Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Kernel Score: 86% · 13,435 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Released: 2014-10-17
Runtime: 120 minutes
Is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) worth watching?
Worth watching. A bold, darkly funny look at a washed-up actor mounting a Broadway play, shot to look like one continuous take. Michael Keaton is superb, though the style can be showy and the ending divides viewers.
Watch it if you
- like dark comedies about ego and fading fame
- enjoy technical showmanship and long takes
- are interested in backstage theatre drama
Skip it if you
- want a conventional story with a clear ending
- dislike self-absorbed, chatty characters
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A fading actor best known for his portrayal of a popular superhero attempts to mount a comeback by appearing in a Broadway play. As opening night approaches, his attempts to become more altruistic, rebuild his career, and reconnect with friends and family prove more difficult than expected.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Birdman is an R-rated dark comedy-drama about a fading actor's personal unraveling.
- Language: Moderate — Frequent strong profanity typical of an R-rated adult drama.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Some drinking and drug references appear amid the character's breakdown.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
If you liked Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), these are the movies we'd watch next.
- All That Jazz (1979) — 85%: A driven performer's self-destructive show-business dance with mortality.
- The Truman Show (1998) — 94%: Smart comedy-drama about a man trapped in an artificial performance.
- Bullets Over Broadway (1994) — 80%: Backstage comedy about art, ego and Broadway.
- Noises Off... (1992) — 78%: Fast, farcical look at a theatre production falling apart.
- Deconstructing Harry (1997) — 82%: Neurotic writer's messy life turned into dark comedy.
- American Fiction (2023) — 80%: Sharp satire with a frustrated creative at its centre.
Director
Cast
- Michael Keaton as Riggan
- Emma Stone as Sam
- Zach Galifianakis as Jake
- Edward Norton as Mike
- Andrea Riseborough as Laura
- Naomi Watts as Lesley
- Amy Ryan as Sylvia
- Lindsay Duncan as Tabitha
- Merritt Wever as Annie
- Jeremy Shamos as Ralph
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) FAQ
Is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) worth watching?
Worth watching. A bold, darkly funny look at a washed-up actor mounting a Broadway play, shot to look like one continuous take. Michael Keaton is superb, though the style can be showy and the ending divides viewers.
Where can I watch Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?
In the US you can stream Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) OK for kids?
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Birdman is an R-rated dark comedy-drama about a fading actor's personal unraveling.
What movies are like Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?
If you liked Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), try All That Jazz, The Truman Show, Bullets Over Broadway and Noises Off....