5.2
Where can I stream The Paperboy legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Paperboy
1994·Movie
·1h 34min·
The Paperboy fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos6
- Family Dynamics6
- Melancholy5
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Cringe Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
The mind, everyday modern life, and crime
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Paperboy is tense, violent, and thrilling. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumThe mind, everyday modern life, and crime
Its world is built around the mind, everyday modern life, and crime.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers you
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
Something terrifying just arrived at your doorstep...
A homicidal twelve-year-old paperboy becomes obsessed with a woman and her daughter next-door, and he'll do anything to make his fantasy of the "perfect family" come alive.
Psychological ThrillerHomicidal YouthObsessionSuburban NightmareDysfunctional FamilyTwistedDisturbingSlow BurnCharacter Study
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 The Paperboy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Paperboy worth watching?
49
MediocreGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 49/100 (IMDb 5.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Paperboy rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Paperboy?
1 h 34 min
The Paperboy runs 1 h 34 min.
What language is The Paperboy in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada.
What tropes does The Paperboy use?
Staircase TumbleWounded Gazelle GambitThe SociopathEnfant TerribleIf I Can't Have You…Batter Up!Control FreakPowerful PickSelf-Made OrphanAbusive ParentsMood-SwingerKill It with Fireand 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for The Paperboy, including Staircase Tumble, Wounded Gazelle Gambit, The Sociopath.