7.5
Where can I stream The Book Thief 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.
The Book Thief
2013·Movie
The Book Thief fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Spectacle4
- Violence4
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 & Wordplay5
- Situational Comedy1
- Dark Humor1
World
History, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Music Centrality8
- Cinematography7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Book Thief is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and hopeful. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout score
Look and sound: the score stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-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
Courage beyond words.
While subjected to the horrors of WWII Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.
Historical DramaComing-of-AgeWWII SettingResilience & HopeFamily BondsLiterary ThemesMelancholicHuman SpiritEvocative Storytelling
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 Book Thief
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Book Thief worth watching?
62
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 50%, and Metacritic 53). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Book Thief rated?
PG-13ViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Book Thief?
2 h 11 min
The Book Thief runs 2 h 11 min.
Is The Book Thief based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Book Thief?
Critics52
Audiences73
Not quite. Audiences rate The Book Thief higher (73) than critics (52). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Book Thief a box office hit?
Budget$19 million
Box office$77 million
Yes. It cost about $19 million to make and earned $77 million worldwide, 4.0 times its budget.
What language is The Book Thief in?
EnglishGerman
It was made in English, with some German. Produced in Germany, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Book Thief?
83
+69
+69GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Book Thief in 83 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Book Thief use?
Insult of EndearmentOdd FriendshipPost-Nightmare ComfortMissing MomCranky NeighborBeige ProseJerkassBook BurningMaybe Ever AfterJerk with a Heart of GoldGroin AttackChekhov's Gunand 61 more
TV Tropes lists 73 storytelling tropes for The Book Thief, including Insult of Endearment, Odd Friendship, Post-Nightmare Comfort.