7.8
Where can I stream American Movie legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
American Movie
1999·Movie
American Movie fingerprint
Funny, immersive world, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension3
- Fast Pace3
- Spectacle2
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Family Dynamics7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some cringe comedy and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Cringe Humor7
- Dark Humor7
- Satire & Parody6
World
A real life story, everyday modern life, and show business
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability9
- World Immersion8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
American Movie is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighSome cringe comedy and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some cringe comedy and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor7Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighA real life story, everyday modern life, and show business
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around a real life story, everyday modern life, and show business. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyDrop-in FriendlyThought-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
American Movie documents the story of filmmaker Mark Borchardt, his mission, and his dream. Spanning over two years of intense struggle with his film, his family, financial decline, and spiritual crisis, American Movie is a portrayal of ambition, obsession, excess, and one man's quest for the American Dream.
Cult DocumentaryIndependent FilmmakingCharacter StudyCringe ComedyPursuit of DreamSlice-of-LifeFinancial StruggleRaw & AuthenticObservational HumorMidwestern Gothic
Actors
Crew
Directed 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 American Movie
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is American Movie worth watching?
85
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 84). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is American Movie rated?
RStrong languageDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and drug use.
How long is American Movie?
1 h 44 min
American Movie runs 1 h 44 min.
Is American Movie based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on American Movie?
Critics89
Audiences83
Yes. Critics average 89 and audiences 83 out of 100, so both groups see American Movie much the same way.
What language is American Movie in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch American Movie?
46
+32
+32GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for American Movie in 46 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does American Movie use?
Sesquipedalian LoquaciousnessBittersweet EndingVerbal TicHypocriteAdult ChildSir Swears-a-LotGrowing Up SucksI Just Want to Be SpecialFinancial AbuseOverly Long ScreamMotor MouthBlack Sheepand 22 more
TV Tropes lists 34 storytelling tropes for American Movie, including Sesquipedalian Loquaciousness, Bittersweet Ending, Verbal Tic.