8.5
Where can I stream Whiplash 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.
Whiplash fingerprint
Relentless energy, masterful craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension10
- Adrenaline8
- Fast Pace8
Heart
Cathartic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
- Catharsis9
- Coming of Age9
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
The mind, growing up, and show business
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability9
- Dialogue Centrality8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout editing, score, and sound design
- Editing10
- Music Composition10
- Music Centrality10
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
Whiplash is nerve-racking, thrilling, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension10Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumCathartic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's cathartic and moving. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Catharsis9Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighThe mind, growing up, and show business
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around the mind, growing up, and show business. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Showbiz9Entertainment industry and performance.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
Very highStandout editing, score, and sound design
Look and sound: the editing, score, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Editing10Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition10Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality10The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
Do your best, he said…
Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.
Psychological DramaJazz Music ObsessionToxic MentorshipRelentless TensionMasterful EditingComing-of-Age HorrorPerfectionism at Any CostHigh-Octane PerformanceAmbiguous TriumphCinematic Rhythm
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Whiplash
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Whiplash worth watching?
89
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 90/100 (IMDb 8.5, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 89). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Whiplash rated?
RStrong languageViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language, violence, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Whiplash?
1 h 47 min
Whiplash runs 1 h 47 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Whiplash?
Critics92
Audiences89
Yes. Critics average 92 and audiences 89 out of 100, so both groups see Whiplash much the same way.
Was Whiplash a box office hit?
Budget$3 million
Box office$50 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $50 million worldwide, 15.2 times its budget.
What language is Whiplash in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Whiplash?
94
+80
+80GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Whiplash in 94 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Whiplash use?
ForeshadowingRiddle for the AgesFreudian SlipCentral ThemeActor AllusionTitle InThe Un-RevealBlack-and-Gray MoralityDeus ex MachinaJerkass Has a PointSurprisingly Realistic OutcomeGone Horribly Rightand 35 more
TV Tropes lists 47 storytelling tropes for Whiplash, including Foreshadowing, Riddle for the Ages, Freudian Slip.