Total Recall
6.2
Total Recall fingerprint
Relentless energy, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Pulse-pounding and breakneck
Fast from start to finish.
- Adrenaline9
- Fast Pace9
- Spectacle9
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Wonder6
- Catharsis5
- Romance4
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Physical Comedy2
- Dark Humor1
World
The future, technology, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Ambiguity7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Intrigue7
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
Very highPulse-pounding and breakneck
Fast from start to finish.
Total Recall is pulse-pounding, breakneck, and epic.
All energy traits
- Adrenaline9High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace9Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Pathos3Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy2Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumThe future, technology, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the future, technology, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Futuristic9Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Tech & Humanity8Human stories in a tech world.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace9Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
What Is Real?
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Total Recall
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Total Recall worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes 30%, and Metacritic 43). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Total Recall rated?
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Total Recall?
1 h 58 min
Total Recall runs 1 h 58 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Total Recall?
Not quite. Audiences rate Total Recall higher (55) than critics (37). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Total Recall a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $125 million to make and earned $199 million worldwide, 1.6 times its budget.
What language is Total Recall in?
It was made in English. Produced in Canada, India, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Total Recall?
+106GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Total Recall in 120 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Total Recall use?
TV Tropes lists 79 storytelling tropes for Total Recall, including Waif-Fu, Ridiculously Human Robots, The Paralyzer.