paradise premise with sincere, glossy glamour, letting the lush fantasy curdle into a nightmare without ever winking at it.
The rideThe island's idyllic surface cracks midway into paranoia and violence, sustaining tension through the final act.
StructureTold in conventional chronological order as Richard discovers the island, is absorbed into the commune, and watches it fall apart.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe image of the shattered paradise lingers, leaving a mix of unease about the hollow dream of escape and a gently wistful memory of what it briefly was.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).VoyageDescent
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% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1% (this title)
  • 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%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Descent: A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).

4% of films fit this archetype

with Tragedy underneath

Why this archetypeRichard's search for a secret paradise leads him into an idyllic community that slowly reveals its brutality, a night-journey into a beautiful underworld that curdles into madness and cruelty.

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 filmsSelfCorruption
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • 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%

Power

Corruption · 3% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Freedom · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film watches a self-declared paradise curdle as fear, secrecy and one person's control corrode the idealism of a hidden island commune.
StanceThe film critically examines the ideal of a utopian escape, showing how the community's exclusivity and rules lead to moral decay.

The world

ContemporaryWildernessRuralRealistic
ElectronicOrchestral modernSupportive music · hybrid · Angelo Badalamenti
SettingA hidden island commune in the Gulf of Thailand
MusicBadalamenti's score blends ethereal synth textures with ominous undertones, mirroring the island's allure and danger.

Content guide

Is The Beach okay for kids?

R

The Beach is rated R: “Rated R for violence, some strong sexuality, language and drug content” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (83/100), sexual content at moderate (53/100), language at intense (70/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at intense (65/100). Overall it is heavier than 72% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil16
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • Greece15
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB
  • MY18PL
  • Netherlands12
  • PhilippinesR-18
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO18
  • SingaporeM18
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan12+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 83% of all filmsHeavier than 72% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 69%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 60%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 56%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 86%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 55%

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

Heavy almost across the board: violence, language, drug and alcohol content, and frightening material. 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 The Beach have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Beach?

Cast

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

Leonardo DiCaprio
as Richard
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.
Virginie Ledoyen
as Françoise
Guillaume Canet
as Étienne
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Tilda Swinton
as Sal
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Staffan Kihlbom Thor
as Christo
Paterson Joseph
as Keaty
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Peter Youngblood Hills
as Zeph
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Robert Carlyle
as Daffy
Jerry Swindall
as Sammy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lars Arentz-Hansen
as Bugs
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 The Beach?

Movies like The Beach include Indochine (1992), City of Ghosts (2002) and Satyricon (1969). Of the 11 closest matches, two are films written by Alex Garland, and several are downward-spiral stories.

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

9 of these 11 share its world: wilderness. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Beach?

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