4.8
Where can I stream Howard the Duck 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.
Howard the Duck
1986·Movie
Howard the Duck fingerprint
Funny, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Spectacle5
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Hopefulness6
- Romance5
Humor
Some cringe comedy and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Cringe Humor7
- Absurdist Humor7
- Situational Comedy6
World
Kept in the background
- Novelty7
- World Immersion6
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting6
- Direction5
- Narrative Structure5
Style
Functional look and sound
- Music Composition6
- Music Centrality6
- Cinematography5
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Howard the Duck is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos2Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy1Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Humor
HighSome cringe comedy and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some cringe comedy and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor7Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor7Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
All world traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Futuristic6Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
- Contemporary Realism5Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Tech & Humanity5Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
LowSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Direction5Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure5Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth4Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography5Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchPure Escapism
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
More adventure than humanly possible.
A scientific experiment unknowingly brings extraterrestrial life forms to the Earth through a laser beam. First is the cigar-smoking drake, Howard, from the duck's planet. A few kids try to keep him from the greedy scientists and help him back to his planet, but then a much less friendly being arrives through the beam...
Cult Classic Comedy80s Sci-Fi AbsurdityAnthropomorphic ProtagonistCampy & QuirkyUnique PremiseNostalgic CuriosityAlien InvasionMusical ElementsCheesy Fun
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 Howard the Duck
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Howard the Duck worth watching?
34
BadGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 34/100 (IMDb 4.8, Rotten Tomatoes 14%, and Metacritic 28). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Howard the Duck rated?
PGSexual contentStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Howard the Duck?
1 h 50 min
Howard the Duck runs 1 h 50 min.
Is Howard the Duck based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a comic.
Do critics and audiences agree on Howard the Duck?
Critics21
Audiences45
Not quite. Audiences rate Howard the Duck higher (45) than critics (21). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Howard the Duck a box office hit?
Budget$37 million
Box office$38 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $37 million to make and earned $38 million worldwide, 1.0 times its budget.
What language is Howard the Duck in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Howard the Duck?
68
+54
+54GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Howard the Duck in 68 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Howard the Duck use?
Ms. FanserviceStarring Special EffectsEar AcheThe Mountains of IllinoisCampGoofy Print UnderwearNear-Miss Groin AttackNon-Mammal MammariesCovers Always LieBig BadNovelizationSatanic Archetypeand 38 more
TV Tropes lists 50 storytelling tropes for Howard the Duck, including Ms. Fanservice, Starring Special Effects, Ear Ache.