5.3
Where can I stream Soul Man legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Soul Man
1986·Movie
·1h 44min·PG-13·
Soul Man fingerprint
Funny.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos6
- Coming of Age6
- Romance5
Humor
Some situational comedy and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy7
- Satire & Parody7
- Wit & Wordplay6
World
Society, class and money, and everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Narrative Structure7
- Dialogue Quality7
- Character Depth7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Music Composition6
- Cinematography5
- Editing5
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Soul Man is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
MediumEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighSome situational comedy and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and satire.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy7Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody7Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy4Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumSociety, class and money, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around society, class and money, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography5Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo WatchBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-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
He didn't give up, he got down.
A white prospective grad student's affluent family won't pay his way through law school, so he takes tanning pills to darken his skin in order to qualify for an African-American scholarship at Harvard. He soon gets more than he bargained for, as he begins to learn what life is really like for blacks in America.
Racial SatireBlackface ComedySocial CommentaryPolitical SatireContemporary IssuesIdentity CrisisControversial HumorComing-of-AgeClass and Privilege
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 Soul Man
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Soul Man worth watching?
39
WeakGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 40/100 (IMDb 5.3, Rotten Tomatoes 17%, and Metacritic 33). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Soul Man rated?
PG-13Strong language
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is Soul Man?
1 h 44 min
Soul Man runs 1 h 44 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Soul Man?
Critics25
Audiences55
Not quite. Audiences rate Soul Man higher (55) than critics (25). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Soul Man a box office hit?
Budget$5 million
Box office$35 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $35 million worldwide, 7.8 times its budget.
What language is Soul Man in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Soul Man?
21
+7
+7GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Soul Man in 21 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Soul Man use?
BlackfaceSuicide as ComedyStereotype Reaction GagKarma HoudiniIvy League for EveryoneBlack Like MeRacial Transformation
TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for Soul Man, including Blackface, Suicide as Comedy, Stereotype Reaction Gag.