8.1
Where can I stream The Iron Giant legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Iron Giant fingerprint
High energy, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Spectacular and tense
- Spectacle8
- Tension7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Heartwarming and deeply moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Wholesome9
- Pathos9
- Hopefulness8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Technology, history, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability9
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and editing
- Music Composition9
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
Energy
HighSpectacular and tense
The Iron Giant is spectacular and tense.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighHeartwarming and deeply moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's heartwarming, deeply moving, and hopeful. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumTechnology, history, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around technology, history, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Futuristic7Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Fantasy6Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout score, cinematography, and editing
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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About
It came from outer space!
In the small town of Rockwell, Maine in October 1957, a giant metal machine befriends a nine-year-old boy and ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices.
Heartbreaking Sci-Fi Fairy TaleCold War ParanoiaFriendship Beyond SpeciesEmotionally ResonantVisual MasterpieceAnti-War AllegoryComing-of-Age DramaTimeless ClassicSweeping Orchestral Score
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Iron Giant
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Iron Giant worth watching?
87
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Iron Giant rated?
PGViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Iron Giant?
1 h 26 min
The Iron Giant runs 1 h 26 min.
Is The Iron Giant based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Iron Giant?
Critics91
Audiences86
Yes. Critics average 91 and audiences 86 out of 100, so both groups see The Iron Giant much the same way.
Was The Iron Giant a box office hit?
Budget$50 million
Box office$23 million
No. It cost about $50 million to make and earned $23 million worldwide, 47% of its budget.
What language is The Iron Giant in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Iron Giant?
76
+62
+62GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Iron Giant in 76 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Iron Giant use?
Sleepless Alarm ClockThe '50sBait-and-SwitchGilligan CutAction PrologueThrowing the DistractionNuclear OptionVillainous Exit DeniedSuddenly ShoutingFallout Shelter FailVillainous BreakdownDistressed Drink Jittersand 240 more
TV Tropes lists 252 storytelling tropes for The Iron Giant, including Sleepless Alarm Clock, The '50s, Bait-and-Switch.