7.2
Where can I stream El Topo legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
El Topo
1970·Movie
El Topo fingerprint
High energy, immersive world.
Energy
Violent and tense
- Violence8
- Tension7
- Spectacle7
Heart
Cathartic
- Catharsis7
- Pathos6
- Coming of Age6
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Satire & Parody4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Society, history, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Novelty9
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Visual Stylization9
- Editing8
Energy
HighViolent and tense
El Topo is violent, tense, and spectacular.
All energy traits
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighSociety, history, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, history, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative3Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
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
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Psychedelic7Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
Graphic violence bothers you
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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 definitive cult spaghetti western
El Topo decides to confront warrior Masters on a trans-formative desert journey he begins with his 6 year old son, who must bury his childhood totems to become a man.
Surreal WesternCult ClassicPhilosophical JourneyViolent AllegorySpiritual QuestVisionary FilmmakingSymbolic NarrativeCounter-Culture IconMidnight Movie
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 El Topo
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is El Topo worth watching?
72
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 80%, and Metacritic 65). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is El Topo rated?
NRViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is El Topo?
2 h 5 min
El Topo runs 2 h 5 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on El Topo?
Critics73
Audiences72
Yes. Critics average 73 and audiences 72 out of 100, so both groups see El Topo much the same way.
What language is El Topo in?
Spanish
It was made in Spanish. Produced in Mexico.
In how many countries can I watch El Topo?
50
+36
+36GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for El Topo in 50 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does El Topo use?
Corrupt ChurchStarter VillainEaglelandPlatonic CaveErotic EatingPre-Asskicking One-LinerThe GunslingerWhat the Hell, Hero?Does This Remind You of Anything?Sigil SpamGornMind Screwand 15 more
TV Tropes lists 27 storytelling tropes for El Topo, including Corrupt Church, Starter Villain, Eagleland.