7.1
The World According to Garp fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Adrenaline4
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Moving and romantic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
Some sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody5
- Absurdist Humor4
World
A real life story, family, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The World According to Garp is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighMoving and romantic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving, romantic, and melancholic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumA real life story, family, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around a real life story, family, and everyday modern life. 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.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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
Robin Williams is Garp. He's got a funny way of looking at life.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The World According to Garp
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The World According to Garp worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 71%, and Metacritic 63). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The World According to Garp rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content and strong language.
How long is The World According to Garp?
2 h 16 min
The World According to Garp runs 2 h 16 min.
Is The World According to Garp based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The World According to Garp?
Not quite. Audiences rate The World According to Garp higher (75) than critics (67). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The World According to Garp a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $17 million to make and earned $30 million worldwide, 1.7 times its budget.
What language is The World According to Garp in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The World According to Garp?
+47GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The World According to Garp in 61 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The World According to Garp use?
TV Tropes lists 32 storytelling tropes for The World According to Garp, including Dead Guy Junior, Boarding School, Rape Is a Special Kind of Evil.