7.0
Where can I stream Breakdown legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also 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.
Breakdown
1997·Movie
·1h 33min·R·
Breakdown fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline8
- Fast Pace8
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Family Dynamics6
- Pathos5
- Catharsis5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Physical Comedy2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Mystery, the mind, and everyday modern life
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout performances and storytelling
- Intrigue9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
Breakdown is nerve-racking, thrilling, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumMystery, the mind, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout performances and storytelling
The performances and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensPure 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
It could happen to you.
On their cross-country drive, a married couple, Jeff and Amy Taylor, experience car trouble after their SUV breaks down. Stranded in the New Mexico desert, the two catch a break when a passing truck driver offers Amy a ride to a nearby café to call for help. Meanwhile, Jeff is able to fix the car and make his way to the café, but Amy isn't there. He tracks down the trucker -- who tells the police he's never seen Jeff or his wife before. Jeff then begins a desperate, frenzied search for Amy.
Suspense ThrillerRoad Trip HorrorAbduction MysteryRelentless PacingDesert SettingParanoia-InducingCat-and-Mouse ChaseEdge-of-SeatSurvival Story
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about Breakdown
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Breakdown worth watching?
69
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7 and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Breakdown rated?
RViolence
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Breakdown?
1 h 33 min
Breakdown runs 1 h 33 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Breakdown?
Critics100
Audiences77
Not quite. Critics rate Breakdown higher (100) than audiences (77). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Breakdown a box office hit?
Budget$36 million
Box office$50 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $36 million to make and earned $50 million worldwide, 1.4 times its budget.
What language is Breakdown in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Breakdown?
36
+22
+22GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Breakdown in 36 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Breakdown use?
Protected by a ChildOrange/Blue ContrastGreasy SpoonLethal Letter OpenerEvil GloatingEvil PlanEven Evil Has Loved OnesOutside RideHypocriteConveniently Placed Sharp ThingNever My FaultThey Look Just Like Everyone Else!and 40 more
TV Tropes lists 52 storytelling tropes for Breakdown, including Protected by a Child, Orange/Blue Contrast, Greasy Spoon.