7.1
Where can I stream Circus of Books legally?
Circus of Books is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Circus of Books
2019·Movie
Circus of Books fingerprint
Low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Moving and hopeful
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos7
- Hopefulness7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor3
World
A real life story, family, and society
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Direction6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Visual Stylization6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Circus of Books is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumMoving and hopeful
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving and hopeful. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumA real life story, family, and society
Its world is built around a real life story, family, and society.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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
Neighbourhood entrepreneurs, local heroes
For decades, a nice Jewish couple ran Circus of Books, a porn shop and epicenter for gay LA. Their director daughter documents their life and times.
LGBTQ+ HistoryFamily PortraitGay CulturePorn IndustrySocial CommentaryCultural HistoryLA SceneDocumentary
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Titles like Circus of Books
nearer = more alike
8
You are here: Circus of Books
Tap a poster to move
You are herePreview
vscompared with Circus of Books
Circus of Books2019
Point at a poster to compare itHold a poster to compare it
This pageTap it to move here
A chip fills to its level. Tap a full one for titles without that trait, a low one for titles with it.
Open a page:Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)Running on Empty (1988)Joy (2015)Nowhere Boy (2009)What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)RBG (2018)Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (2017)Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024)Good Bye, Lenin! (2003)Masters of Sex (2013)The Crown (2016)Rosewater (2014)Guru (2007)The Lost King (2022)Pamela, A Love Story (2023)The Best of Youth (2003)Jay Kelly (2025)Arnold (2023)Minamata (2020)Colette (2018)The Old Man & the Gun (2018)Val (2021)Cabrini (2024)Unorthodox (2020)Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)The Notorious Bettie Page (2006)Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)Milk (2008)The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)Talk to Me (2007)Sunshine (1999)Breathe (2017)Nowhere in Africa (2001)Stand and Deliver (1988)Mrs Brown (1997)Stories We Tell (2012)Quiz Show (1994)A Million Miles Away (2023)The Young Victoria (2009)The Namesake (2006)Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2015)Desert Flower (2009)Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005)Chaplin (1992)The Glass Castle (2017)Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009)The Danish Girl (2015)Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)Stuart: A Life Backwards (2007)Belle (2013)Truth (2015)The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005)Erin Brockovich (2000)Victoria & Abdul (2017)Project Nim (2011)Life Itself (2014)The Empress (2022)Cry Freedom (1987)And the Band Played On (1993)The Queen (2006)A Complete Unknown (2024)Richard Jewell (2019)
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Circus of Books
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Circus of Books worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 98%, and Metacritic 74). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Circus of Books rated?
Sexual content
Content advisories: sexual content.
How long is Circus of Books?
1 h 32 min
Circus of Books runs 1 h 32 min.
Is Circus of Books based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Circus of Books?
Critics86
Audiences74
Not quite. Critics rate Circus of Books higher (86) than audiences (74). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Circus of Books in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States, United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Circus of Books?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Circus of Books in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.