7.6
Where can I stream Zelig legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Zelig in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
Zelig
1983·Movie
·1h 19min·PG·
Zelig fingerprint
Funny, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension5
- Fast Pace5
- Spectacle5
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Hopefulness4
- Wonder4
Humor
Plenty of satire and sharp wit
- Satire & Parody8
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Absurdist Humor7
World
Society and history
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout dialogue, direction, and storytelling
- Dialogue Quality9
- Meta Narrative9
- Direction8
Style
Standout editing
- Editing9
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Zelig is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos3Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics1Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and sharp wit
Expect plenty of satire and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody8Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor7Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Pastiche9Playful imitation of styles.
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighSociety and history
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around society and history. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Showbiz6Entertainment industry and performance.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
- Biographical5Lives of notable figures.
Craft
HighStandout dialogue, direction, and storytelling
The dialogue, direction, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative9Stories about storytelling.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference8Allusions to other works.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Pastiche9Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
You wanted more when it was all over!
Fictional documentary about the life of human chameleon Leonard Zelig, a man who becomes a celebrity in the 1920s due to his ability to look and act like whoever is around him. Clever editing places Zelig in real newsreel footage of Woodrow Wilson, Babe Ruth, and others.
MockumentaryHistorical SatireChameleon CharacterMeta-Narrative1920sSocial CommentaryWoody AllenClever EditingUnique Concept
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
Loading video…
Questions about Zelig
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Zelig worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.6 and Rotten Tomatoes 97%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Zelig rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is Zelig?
1 h 19 min
Zelig runs 1 h 19 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Zelig?
Critics97
Audiences82
Not quite. Critics rate Zelig higher (97) than audiences (82). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Zelig a box office hit?
Budget$14 million
Box office$12 million
No. It cost about $14 million to make and earned $12 million worldwide, 87% of its budget.
What language is Zelig in?
EnglishGerman
It was made in English, with some German. Produced in United States.
What tropes does Zelig use?
MockumentaryTook a Level in JerkassMistaken for Special GuestTurn the Other CheekSeemingly Profound FoolRunning GagAs HimselfThose Wacky NazisAdaptational AttractivenessFreudian ExcuseShiksa GoddessThe Merchand 33 more
TV Tropes lists 45 storytelling tropes for Zelig, including Mockumentary, Took a Level in Jerkass, Mistaken for Special Guest.