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Drama

Rule Breakers (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Rule Breakers (2025) movie poster

Rule Breakers is a 2025 drama directed by Bill Guttentag, starring Nikohl Boosheri as Roya Mahboob, Noorin Gulamgaus and Amber Afzali. It runs 2 hours and earned $3 million worldwide on a $8 million budget. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
80%
worldwide gross
$3M
Echo Score
78
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Rule Breakers (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h (120 min)
Director
Bill Guttentag
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Budget
$8M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Rule Breakers About?

The premise of Rule Breakers without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In a country where educating girls is considered an act of rebellion, a woman defies convention to inspire young minds. Their groundbreaking work gains international recognition, bringing hope and attracting opposition. Faced with increasing threats and personal sacrifices, their determination and solidarity fuel a movement with the potential to reshape society.

Rule Breakers Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • women
  • young
  • coming of age drama
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Cast & crew

Rule Breakers Cast & Characters

Nikohl Boosheri leads the cast as Roya Mahboob, with Noorin Gulamgaus as Ali Mahboob and Amber Afzali as Esin. Directed by Bill Guttentag; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Rule Breakers

· 16 more
From the director

More from Bill Guttentag

More films directed by Bill Guttentag, best-rated first: Nanking, Soundtrack for a Revolution, Knife Fight and Only the Dead.

Full filmography
Ratings

Rule Breakers Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Rule Breakers 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (70).

78 /100

Rule Breakers Echo Score Breakdown

Rule Breakers offers an uplifting account of women overcoming social constraints, anchored by a resonant thematic core. The narrative draws on real events to deliver a moving portrayal of perseverance, supported by commendable performances and a dynamic musical score. While its message-driven approach occasionally lapses into formulaic plotting and broad platitudes, the film maintains engagement through its heartfelt tone and spirited pacing. Overall, it stands as a satisfying yet conventional drama that underscores the value of determination and equal opportunities.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of Art & Craft, the film delivers functional visual presentation with occasional inventive framing. Cinematography offers clear compositions and moments of clever shot design, while production design and editing remain serviceable yet unobtrusive. Direction tends toward straightforward staging without distinctive flair. Altogether, the visual craft supports the story competently but rarely surprises.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    In terms of character and emotion, the film benefits from committed performances that elicit genuine empathy. The cast delivers earnest portrayals and solid chemistry, particularly among the team members. However, character development remains uneven, with limited backstory and occasional reliance on broad archetypes. Overall, the emotional impact is sincere but constrained by a lack of deeper nuance.

  • Story & Flow 70

    When it comes to story and flow, the narrative delivers an inspiring underdog arc rooted in real events. Pacing is measured, building momentum through key challenges, yet the structure adheres closely to genre conventions. Plot progression sometimes feels predictable and the thematic emphasis borders on heavy-handed. Overall, the story is engaging but familiar in its execution.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film is elevated by an energetic musical score that underscores its emotional peaks. Sound design remains clear, supporting dialogue and ambient environment without intrusion. Visual style maintains consistency with an understated color palette and practical effects. Altogether, the audio-visual elements create a cohesive backdrop that complements the narrative.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    In terms of rewatch potential, the film’s inspirational themes and factual basis encourage repeat viewings for audiences seeking motivational content. Its earnest tone and straightforward storytelling provide reliable emotional uplift, though predictable plot beats may lessen novelty on subsequent watches. Ultimately, the lasting appeal hinges on its subject matter more than surprise elements.

Plot

Rule Breakers Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Rule Breakers from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Rule Breakers is an inspiring and empowering documentary that chronicles the journey of a group of young Afghan women as they courageously defy societal norms, navigate personal and political obstacles, and chase their dreams in the innovative realm of robotics. Set against the intricate social and political backdrop of Afghanistan, this film highlights the tenacity and determination of these girls as they unite to compete in an international robotics competition—determined to succeed against all odds.

Full summary

The whole story of Rule Breakers, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Rule Breakers Box Office & Budget

Rule Breakers grossed $3 million worldwide on a $8 million budget, 37% of what it cost. $3 million came from the US and Canada and $28,084 (1%) from the rest of the world.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$3M

37% of its budget back

US & Canada
$3M
International
$28.1K
Budget
$8M
US & Canada 99% Rest of the world 1%
Videos

Rule Breakers Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 clip.

Rule Breakers | Official Trailer | In Theaters Mar 7 | Angel Studios
  • Clip Is EVERYONE Okay?
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Rule Breakers?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the visionary leader of the team in 'Rule Breakers'?

Details

Rule Breakers Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “Rompiendo Reglas” and “룰 브레이커스”.

Also known as
  • Rompiendo Reglas
  • 룰 브레이커스
  • Нарушители правил
  • Quebrando Regras
  • قانون شکنان
  • 規則破壞者
  • 逾矩之人

Seen Rule Breakers?

FAQ

Rule Breakers FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Rule Breakers, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Rule Breakers?

Rule Breakers runs 2 hours (120 minutes).

When was Rule Breakers released?

Rule Breakers was released on March 7, 2025.

Who directed Rule Breakers?

Rule Breakers was directed by Bill Guttentag.

More films by Bill Guttentag

Who is in the cast of Rule Breakers?

Rule Breakers stars Nikohl Boosheri as Roya Mahboob, Noorin Gulamgaus as Ali Mahboob and Amber Afzali as Esin, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Rule Breakers make at the box office?

Rule Breakers grossed $3 million worldwide ($3 million domestic, $28,084 international) on a budget of $8 million.

How is Rule Breakers rated?

Rule Breakers has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 76% on TMDB.

Does Rule Breakers have a post-credit scene?

No. Rule Breakers has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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