7.7
Where can I stream Dreams legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and YouTube Free. You can also 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.
Dreams
1990·Movie
Dreams fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle7
- Tension4
- Scare3
Heart
Awe-inspiring and melancholic
- Wonder9
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Satire & Parody1
World
Fantasy, faith and meaning, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty9
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction
- Direction10
- Non-linear Narrative9
- Acting7
Style
Standout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Visual Stylization9
- Editing8
Energy
MediumSpectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Dreams is spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
MediumAwe-inspiring and melancholic
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, melancholic, and moving.
All heart traits
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighFantasy, faith and meaning, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around fantasy, faith and meaning, and a real life story. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Surrealism10Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Fantasy9Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction
The direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Non-linear Narrative9Time-shifts and structure play.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative5Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, visual style, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Psychedelic5Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo 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
The past, present, and future. The thoughts and images of one man... for all men. One man's dreams... for every dreamer.
Eight visually rich vignettes drawn from Kurosawa’s own dreams—fox weddings and vanished orchards, a soldier’s ghosts, a walk through Van Gogh’s canvases, nuclear nightmares, and a water-mill utopia—meditate on childhood, art, mortality, and humanity’s uneasy bond with nature.
Dreamlike AnthologyPhilosophical ExplorationEnvironmental AllegoryStunning VisualsExistential MeditationsMagical RealismMasterful DirectionJapanese Cinema ClassicContemplative
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
Questions about Dreams
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Dreams worth watching?
73
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 67%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Dreams rated?
PGDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is Dreams?
1 h 59 min
Dreams runs 1 h 59 min.
Is Dreams based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Dreams?
Critics67
Audiences82
Not quite. Audiences rate Dreams higher (82) than critics (67). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Dreams a box office hit?
Budget$12 million
Box office$3 million
No. It cost about $12 million to make and earned $3 million worldwide, 25% of its budget.
What language is Dreams in?
JapaneseEnglishFrench
It was made in Japanese, with some English, French. Produced in Japan, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Dreams?
35
+21
+21GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Dreams in 35 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Dreams use?
Gave Up Too SoonNature SpiritOur Ghosts Are DifferentAn Ice PersonHarakiriNo EndingDream SequenceI'm a HumanitarianFantastic RacismMental StoryEmpathy Doll ShotAuthor Avatarand 28 more
TV Tropes lists 40 storytelling tropes for Dreams, including Gave Up Too Soon, Nature Spirit, Our Ghosts Are Different.