The Desperate Hours

1955·Movie
1h 52min
72
GoodGoodWatch score

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Desperate Hours fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, no humor.

Energy

Nerve-racking and thrilling

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension9
  • Adrenaline8
  • Fast Pace8

Heart

Cathartic

Much of it is about family.

  • Catharsis7
  • Family Dynamics7
  • Pathos6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Physical Comedy2
  • Dark Humor2

World

Everyday modern life, the mind, and crime

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality6
  • Rewatchability5

Craft

Standout performances

  • Acting8
  • Intrigue8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want something quiet and calm

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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

A reign of violence sweeps the screen.

Escaped convicts terrorize a suburban family they're holding hostage.
Home Invasion ThrillerEscaped ConvictsSuburban FamilyPsychological TensionClaustrophobic AtmosphereMoral DilemmasClassic Film NoirIntense Performances

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about The Desperate Hours

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Desperate Hours legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla. 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.

Is The Desperate Hours worth watching?

72
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Desperate Hours rated?

ViolenceStrong language

Content advisories: violence and strong language.

How long is The Desperate Hours?

1 h 52 min

The Desperate Hours runs 1 h 52 min.

Was The Desperate Hours a box office hit?

Budget$2 million
Box office$3 million

Roughly broke even. It cost about $2 million to make and earned $3 million worldwide, 1.1 times its budget.

What language is The Desperate Hours in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Desperate Hours?

17ATAUBECACHDEDKESFRGBGGIEINLU+3

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Desperate Hours in 17 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Desperate Hours use?

Age-Gap RomanceAge LiftCovert Distress CodeThe EndGet Out!In the BackIt Works Better with BulletsMan Bites ManThe Meddling Kids Are UselessReasonable Authority FigureTerrible TrioProtect This Houseand 2 more

TV Tropes lists 14 storytelling tropes for The Desperate Hours, including Age-Gap Romance, Age Lift, Covert Distress Code.

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