Power Ballad (2026)
Power Ballad is a 2026 comedy movie directed by John Carney and Peter McDonald, with a running time of 1h 39m. It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas and Peter McDonald.
Rick is a wedding singer whose best years feel behind him, working receptions in Ireland and nursing songs nobody has heard. A gig throws him together with Danny, a boy-band star whose own fame is fading, and a late-night jam becomes an unlikely friendship. Then Danny records one of Rick's songs and it turns into the hit that saves his career, not Rick's. John Carney, who made Once and Sing Street, returns to his usual territory of ordinary people and the music that carries them. Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas lead a comedy with a bruised heart.
Quick answers
What is Power Ballad about?
Rick is a wedding singer whose best years feel behind him, working receptions in Ireland and nursing songs nobody has heard. A gig throws him together with Danny, a boy-band star whose own fame is fading, and a late-night jam becomes an unlikely friendship. Then Danny records one of Rick's songs and it turns into the hit that saves his career, not Rick's. John Carney, who made Once and Sing Street, returns to his usual territory of ordinary people and the music that carries them. Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas lead a comedy with a bruised heart.
When was Power Ballad released?
Power Ballad was released on 18 May 2026.
How long is Power Ballad?
Power Ballad runs 1h 39m.
Who made Power Ballad?
Power Ballad was directed by John Carney, Peter McDonald and Gary Clark.
Where can I watch Power Ballad?
Power Ballad is available on Amazon, AppleTV and Fandango at Home.
Where to watch Power Ballad
Rent: Amazon, AppleTV, Fandango at Home
Buy: Fandango at Home
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A few thoughts on Power Ballad
John Carney fans should hear the soundtrack to Once, whose busking ballads set the template for his whole career. For the comedy of men taking their band far too seriously, Tenacious D plays rock stardom as glorious delusion, and Bo Burnham's Inside (The Songs) mines the same seam of funny, aching songwriting.
Small, warm films about ordinary people chasing one good song
Rick's whole story is one ordinary guy hoping a single good song is enough, and John Carney knows that feeling better than anyone: Once and Flora and Son both find music inside cramped rooms and broke bank accounts. Coda follows a family chasing the same shaky dream, and The Forty-Year-Old Version watches someone claw back a creative life everyone assumed had already passed her by.
Movies where someone else becomes the star off your song
Danny turns Rick's song into the hit that saves his own career, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch carries the same sting: a former lover steals the songs and the spotlight outright. Rock Star and Grace of My Heart trace who profits from a hook someone else wrote, Killing Bono watches a friend's band eclipse your own, and Danny Collins counts the cost once the applause moves on.