7.3
Where can I stream The Devil's Backbone legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Tubi TV. 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.
The Devil's Backbone
2001·Movie
The Devil's Backbone fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Terrifying and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Scare9
- Tension8
- Spectacle6
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis6
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Absurdist Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
History, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTerrifying and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Devil's Backbone is terrifying and tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Scare9Frightening moments and scares.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, mystery, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You scare easily
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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
What is a ghost?
Spain, 1939. In the last days of the Spanish Civil War, the young Carlos arrives at the Santa Lucía orphanage, where he will make friends and enemies as he follows the quiet footsteps of a mysterious presence eager for revenge.
Spanish Civil WarOrphanageGhost StoryGothic HorrorHistorical DramaMelancholy AtmosphereRevengePolitical BackdropComing-of-Age
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 The Devil's Backbone
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Devil's Backbone worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 78). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Devil's Backbone rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Devil's Backbone?
1 h 48 min
The Devil's Backbone runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Devil's Backbone?
Critics86
Audiences79
Yes. Critics average 86 and audiences 79 out of 100, so both groups see The Devil's Backbone much the same way.
Was The Devil's Backbone a box office hit?
Budget$5 million
Box office$7 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $7 million worldwide, 1.5 times its budget.
What language is The Devil's Backbone in?
Spanish
It was made in Spanish. Produced in Spain, Mexico.
In how many countries can I watch The Devil's Backbone?
17
+3
+3GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Devil's Backbone in 17 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Devil's Backbone use?
Accidental MurderAnd This Is for...Anyone Can DieBig BadBlack Eyes of CrazyBlood Is Squicker in WaterBoarding School of HorrorsBookendsThe BullyPercussive MaintenanceTrivial TitleUndeath Always Endsand 59 more
TV Tropes lists 71 storytelling tropes for The Devil's Backbone, including Accidental Murder, And This Is for..., Anyone Can Die.