Time Bandits
6.9
Time Bandits fingerprint
High energy, funny.
Energy
Spectacular and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Spectacle8
- Fast Pace7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Awe-inspiring
Much of it is about growing up.
- Wonder9
- Coming of Age7
- Hopefulness6
Humor
Plenty of absurdist humor and dark humor
- Absurdist Humor9
- Dark Humor8
- Wit & Wordplay7
World
Fantasy, history, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Novelty10
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction and performances
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Intrigue8
Style
Standout visual style, cinematography, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Visual Stylization9
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
Energy
HighSpectacular and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
Time Bandits is spectacular and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
MediumAwe-inspiring
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
HighPlenty of absurdist humor and dark humor
Expect plenty of absurdist humor and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor9Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy6Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity9Oddball tone and quirks.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighFantasy, history, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around fantasy, history, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Novelty10Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Fantasy10Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction and performances
The direction and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative3Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty10Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
HighStandout visual style, cinematography, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the visual style, cinematography, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
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About
…they didn’t make history, they stole it!
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about Time Bandits
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Time Bandits worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 79). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Time Bandits rated?
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Time Bandits?
1 h 56 min
Time Bandits runs 1 h 56 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Time Bandits?
Not quite. Critics rate Time Bandits higher (86) than audiences (72). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Time Bandits a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $42 million worldwide, 8.5 times its budget.
What language is Time Bandits in?
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Time Bandits?
+45GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Time Bandits in 59 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Time Bandits use?
TV Tropes lists 185 storytelling tropes for Time Bandits, including Built with LEGO, Hoist by His Own Petard, Prisoner's Last Meal.