7.5
Where can I stream The Namesake legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Namesake
2006·Movie
The Namesake fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
- Tension3
Heart
Nostalgic and moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Nostalgia9
- Coming of Age9
Humor
Some sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Situational Comedy5
- Cringe Humor3
World
Family, everyday modern life, and growing up
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and dialogue
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Standout cinematography and score
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Music Centrality8
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Namesake is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighNostalgic and moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, moving, and romantic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia9Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and growing up
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and growing up.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Biographical6Lives of notable figures.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and dialogue
The performances, characters, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and score
Look and sound: the cinematography and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-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
Two Worlds. One Journey.
The American-born son of Indian immigrants strives to fit in among his fellow New Yorkers despite his family's unwillingness to let go of their traditional ways.
Indian-American ExperienceImmigrant Family SagaCultural IdentityGenerational ConflictMelancholy RomanceCharacter-Driven DramaIntimate and PoignantQuietly ObservationalAdaptation
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 Namesake
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Namesake worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 82). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Namesake rated?
PG-13
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is The Namesake?
2 h 2 min
The Namesake runs 2 h 2 min.
Is The Namesake based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Namesake?
Critics84
Audiences77
Yes. Critics average 84 and audiences 77 out of 100, so both groups see The Namesake much the same way.
Was The Namesake a box office hit?
Budget$12 million
Box office$20 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $12 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 1.7 times its budget.
What language is The Namesake in?
EnglishFrenchCzechBanglaHindi
It was made in English, with some French, Czech, Bangla, Hindi. Produced in India, Japan, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Namesake?
44
+30
+30GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Namesake in 44 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Namesake use?
Adaptational AttractivenessAdaptational JerkassAwful Wedded LifeTrain-Station GoodbyeRace LiftIt's All My FaultShrunk in the WashGender-Blender NameCulture ClashIronyEmbarrassing First NameErudite Stonerand 10 more
TV Tropes lists 22 storytelling tropes for The Namesake, including Adaptational Attractiveness, Adaptational Jerkass, Awful Wedded Life.