Power Ballad

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1:48

Power Ballad

R

Jun 2026

1h 38m

Comedy

Drama

Music

Musical

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Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

178 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

250+ Verified Ratings

When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick's songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves -- even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.

Critics Consensus

Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas prove to be harmonious screen partners in Power Ballad, a mellow dramedy that acknowledges the allure and pitfalls of stardom with equal measures of grace.

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Audience Says

Amplified by Paul Rudd’s endlessly rewatchable performance, Power Ballad may follow a by-the-notes script but ultimately hits the right chords where it counts.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

Jun 21

4/5

You never doubt the sincerity of Carney’s movies and the earnestness of their emotions. But all of that crumbles if the music doesn’t deliver.

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Ty Burr

Ty Burr's Watch List (Substack)

Jun 15

3/4

Somehow, Carney has it both ways with the ending, giving Rick the resolution he doubtless would have in real life – and the graciousness to accept it – while giving the audience what they want as well. I was perversely impressed by that.

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Annie Berke

The New Republic

Jun 8

Diverting but not unforgettable, Power Ballad is lovely—but would I wanna hear it again?

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Sean P. Means

The Movie Cricket

1d

3/4

What keeps "Power Ballad" energized is Rudd, who deploys his good-natured persona and brings just a bit of edge to it. He also, it turns out, has a passable singing voice.

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Graeme Tuckett

The Post NZ

1d

4/5

Power Ballad is a well put-together yarn. It is funny as hell at times, but there's a bit of grit and substance to it too.

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Marta Medina Pérez

mundoCine

3d

2.5/5

It leaves a pleasant feeling while it lasts, but like those ephemeral summer hits, it ends up forgotten. It is no smash hit, and it is certainly far from being John Carney's best record. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Greg

Jun 23

Could have been so much better. Too much “I did”. Then “We don’t remember”. Over and over again. Best character was his best friend. Always had his back. Always believed him. Everyone should have someone like that in their life.

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Derek Allen

Jun 18

Didn’t know if you wanted to be a comedy or musical, but I felt like Paul Rudd could’ve had a better ending with that song situation and it kind of felt like it. I felt like a cliché watching it.

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Max T

Jun 18

The first feel-good movie I’ve seen this year!

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Brad Lane

Jun 18

It was a great movie! I loved the ending.

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Big Fish F

Jun 17

Sweet movie with a “make it all worthwhile“ ending.

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John

Jun 17

overall I enjoyed the film. it has heart and some funny moments. I couldn't stand the main song, which is an ad nauseum repeat of the chorus that you get to hear over and over and over with a very generic pop ballad of a song, but remove that and it's a decent flick.

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John Carney

Director

Paul Rudd

Rick

Nick Jonas

Danny

Jack Reynor

Mac

Havana Rose Liu

Marcia

Rory Keenan

Binzer

Power Ballad: Movie Clip - That's My Song

0:46

Power Ballad: Movie Clip - We Could Finish This

0:49

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Power Ballad: Exclusive Featurette - Demo to Finish in Grasslodge

1:21

Power Ballad: Exclusive Featurette - Meet Rick

0:44

Power Ballad: Trailer 2

1:48

Power Ballad: Trailer 1

1:15

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Synopsis

When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick's songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves -- even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.

Director: John Carney
Producer: Anthony Bregman, John Carney, Peter Cron, Rebecca O'Flanagan, Robert Walpole
Screenwriter: Peter McDonald, John Carney
Distributor: Lionsgate
Production Co: Screen Ireland, Likely Story, Treasure Entertainment, Distressed Films, 30West
Rating: R (Some Drug Use|Language Throughout)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music, Musical
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 5, 2026, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 23, 2026
Runtime: 1h 38m