6.8
Where can I stream Year of the Dragon 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.
Year of the Dragon
1985·Movie
Year of the Dragon fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Brutally violent and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Violence9
- Adrenaline8
- Tension8
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor5
- Satire & Parody3
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighBrutally violent and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
Year of the Dragon is brutally violent, thrilling, and tense.
All energy traits
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMelancholic
Emotionally, it's melancholic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, crime, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers you
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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
It isn't the Bronx or Brooklyn, it isn't even New York. It's Chinatown... and it's about to explode.
In New York, racist Capt. Stanley White becomes obsessed with destroying a Chinese-American drug ring run by Joey Tai, an up-and-coming young gangster as ambitious as he is ruthless. While pursuing an unauthorized investigation, White grows increasingly willing to violate police protocol, resorting to progressively violent measures -- even as his concerned wife, Connie, and his superiors beg him to consider the consequences of his actions.
Gritty Crime DramaRacial TensionNew York CityMoral AmbiguityViolent UnderworldPolitical CorruptionPsychological ComplexityBleak RealismSocial CommentaryTense Atmosphere
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Year of the Dragon
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Year of the Dragon worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 55%, and Metacritic 58). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Year of the Dragon rated?
RViolenceStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is Year of the Dragon?
2 h 14 min
Year of the Dragon runs 2 h 14 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Year of the Dragon?
Critics57
Audiences63
Yes. Critics average 57 and audiences 63 out of 100, so both groups see Year of the Dragon much the same way.
Was Year of the Dragon a box office hit?
Budget$24 million
Box office$19 million
No. It cost about $24 million to make and earned $19 million worldwide, 78% of its budget.
What language is Year of the Dragon in?
EnglishChinesePolishVietnamese
It was made in English, with some Chinese, Polish, Vietnamese. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Year of the Dragon?
102
+88
+88GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Year of the Dragon in 102 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Year of the Dragon use?
Politically Incorrect VillainThe Film of the BookAwful Wedded LifeDefiant to the EndBookendsAlliterative NameDirty CopBoom, Headshot!Tagline"The Reason You Suck" SpeechMemorial for the AntagonistMob Warand 25 more
TV Tropes lists 37 storytelling tropes for Year of the Dragon, including Politically Incorrect Villain, The Film of the Book, Awful Wedded Life.