7.4
Where can I stream Garden State legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Garden State fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Absurdist Humor4
- Situational Comedy3
World
Everyday modern life, growing up, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Garden State is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and romantic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, growing up, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, growing up, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Andrew returns to his hometown for his mother’s funeral, a journey that reconnects him with old friends. The trip coincides with his decision to stop taking his powerful antidepressants. A chance meeting with Sam—a girl also struggling with various maladies—opens up the possibility of rekindling emotional connections, confronting his psychologist father, and perhaps beginning a new life.
Indie ClassicComing-of-Age DramaQuirky RomanceSuburban DisaffectionPsychological ExplorationSoundtrack DrivenMelancholy MoodNostalgicCharacter-Focused
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Garden State
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Garden State worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 67). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Garden State rated?
RDrug useStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: drug use and strong language.
How long is Garden State?
1 h 42 min
Garden State runs 1 h 42 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Garden State?
Critics77
Audiences80
Yes. Critics average 77 and audiences 80 out of 100, so both groups see Garden State much the same way.
Was Garden State a box office hit?
Budget$3 million
Box office$27 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $27 million worldwide, 10.7 times its budget.
What language is Garden State in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Garden State?
46
+32
+32GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Garden State in 46 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Garden State use?
Clapper GagNerds Speak KlingonBoy Meets GirlWallpaper CamouflageAlone in a CrowdAbusive ParentsGroin AttackNice GuyDriving Off with the Fuel NozzleDream SequenceWrongfully AttributedManic Pixie Dream Girland 24 more
TV Tropes lists 36 storytelling tropes for Garden State, including Clapper Gag, Nerds Speak Klingon, Boy Meets Girl.