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The Silence of the Lambs

1991·Movie
1h 59min·R
89
ExcellentGoodWatch score
IMDb8.6Metacritic868.8Rotten Tomatoes95%95%
IMDb8.6Metacritic868.8Rotten Tomatoes95%95%

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The Silence of the Lambs fingerprint

Masterful craft, high energy, emotionally cool.

Energy

Nerve-racking and thrilling

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension10
  • Adrenaline7
  • Scare7

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Melancholy6
  • Pathos5
  • Catharsis5

Humor

Plenty of sharp wit

  • Wit & Wordplay8
  • Situational Comedy0
  • Physical Comedy0

World

The mind, crime, and mystery

Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.

  • Dialogue Centrality10
  • World Immersion9
  • Rewatchability9

Craft

Standout performances, dialogue, and characters

  • Acting10
  • Dialogue Quality10
  • Character Depth10

Style

Standout sound design, cinematography, and editing

  • Sound Centrality9
  • Cinematography8
  • Editing8

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingGraphic violence bothers you

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Suspense moviesPsychological movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

To enter the mind of a killer she must challenge the mind of a madman.

Clarice Starling is a top student at the FBI's training academy. Jack Crawford wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into a case and that Starling, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out.
Psychological ThrillerCrime InvestigationIntense DialogueIconic PerformancesGothic AtmosphereCat-and-Mouse DynamicsMind GamesDark & DisturbingCharacter-Driven SuspenseCanonical Horror

Crew

Directed by:
Jonathan Demme, Mary A. Kelly, Ron Bozman
Written by:
Ted Tally, Thomas Harris
Produced by:
Andre B. Blake, Barbara Harris, Gary Goetzman
Composed by:
Howard Shore, Howard Shore, Howard Shore

Sequels and Prequels

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Poster for The Silence of the Lambs

Media

Questions about The Silence of the Lambs

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Silence of the Lambs legally?

PrimeHBO MaxCriterionMGM+Amazon Prime Video Free with AdsAmazon MX Player

The Silence of the Lambs is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, MGM+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads and Amazon MX Player. 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 The Silence of the Lambs worth watching?

89
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 89/100 (IMDb 8.6, Rotten Tomatoes 95%, and Metacritic 86). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Silence of the Lambs rated?

RViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.

How long is The Silence of the Lambs?

1 h 59 min

The Silence of the Lambs runs 1 h 59 min.

Is The Silence of the Lambs based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Silence of the Lambs?

Critics91
Audiences90

Yes. Critics average 91 and audiences 90 out of 100, so both groups see The Silence of the Lambs much the same way.

Was The Silence of the Lambs a box office hit?

Budget$19 million
Box office$273 million

Yes, a big one. It cost about $19 million to make and earned $273 million worldwide, 14.4 times its budget.

What language is The Silence of the Lambs in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Silence of the Lambs?

133ADAEAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBG+119

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Silence of the Lambs in 133 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Silence of the Lambs use?

The CameoTear Off Your FaceThe Mountains of IllinoisShout-OutNominal ImportanceTrojan AmbulanceMalevolent ArchitectureAsshole VictimI Love the DeadDidn't Think This ThroughAlone with the PsychoConversation Cutand 79 more

TV Tropes lists 91 storytelling tropes for The Silence of the Lambs, including The Cameo, Tear Off Your Face, The Mountains of Illinois.