6.2
Where can I stream The Institute legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla and Pluto TV. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Institute
2013·Movie
The Institute fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Scare6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Wonder6
- Melancholy5
- Pathos4
Humor
Some absurdist humor and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor6
- Dark Humor5
- Satire & Parody4
World
Mystery, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty8
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Complexity8
- Direction7
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Institute is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome absurdist humor and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some absurdist humor and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighMystery, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Tech & Humanity8Human stories in a tech world.
- Gaming7Video games and game culture.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative6Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative5Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Psychedelic5Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibePublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want to half-watch while scrolling
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Is it a cult? Is it a game? Or is it a life-changing adventure...
Thousands of participants in a San Francisco-based alternate reality game end up getting more than they bargained for. Told from the players’ perspectives, the film looks over the precipice at an emergent new art form where the real world and fictional narratives merge to create unforeseen and often unsettling consequences. Examining counter-culture, new religious movements and street art, this film takes the viewer on a journey into a secret underground world teeming just beneath the surface of everyday life.
Alternate Reality GamePsychological MysteryExperiential NarrativeEmergent Art FormCounter-Culture ExplorationUnderground WorldReality BlendingUnsettling ConsequencesSan Francisco Setting
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Institute
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Institute worth watching?
65
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes 71%, and Metacritic 55). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Institute?
1 h 32 min
The Institute runs 1 h 32 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Institute?
Critics63
Audiences69
Yes. Critics average 63 and audiences 69 out of 100, so both groups see The Institute much the same way.
What language is The Institute in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Institute?
30
+16
+16GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Institute in 30 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.