Power Ballad

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1:48

Power Ballad

R

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1h 38m

Comedy

Drama

Music

Musical

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

134 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

50+ 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.

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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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Thelma Adams

AARP Movies for Grownups

17h

4/5

Together, Rick and Danny can make beautiful music; Power Ballad finds the harmony, heartbreak and ultimate rocking redemption in their collaboration.

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Linda Holmes

Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR Podcast)

18h

This is a very good film about how important it is to creative people, to artists, to make something good. And how hard it is to convince yourself that you have made something good.

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Adam Graham

Detroit News

19h

C

It's a quick pass at a pop song, but not one of Carney's greatest hits. Consider it a B-side, only for the superfans.

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John Urbancich

JMuvies

2h

3.5/5

As in all of Carney's dream-chasing films, music becomes integral to the rich narrative. The title-driven "How to Write a Song Without You," sung by both Jonas and the surprising, voice-agile Rudd, might just have a Best Song nomination in its future.

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Ray Pride

Newcity

18h

8/10

All telegraphese and smiles... it’s fairytale as shapely entertainment... Rudd, he of the unimaginably wrecked portrait stored out back, runs through his understated starriness with kindly small joys.

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Ben Wasserman

Film-Forward.com

18h

B+

Don’t go into the movie expecting a Social Network–style court battle or even a petty prank war. Instead, director John Carney is far more interested in exploring the kind of fulfillment his leads hope to find through songwriting.

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Kathleen M

4h

Loved the movie! Hard to NOT like any movie with Paul Rudd ! Nick Jonas is also a great entertainer and the two of them together made it a great movie. I also love this song!

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Ann D

11h

The storyline was good and it was a great movie. Loved it!

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Maya

12h

Didn’t think it would be good cuz it kinda seemed boring but it was actually sooo entertaining!!! Love!!!

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Phylis N

12h

Wonderfully entertaining. Funny, uplifting - and great music!

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abthatsme

13h

Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas were intensely real and entertaining from start to finish. Loved the 80’s /90’s/00’s blend of vibes. Fun bops made it even better! I’m so happy I kicked off my summer with this wonderful movie 😍

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James D

13h

One of my favorites of the year so far. Beautiful, funny, heartwarming, and brought a tear. Paul Rudd is amazing in this.

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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 - 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
Runtime: 1h 38m