7.4
Where can I stream Life as a House 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.
Life as a House
2001·Movie
Life as a House fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Cringe Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
World
Family, everyday modern life, and growing up
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Life as a House is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and growing up
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and growing up.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
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.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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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
Seen from a distance, it's perfect.
When a man is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he takes custody of his misanthropic teenage son, for whom quality time means getting high, engaging in small-time prostitution, and avoiding his father.
Dysfunctional Family DramaTerminal IllnessFather-Son RelationshipSuburban AngstRedemption ArcEmotional ResonanceMelancholy & HopefulCharacter-Driven Narrative
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 Life as a House
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Life as a House worth watching?
61
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 47%, and Metacritic 45). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Life as a House rated?
RDrug useStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: drug use and strong language.
How long is Life as a House?
2 h 5 min
Life as a House runs 2 h 5 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Life as a House?
Critics46
Audiences78
Not quite. Audiences rate Life as a House higher (78) than critics (46). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Life as a House a box office hit?
Budget$18 million
Box office$24 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $18 million to make and earned $24 million worldwide, 1.3 times its budget.
What language is Life as a House in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Life as a House?
44
+30
+30GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Life as a House in 44 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Life as a House use?
We All Die SomedayTroubled TeenMelodramaLove Father, Love SonAbusive ParentsHeroic RRoDYour Days Are NumberedJizzed in My PantsBlackmailNo OSHA ComplianceThe Alleged HouseLighter and Softerand 15 more
TV Tropes lists 27 storytelling tropes for Life as a House, including We All Die Someday, Troubled Teen, Melodrama.