High Sierra
7.5
High Sierra fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Violent and thrilling
- Violence8
- Adrenaline7
- Tension7
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
- Nostalgia7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Physical Comedy2
World
Crime and history
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighViolent and thrilling
High Sierra is violent, thrilling, and tense.
All energy traits
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
World
MediumCrime and history
Its world is built around crime and history.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
HE KILLED... and there on the crest of Sierra's highest crag... HE MUST BE KILLED!
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about High Sierra
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is High Sierra worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.5 and Rotten Tomatoes 92%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is High Sierra rated?
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is High Sierra?
1 h 40 min
High Sierra runs 1 h 40 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on High Sierra?
Not quite. Critics rate High Sierra higher (92) than audiences (77). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is High Sierra in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch High Sierra?
+51GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for High Sierra in 65 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does High Sierra use?
TV Tropes lists 14 storytelling tropes for High Sierra, including Anti-Hero, Asshole Victim, The Caper.