GoodWatchSign up

Smoke Signals

1998·Movie
1h 29min·PG-13

Where to watch

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

Smoke Signals fingerprint

Big heart, strong craft, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Fast Pace5
  • Tension4
  • Spectacle3

Heart

Moving and hopeful

Much of it is about family and growing up.

  • Family Dynamics9
  • Pathos8
  • Hopefulness8

Humor

Some sharp wit and situational comedy

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay6
  • Situational Comedy5
  • Satire & Parody4

World

Everyday modern life, family, and growing up

  • Dialogue Centrality9
  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout characters, performances, and dialogue

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Dialogue Quality8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7
  • Editing6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking

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

A new film from the heart of Native America.

Young Native American man Thomas is a nerd in his reservation, wearing oversize glasses and telling everyone stories no-one wants to hear. His parents died in a fire in 1976, and Thomas was saved by Arnold. Arnold soon left his family, and Victor hasn't seen his father for 10 years. When Victor hears Arnold has died, Thomas offers him funding for the trip to get Arnold's remains.
Native American CultureRoad TripComing-of-AgeFamily ReconciliationFriendshipHumorousHeartwarmingBittersweetSocial Commentary

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Loading video…

Questions about Smoke Signals

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Smoke Signals legally?

Smoke Signals is included with a subscription to fuboTV and Paramount+ in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, and YouTube Free. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Smoke Signals worth watching?

77
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 76). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Smoke Signals rated?

PG-13

It's rated PG-13 in the United States.

How long is Smoke Signals?

1 h 29 min

Smoke Signals runs 1 h 29 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Smoke Signals?

Critics83
Audiences72

Not quite. Critics rate Smoke Signals higher (83) than audiences (72). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is Smoke Signals in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Smoke Signals?

45ARATAUBEBGCACHCLCOCYCZDEDKEE+31

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Smoke Signals in 45 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Smoke Signals use?

Agony of the FeetAdaptation ExpansionDisappeared DadMood WhiplashIntergenerational FriendshipCharacter CatchphraseDoes This Remind You of Anything?Advertised ExtraCathartic CryingThe StorytellerBeautiful All AlongHuge Guy, Tiny Girland 14 more

TV Tropes lists 26 storytelling tropes for Smoke Signals, including Agony of the Feet, Adaptation Expansion, Disappeared Dad.