Check Google Play Movies availability
Rent or buy
LOADING
MOVIE DECISION GUIDE
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
CAST & DIRECTOR
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. With Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis.
7.4/10
MOVIHERO RATINGWHAT IT'S ABOUT
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.
Watch NowWatch trailer
7.4/10
MOVIHERO RATINGYOUR WATCHLISTA 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 attem…
MAKE THE CALL
Does this belong in your night?
A decision, not a review. Choose the kind of night you want and keep your queue honest.
RELEASE SNAPSHOT
Release snapshot for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).
MoviHero lists October 17, 2014 as the release date for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). Alejandro G. Iñárritu is the listed director. The listed cast includes Michael Keaton as Riggan, Emma Stone as Sam, Zach Galifianakis as Jake, Edward Norton as Mike. A trailer and 5 stills are available on this page.
Release dateOctober 17, 2014
GenresDrama · Comedy
Runtime2h
DirectorAlejandro G. Iñárritu
CastMichael Keaton as Riggan, Emma Stone as Sam, Zach Galifianakis as Jake, Edward Norton as Mike
TrailerAvailable on this page
Images5 stills
BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY
Is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) right for tonight?
Pacing, attention and emotional impact are estimates from the current MoviHero Watch Profile, not verified scene-by-scene reviews.
How much time should I set aside?
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) runs 2h. Allow extra time for breaks.
Is it slow or fast?
The current MoviHero pacing estimate is 5/10: a middle-ground pace.
Is it a good choice when I am tired?
The attention estimate is 4/10. The profile suggests a lower-demand watch, although preferences vary.
How emotionally intense is it?
The emotional-impact estimate is 7/10, suggesting a moderate emotional load. This does not tell you whether the ending is happy or sad.
CHANGE ONE THING
Like this, but...
These share a listed genre with Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). Profile differences are estimates, not a guarantee of the same story or mood.
MOVIE RATING
MoviHero Rating
MoviHero Rating: 7.4/10 from 13,999 votes. Updated Nov 15, 2026.
Rating data supplied by TMDB, shown on a 10-point scale. MoviHero audience ratings are calculated separately from scores submitted here.
MOVIHERO AUDIENCE RATING
What did you think?
Your movie rating. Your audience score.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Check Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) on Google Play Movies or Apple TV Store
Find rental or purchase options. Confirm availability, price and quality in your region on the store.
Check Apple TV Store availability
Rent or buy
Quality isn’t confirmed yet. Check the viewing option on the provider’s site.
OPTION 2
Other ways to watch Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Compare reported U.S. streaming, free, rental and purchase options in one place.
United States
HBO Max Amazon Channel
SubscriptionCheck quality on provider
Price varies by providerWatch on Prime Video
HBO Max
SubscriptionCheck quality on provider
Price varies by providerVisit HBO Max
Amazon Video
RentBuyCheck quality on provider
Price varies by providerRent or buy
WHAT WATCHING IT FEELS LIKE
Watch Profile
Seven estimates of the viewing experience, based on the stored Watch Profile. These are separate from the movie rating and are not verified scene-by-scene assessments.
Pacing5/10
Emotional Impact7/10
Mind-Bending2/10
Scary1/10
Violence3/10
Rewatchability7/10
Attention Required4/10
VIEWER REVIEWS
What viewers say about Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Selected viewer reactions, in their own words. These excerpts reflect individual opinions, not an overall verdict.
Viewer reaction
“This film tells the story of an over-the-hill actor called Riggan Thomson (brilliantly portrayed by Michael Keaton) who was once the star of a superhero…”
Viewer reaction
“First of all, let me say, I like most of movies where Naomi Watts plays & thought this one would be good too, after all…”
Viewer reaction
“I was drawn to watch this film for a couple of reasons.”
More reactions (2)
Viewer reaction
“mounting spontaneity or (dumb luck) It's not fair.”
Viewer reaction
“With his glory days seemingly behind him, former "Birdman" actor "Riggan" (Michael Keaton) is trying to prove he is still an acting force to be…”
Selected review excerpts supplied by TMDB. Opinions belong to their original authors.
A CLOSER LOOK
Stay with the image.
CAST & CREW
The people who make it land.
CHARACTERS IN THIS MOVIE
Follow the character.
Reviewed MoviHero character guides connected to this movie.
otherRigganRiggan in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014), played by Michael Keaton.Open character guide otherSamSam in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014), played by Emma Stone.Open character guide otherJakeJake in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014), played by Zach Galifianakis.Open character guide
SIMILAR GENRES & STORY THEMES
Keep the night going.
7.3/10
MOVIHERO ESTIMATEBetter Than A Shovel
2026·Drama · Comedy
7.3/10
MOVIHERO ESTIMATEChinese Whispers
2026·Drama · Comedy
7.3/10
MOVIHERO ESTIMATEDialling...
2026·Drama · Comedy