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Troop Zero

Troop Zero

Show the universe who you truly are.

201994 minPGMidcredits score: 77th percentile of all films
Directors
Bertie Ellwood, Amber Templemore
Starring
Mckenna Grace, Viola Davis, Jim Gaffigan, Allison Janney

In rural 1977 Georgia, a misfit girl dreams of life in outer space. When a national competition offers her a chance at her dream, to be recorded on NASA’s Golden Record, she recruits a makeshift troupe of Birdie Scouts, forging friendships that last a lifetime and beyond.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Troop Zero?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Troop Zero streaming on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Troop Zero?

Troop Zero earns 6 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Hopeful.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Troop Zero worth watching?

Troop Zero's Midcredits score is the 77th percentile of all films, from 38K ratings across 6 sources. 68% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

77th percentile

Better received than 77% of films

84th percentile among Comedy77th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)75th
Approval (how many liked it)76th

69 /100

75th percentile of all films

84th percentile among Comedy74th percentile among 2010s

Critics 58 · Audience 70

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.1 — 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 69% · Audience 75%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 3 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

90th percentile

38K ratings across platforms

89th percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 24% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Troop Zero is a sweet, formulaic underdog story about misfit kids coming together to pursue a dream.

Fans praised

  • Mckenna Grace's charismatic performance anchors the film
  • Heartwarming, feel-good underdog story with emotional impact
  • Strong cast chemistry, especially Viola Davis and Allison Janney

Detractors panned

  • Predictable, cliché-ridden plot with no originality
  • Forced Southern accents and inauthentic period details
  • Cringeworthy, over-the-top climax scene with group urination

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

Mckenna Grace delivers charming lead; Viola Davis and Allison Janney bring gravitas

CharactersDivisive65

Endearing misfit troop but some find characters one-dimensional stereotypes

Emotional impactDivisive65

Heartwarming and tear-jerking for many; others find it manipulative and unearned

HumorDivisive50

Quirky and charming to fans; detractors find jokes fall flat

Plot and storyDivisive45

Predictable underdog formula; detractors call it boring and directionless

EndingDivisive40

Polarizing climax with group urination; some find it touching, others repulsive

PacingDivisive40

Slow start; drags in middle with underwhelming payoff

Originality30

Heavily derivative of Bad News Bears, Little Miss Sunshine, and Wes Anderson

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 17 points higher than men.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 11 points higher than under-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 19 points higher than critics.

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

  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Troop Zero 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 gentle, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulWarmJoyful
Heaviest: throughout
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its sentimental, underdog story completely straight, embracing the earnest emotions of its young misfits without irony or self-consciousness.
The rideThe film maintains a steady, lighthearted yet uplifting tone, with the emotional peak reserved for the competition climax and its aftermath, but the warmth is constant.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional chronological order: Christmas conceives the idea, builds her troop, trains for the competition, and faces the climactic event.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you believing that misfits can find belonging and achieve something meaningful, and you walk away smiling from the warmth and underdog spirit.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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).Quest
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 archetypeChristmas assembles a scout troop to compete for a place on NASA's Golden Record, a mission that outwardly is a contest but inwardly transforms her and her fellow misfits. The journey toward the competition reshapes them, making this a pilgrimage-driven quest with a rebirth undercurrent.

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

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsFriendship · 9% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% 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 themeChristmas Flint's drive to be on the Golden Record is a search for meaning and validation, and the film shows how that purpose is anchored by the unexpected bonds she forms.
StanceThe film celebrates the value of pursuing one's dreams and the power of friendship to uplift misfits.

The world

Late 20th centuryRuralInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · hybrid · Rob Lord
SettingRural Georgia, 1977, a poor small town with a birdie scout troop and a school.
MusicThe score blends gentle orchestral themes with period pop songs to evoke late-1970s nostalgia and heartfelt optimism.

Content guide

Is Troop Zero okay for kids?

PG

Troop Zero is rated PG: “Rated PG for thematic elements, language, and smoking throughout” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (6/100), sexual content at minimal (8/100), language at moderate (48/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at minimal (9/100). Overall it is heavier than 49% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • Canada18A
  • Netherlands16
  • Sweden15
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 14% of all filmsHeavier than 49% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 5%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 10%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 89%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 87%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 6%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 89% of PG-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 Troop Zero have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Troop Zero?

Cast

4 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Mckenna Grace
as Christmas Flint
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Viola Davis
as Miss Rayleen
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.
Jim Gaffigan
as Ramsey Flint
Allison Janney
as Miss Massey
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.
Charlie Shotwell
as Joseph
Milan Elizabeth Ray
as Hell-No Price
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Johanna Colón
as Smash
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Bella Higginbotham
as Anne-Claire
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Mike Epps
as Dwayne Champaign
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Ashley Brooke
as Piper Keller
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Troop Zero?

Movies like Troop Zero include Renaissance Man (1994), The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) and The Yellow Handkerchief (2008). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in the rural American South, and half are films about friendship.

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

9 of these 12 share its praise for acting. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Troop Zero?

3.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: child. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.