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
1941·Movie
·1h 59min·PG·
Citizen Kane fingerprint
Masterful craft, stunning style.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Spectacle6
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos8
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Some sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Satire & Parody6
- Dark Humor2
World
A real life story, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Novelty10
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability9
Craft
Standout direction, storytelling, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Narrative Structure10
- Character Depth10
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Editing9
- Visual Stylization9
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Citizen Kane is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighA real life story, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around a real life story, 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.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, storytelling, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, storytelling, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure10Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative10Time-shifts and structure play.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- 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.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner 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 MysteryCharacter StudyAmerican EpicPsychological DramaMedia SatireInnovative FilmmakingLegacy of PowerAmbition & IsolationPhilosophical Inquiry
Actors
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Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Sequels and Prequels
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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?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
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.