The Poughkeepsie Tapes fingerprint
Relentless energy, striking style, emotionally cool.
Energy
Nerve-racking and brutally violent
- Tension10
- Violence10
- Scare9
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos2
- Romance0
Humor
Serious throughout
- Situational Comedy0
- Wit & Wordplay0
- Physical Comedy0
World
The mind, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Ambiguity9
- Novelty7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Complexity6
Style
Standout sound design, cinematography, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Sound Centrality9
- Cinematography8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and brutally violent
The Poughkeepsie Tapes is nerve-racking, brutally violent, and terrifying.
All energy traits
- Tension10Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence10Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare9Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque9Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
NoneMelancholic
Emotionally, it's melancholic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos2Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness0Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis0Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics0Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness10Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay0Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumThe mind, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality3Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability1Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Acting5Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure5Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality3Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth2Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout sound design, cinematography, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the sound design, cinematography, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Grotesque9Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The terror is real.
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Poughkeepsie Tapes
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Poughkeepsie Tapes worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 54/100 (IMDb 5.9 and Rotten Tomatoes 50%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Poughkeepsie Tapes rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Poughkeepsie Tapes?
1 h 21 min
The Poughkeepsie Tapes runs 1 h 21 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Poughkeepsie Tapes?
Yes. Critics average 50 and audiences 55 out of 100, so both groups see The Poughkeepsie Tapes much the same way.
Was The Poughkeepsie Tapes a box office hit?
No. It cost about $200,000 to make and earned $180,000 worldwide, 90% of its budget.
What language is The Poughkeepsie Tapes in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Poughkeepsie Tapes?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Poughkeepsie Tapes in 124 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Poughkeepsie Tapes use?
TV Tropes lists 55 storytelling tropes for The Poughkeepsie Tapes, including Jitter Cam, Downer Ending, Used to Be a Sweet Kid.

5.9






















