8.2
Where can I stream Prisoners legally?
You can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free. You can also 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.
Prisoners fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Scare6
- Violence6
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Family Dynamics7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy0
World
Crime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting10
- Direction9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout cinematography and editing
- Cinematography9
- Editing8
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Prisoners is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
NoneMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumCrime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, the mind, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, direction, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPublic 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
How far would you go to protect your child?
After his six-year-old daughter is abducted, a desperate father takes justice into his own hands when he loses faith in the detective leading the investigation, setting both men on a collision course as the search descends into obsession and moral compromise.
Gritty Crime ThrillerMoral AmbiguityAtmospheric DreadCharacter-Driven MysteryCinematic MasteryPsychological TormentDesperate FatherhoodRelentless TensionDark & Bleak Tone
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 Prisoners
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Prisoners worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes 81%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Prisoners rated?
RViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Prisoners?
2 h 33 min
Prisoners runs 2 h 33 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Prisoners?
Critics76
Audiences84
Not quite. Audiences rate Prisoners higher (84) than critics (76). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Prisoners a box office hit?
Budget$46 million
Box office$122 million
Yes. It cost about $46 million to make and earned $122 million worldwide, 2.7 times its budget.
What language is Prisoners in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Prisoners?
133
+119
+119GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Prisoners in 133 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Prisoners use?
Rage Against the HeavensRoaring Rampage of RescueJust Between You and MeBlack-and-Gray MoralityRoom Full of CrazyThrown Down a WellMarried to the JobFather's QuestConfess in ConfidenceThe Dead Guy Did ItHollywood LawSurvivalist Stashand 51 more
TV Tropes lists 63 storytelling tropes for Prisoners, including Rage Against the Heavens, Roaring Rampage of Rescue, Just Between You and Me.