Once Upon a Time
5.2
Once Upon a Time fingerprint
High energy, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle8
- Adrenaline6
- Tension6
Heart
Deeply romantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Romance9
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Fantasy, family, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Complexity8
- Character Depth7
- Intrigue7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Visual Stylization7
Energy
HighSpectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Once Upon a Time is spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
HighDeeply romantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply romantic, moving, and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Romance9Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFantasy, family, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around fantasy, family, and faith and meaning. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy10Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
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
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
![Poster for Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]](https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w300_and_h450_bestv2/jyqi5BkDoKKIA2WAoz3HBtRHld3.jpg)
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Once Upon a Time
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Once Upon a Time worth watching?
Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 44/100 (IMDb 5.2 and Rotten Tomatoes 40%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Once Upon a Time rated?
Content advisories: violence.
How long is Once Upon a Time?
1 h 48 min
Once Upon a Time runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Once Upon a Time?
Not quite. Audiences rate Once Upon a Time higher (62) than critics (40). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Once Upon a Time in?
It was made in Chinese. Produced in China.
In how many countries can I watch Once Upon a Time?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Once Upon a Time in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Once Upon a Time use?
TV Tropes lists 146 storytelling tropes for Once Upon a Time, including Fictional Constellations, Planet of Hats, Only Sane Man.