--- title: "Ant-Man" year: 2015 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/ant-man" fi1m_score: 67 critics_score: 64 critics_reviews: 24 published: "2026-09-19T12:04:33.906473+00:00" updated: "2026-09-19T12:04:50.417695+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Ant-Man (2015) Directed by Peyton Reed · 1h 57m · MPA PG-13 · Science Fiction, Adventure, Action **Fi1m score: 67** · Critics 64 from 24 reviews *In a sentence:* Michael Peña tells a story and the entire Marvel machine has to wait for him to finish > Peyton Reed’s shrinking-hero heist is the smallest thing Marvel has made and the better for it, with Paul Rudd’s charm and Michael Peña’s storytelling carrying a script that explains itself too often. Pleasant, funny in patches, and gone by morning. ## Synopsis San Francisco. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a burglar, walks out of prison and loses a job behind an ice-cream counter within a day. His ex-wife Maggie (Judy Greer) and her fiancé, police officer Paxton (Bobby Cannavale), will not let him see his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson) until he pays child support. His old cellmate Luis (Michael Peña) brings him a tip: a rich old man’s house with a safe in the basement. Inside is a suit; Scott puts it on and shrinks to the size of an insect. The old man is Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), who has been watching him. Pym’s former protégé Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) is close to rebuilding the technology at Pym Technologies, and Pym’s daughter Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) works at Cross’s side. ## Review Marvel has made a small film, on purpose. Peyton Reed’s *Ant-Man* takes a burglar, a suit that shrinks him to the size of an insect and a heist, and spends most of its 117 minutes at the height of a skirting board. Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright wrote the story and share the screenplay credit with Paul Rudd and Adam McKay; Wright left before shooting, and most reviews have dwelt on the film he might have made. We are more interested in the one in front of us, which is likeable, funny in patches and explains itself more than it needs to. When Scott Lang first pulls on the suit and drops into his bathtub, the film finds what it is for. Russell Carpenter shoots the shrunken world in macro: the enamel is a white cliff, the running tap a flood, and everything beyond a few millimetres of focus is blur. A nightclub dance floor becomes a field of falling heels. We felt the floor go out from under us in that bathtub, which we did not expect. Michael Peña is the best thing in it. Luis explains how he came by his tips, and the editors, Dan Lebental and Colby Parker, Jr., cut each story as a fast montage in which everyone in it, a wine-bar bore, a security guard, a gallery owner, mouths Luis’s own words in Luis’s own rhythm. We laughed harder at the second of these than at anything else, and felt a small drop every time it cut back to the basement briefings. David Dastmalchian, as the crew’s hacker Kurt, gets about three jokes and lands them. Rudd plays Scott as a man who apologises while robbing you, and it works. Michael Douglas gives Hank Pym a dry, sour authority, a man who has been right for decades and is tired of saying so. Evangeline Lilly’s Hope van Dyne is written as the person who ought to be in the suit and is not; the film knows this and does almost nothing about it, so she spends the film at Douglas’s shoulder looking annoyed. Corey Stoll’s Darren Cross is bald, sleek and aggrieved that his mentor never loved him, and that is the whole of him. Shepherd Frankel builds two worlds: Pym’s tall old San Francisco house of dark wood and brass with a laboratory in the basement, and Pym Technologies, all glass and white light, a building without a cobweb. Sammy Sheldon’s suit has a leather-look helmet, dials on the belt and a red that has been worn in, so it looks like something built in a garage long ago. Christophe Beck’s brassy caper theme says heist rather than war, and it is the right note; his swells in the last half hour sound like everyone else’s. The first hour is mostly people telling other people how the suit works. There is a prologue with a younger Douglas, a scene in which Pym explains the suit, a scene in which Hope explains the ants, and a scene in which Pym explains the ants again. Scott is sent to fetch a part from a warehouse and finds Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) guarding it, and for ten minutes the film is an advertisement for larger films. Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson) and Maggie (Judy Greer) give Scott a reason and are then put away; Bobby Cannavale’s Paxton gets one late scene warmer than the writing around it. The last half hour is where the ideas come back. The heist is cleanly cut and easy to follow, and the fight that follows ends up on a child’s bedroom floor, where a toy train is a roaring locomotive until the camera pulls back and it is a toy train again. It is the best joke in the film and a visual one, which is where the jokes belonged. Next to Marvel’s other films it is a relief: one man, one suit, one building. Next to *The Incredible Shrinking Man* (1957), which found dread in a cellar with a cat, it is a pleasant afternoon. Watch it with children of about ten, who will not mind the briefings and will love the bathtub. *Fi1m score 67, published 19 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find Ant-Man a likeable, lightweight entry that benefits from thinking small. Praise clusters around Paul Rudd, whose easy charm carries the film for nearly every reviewer, and Michael Peña, singled out repeatedly as the comic highlight. The size-shifting set pieces draw the warmest notices, in particular the climactic fight among a child’s toys and a model railway. The modest scale is welcomed as a break from world-ending Marvel spectacle. The reservations are about everything around those set pieces. A large group finds the film bland and safe, with heavy exposition, a predictable backstory and nods to the wider franchise that play like advertising; several regret Edgar Wright’s departure and sense his absence in the direction. Slant Magazine adds that the female characters have little to do. The spread is wide: The Wrap finds neither the jokes nor the thrills land, though it admires Michael Douglas’s dry, bitter turn. ### Reviews we read (24) - **Total Film**, Kevin Harley (85/100, inferred): Marvel delivers a fun, fizzy, confident semi-reset with wit, flair, top-notch casting and inventive size gags; it nails the comedy/drama/action balance and set-pieces despite the director change, refreshing the MCU in a super-sized summer. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/ant-man-review/) - **Empire**, Kim Newman (80/100, inferred): It is a breezy, likable superhero heist movie with state-of-the-art shrinking effects, moments of wonder, self-deprecation and solid genre-straddling entertainment, though some supporting characters feel broad. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/ant-man-review/) - **Variety** (80/100, inferred): The review praises the film as an enjoyably scaled-down and genial origin story that succeeds through charm and inventive size-shifting sequences. It singles out the playful Thomas the Tank Engine chase and smaller-scale approach for delight while noting the replacement of Edgar Wright. [Read](https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/ant-man-film-review-1201533883/) - **The AV Club**, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky (B): Ant-Man stands apart from the Marvel pack by being small in scale and offering an enjoyable, intermittently inspired effects-driven comedy that serves as a welcome antidote to over-burdened world-saving stories. Director Peyton Reed manages effects well while navigating competing comic sensibilities in the script. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/ant-man-builds-a-smaller-lighter-marvel-movie-1798184344) - **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (75/100, inferred): The critic celebrates the film as playful and off-center with a light touch that distinguishes it from standard Marvel entries. He singles out Paul Rudd’s charming everyman performance and the vintage sci-fi feel, especially the Thomas the Tank Engine climax, for praise. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-ant-man-review-20150716-column.html) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (70/100, inferred): The film succeeds as a lighter, humorous Marvel entry thanks to Paul Rudd's winning performance and a good cast, despite fundamentally silly story dynamics and elemental family melodrama. It offers a welcome change of scale from typical blockbuster overkill. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/ant-man-film-review-807018/) - **Vulture**, David Edelstein (70/100, inferred): The film plays like a charmingly tacky jet-suit robot picture for kids without the familiar Marvel bloat, thanks to its shrinking hero premise and Paul Rudd's likable performance. It is pleasant but not much more, with limp direction from Peyton Reed. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2015/07/movie-review-marvel-ant-man.html) - **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (2/3/2): The film is a bland Marvel product lacking originality, heart and directorial flair compared to what Edgar Wright might have delivered. It praises Michael Peña's performance as a highlight amid the formulaic execution. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/ant-man) - **Radio Times**, Jeremy Aspinall (3/5): This is a light-hearted adventure with effective laughs from Rudd and Peña plus well-handled size-changing sequences. It notes the film is more jesting than jousting and serves as a stepping stone to larger MCU entries. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-y74coe/antman/) - **Slant Magazine**, Jake Cole (60/100, inferred): The first half is dominated by leaden exposition and shoehorned Marvel continuity references, while the screenplay is largely unfunny and the film finds little purpose for its female characters. Later set pieces, including the climactic bedroom battle, are clever and visually adventurous highlights that subvert typical Marvel structures. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/ant-man/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (60/100, inferred): The film is a reasonably amusing but patchy Marvel adventure whose main appeal lies in the comic potential of its hero's size-shifting gimmick. The critic notes some clever sequences and wit but finds the result uneven, with wasted talent and tiresome cross-promotion of other Marvel properties. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jul/16/ant-man-review-paul-rudd-marvel) - **Time Out**, David Ehrlich (3/5): The film is too bland and safe overall, with an Edgar Wright-sized hole in its execution that leaves it inoffensive but unmemorable. It praises the small-scale approach as a reminder of the people underneath the spandex. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/ant-man) - **Evening Standard**, David Sexton (50/100, inferred): The miniature set pieces and effects are fun and inventive, but the film is slow and wearisome until the virtuoso final scene; the core idea is not strong enough and the father-daughter themes feel forced within the relentless Marvel machine. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/antman-film-review-size-matters-10396217.html) - **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (50/100, inferred): The critic views the film as a passable but unremarkable Marvel sidebar that relies on whimsical humor and scale play while serving corporate franchise needs. He singles out the cartoonish whimsy for occasional amusement but faults the origin-story obligations and overall drone-like execution. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/17/movies/review-ant-man-with-paul-rudd-adds-to-a-superhero-infestation.html) - **Screen Daily** (45/100, inferred): The film is a mediocre action-adventure that only intermittently proves exciting, hilarious or touching and never at once. It struggles to escape the shadow of bigger, bolder Marvel movies despite Rudd's charm. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/ant-man-review/5090073.article) - **The Independent**, Geoffrey Macnab (40/100, inferred): The film is seen as insubstantial lightweight fare compared to bigger Marvel entries, with traces of self-mocking humour but unsure tone, laborious exposition, thin characters and superficial performances. It is called more an hors-d’oeuvre than a full meal. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/antman-movie-review-paul-rudds-superhero-is-so-insubstantial-he-cant-compete-with-marvel-rivals-10378050.html) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (80/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a hoot that is at times laugh-out-loud funny and never takes itself too seriously. He singles out Paul Rudd’s comic sensibilities and light touch in the title role for praise, along with the special effects and director Peyton Reed hitting the right tone. [Read](https://deadline.com/2015/07/ant-man-review-paul-rudd-michael-douglas-video-marvel-1201473445/) - **Digital Spy**, Simon Reynolds (4/5): It's a hugely entertaining superhero comedy and refreshing break from Marvel formula, praising Rudd's performance and humor woven into action set pieces while noting some awkward MCU integration moments. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a654152/ant-man-review-paul-rudd-experiences-significant-shrinkage-in-a-hugely-entertaining-movie/) - **HeyUGuys**, Nathan McVay (4/5): The film succeeds as a light-hearted heist comedy within the MCU, delivering laughs, inventive action, and strong performances from its cast. It stands out for its playful tone and originality in the franchise despite following the usual formula. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/ant-man-review/) - **Den of Geek**, James Hunt (4 out of 5): The critic calls it one of Marvel's pretty good days, praising its tight script, heist structure, Michael Peña's performance, and inventive direction by Peyton Reed. They note it leaves you wanting more Ant-Man. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/ant-man-review-2/) - **The Playlist**, The Playlist Staff (C+): The retooled film feels like a conventional, slightly anonymous MCU entry after Edgar Wright's departure, hampered by heavy exposition and safe choices. It offers some witty sequences and fun moments but remains a minor, milder effort overall. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-ant-man-starring-paul-rudd-michael-douglas-evangeline-lilly-michael-pena-corey-stoll-more-20150716/) - **NME**, Nick Levine (3/5): A consistently entertaining and likeable popcorn flick with nifty visuals and light relief from Michael Peña, but it often feels formulaic due to an obvious backstory and predictable romantic subplot. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-various-artists-16162-313003) - **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (C): The critic likes the idea of a heist film with an emotional father-daughter core but finds it falls drastically short due to dull characters and stale plot beats. Moments of offbeat humor and micro-verse visuals stand out, along with Michael Peña's performance, but the film is ultimately inoffensive and safe. [Read](https://collider.com/ant-man-review-paul-rudd/) - **The Wrap** (30/100, inferred): The critic finds that the jokes don’t land and the thrills don’t thrill in this pedestrian superhero saga. He singles out Michael Douglas’ dryly witty and convincingly bitter performance, along with the execution of the heist sequence, for praise amid broader complaints about the script and lack of charm. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/ant-man-review-paul-rudd-michael-douglas-evangeline-lilly-mcu/) ## Details - **Director:** Peyton Reed - **Director:** Peyton Reed - **Screenplay:** Adam McKay, Paul Rudd, Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish - **Story:** Joe Cornish, Edgar Wright - **Cinematography:** Russell Carpenter - **Editor:** Dan Lebental, Colby Parker, Jr. - **Music:** Christophe Beck - **Production design:** Shepherd Frankel - **Costume design:** Sammy Sheldon - **Producer:** Kevin Feige - **Cast:** Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man; Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym; Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne; Corey Stoll as Darren Cross / Yellowjacket; Bobby Cannavale as Paxton; Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Falcon; Judy Greer as Maggie Lang; Abby Ryder Fortson as Cassie Lang - **Runtime:** 1h 57m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13 - **Release (the US):** 17 July 2015 - **Genres:** Science Fiction, Adventure, Action - **Budget:** $130 million - **Box office:** $519 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWdKf3MneyI ## Where to watch in the US - Disney+: streaming, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Apple TV: rent $5.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, hd - Apple TV: buy $19.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-19.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - BAFTA Film Awards 2016: Best Special Visual Effects (nominated) - Critics' Choice Awards 2016: Best Actor in an Action Movie (nominated) - Empire Award for Best Comedy 2016: Empire Award for Best Comedy (nominated) - Empire Award for Best Visual Effects 2016: Empire Award for Best Visual Effects (nominated) - MTV Movie Award for Best Hero 2016: MTV Movie Award for Best Hero (nominated) - Saturn Awards 2016: Best Actor (nominated); Best Director (nominated); Best Editing (nominated); Best Supporting Actor (nominated); Best Supporting Actress (nominated); Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture (won) - Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Movie Star: Female 2015: Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Movie Star: Female (nominated) - Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Movie Star: Male 2015: Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Movie Star: Male (nominated) ## If you liked this - *The Incredible Shrinking Man* (1957): The shrinking film this one is politely borrowing from, with real dread in the cellar. - *Innerspace* (1987): Dennis Quaid miniaturised inside Martin Short; the same joke, told with more nerve. - *Rififi* (1955): The heist done properly, in near silence, in Paris, with no suit at all. - *Attack the Block* (2011), Fi1m 84: Joe Cornish directing his own script, so you can hear what went missing here. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/attack-the-block.md) - *Ant-Man and the Wasp* (2018), Fi1m 68: The sequel finally puts Evangeline Lilly in a suit and is lighter for it. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ant-man-and-the-wasp.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/ant-man