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Breakdown

1997·Movie
1h 33min·R
72
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.0Metacritic747.5
IMDb7.0Metacritic747.5

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fuboTVMGM+Paramount+Philo

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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

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want something quiet and calm

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Suspense movies

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

Crew

Directed by:
Jonathan Mostow, Adam Druxman, Artist W. Robinson
Written by:
Jonathan Mostow, Jonathan Mostow, Sam Montgomery
Produced by:
Barbara Harris, Dino De Laurentiis, Rick Zieff
Composed by:
Basil Poledouris, Basil Poledouris, Earl Martin

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Breakdown

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Breakdown legally?

fuboTVMGM+Paramount+PhiloKanopy

Breakdown is included with a subscription to fuboTV, Paramount+, Philo, and MGM+ in the United States. 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.

Is Breakdown worth watching?

72
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7 and Metacritic 74). 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?

Critics74
Audiences73

Yes. Critics average 74 and audiences 73 out of 100, so both groups see Breakdown much the same way.

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, Italy.

In how many countries can I watch Breakdown?

93AEAOARATAUAZBEBGBHBOBRBYBZCA+79

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Breakdown in 93 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.