8.2
Where can I stream Citizen Kane legally?
You can 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.
Citizen Kane fingerprint
Fully immersive world, masterful craft.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Spectacle5
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Satire & Parody4
- Dark Humor3
World
Family, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Novelty10
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability9
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure10
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Editing10
- Music Composition9
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Citizen Kane is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
Very highFamily, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family, the mind, and history. 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
- Novelty10Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Biographical7Lives of notable figures.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure10Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative10Time-shifts and structure play.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty10Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing10Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
Some called him a hero...others called him a heel.
Newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane is taken from his mother as a boy and made the ward of a rich industrialist. As a result, every well-meaning, tyrannical or self-destructive move he makes for the rest of his life appears in some way to be a reaction to that deeply wounding event.
Cinematic MasterpieceNon-Linear Narrative PuzzleTragic Character StudyDeep Focus CinematographyMedia Power & CorruptionLost Childhood InnocencePsychological PortraitAmerican EpicMysterious EndingOrson Welles Vision
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Citizen Kane
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Citizen Kane worth watching?
91
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 92/100 (IMDb 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes 99%, and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Citizen Kane rated?
PGStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and disturbing imagery.
How long is Citizen Kane?
1 h 59 min
Citizen Kane runs 1 h 59 min.
Is Citizen Kane based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Citizen Kane?
Critics100
Audiences85
Not quite. Critics rate Citizen Kane higher (100) than audiences (85). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Citizen Kane a box office hit?
Budget$839,727
Box office$23 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $839,727 to make and earned $23 million worldwide, 27.6 times its budget.
What language is Citizen Kane in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Citizen Kane?
81
+67
+67GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Citizen Kane in 81 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Citizen Kane use?
Scenery PornTragedyWar for Fun and ProfitStaggered ZoomOne True LoveDesperate Abuser ApologyDramatic IronyRoman à ClefPatriotic FervorFraming DeviceTime-Passes MontageDead Sparksand 219 more
TV Tropes lists 231 storytelling tropes for Citizen Kane, including Scenery Porn, Tragedy, War for Fun and Profit.