7.4
Where can I stream The Orphanage legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Orphanage fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Terrifying and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Scare9
- Tension8
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Melancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Cringe Humor1
World
Everyday modern life, family, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction and characters
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and sound design
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
HighTerrifying and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Orphanage is terrifying and tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Scare9Frightening moments and scares.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and mystery. 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.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction and characters
The direction and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- 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.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, score, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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You scare easily
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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
A tale of love. A story of horror.
A woman brings her family back to her childhood home, which used to be an orphanage, intent on reopening it. Before long, her son starts to communicate with a new invisible friend.
Supernatural HorrorPsychological ThrillerGothic AtmosphereFamily DramaMysteryChildhood TraumaSpanish CinemaSuspensefulMelancholy
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Orphanage
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Orphanage worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 87%, and Metacritic 74). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Orphanage rated?
RDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Orphanage?
1 h 45 min
The Orphanage runs 1 h 45 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Orphanage?
Critics81
Audiences79
Yes. Critics average 81 and audiences 79 out of 100, so both groups see The Orphanage much the same way.
Was The Orphanage a box office hit?
Budget$3 million
Box office$79 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $79 million worldwide, 23.1 times its budget.
What language is The Orphanage in?
Spanish
It was made in Spanish. Produced in Spain.
In how many countries can I watch The Orphanage?
52
+38
+38GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Orphanage in 52 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Orphanage use?
Linked List Clue MethodologyIn Case You Forgot Who Wrote ItCreepy BasementDeath of a ChildCruel Twist EndingSurprise VehicleTime SkipKids Are CruelI See Dead PeopleHaunted HeroineDramatic SlipNear-Death Clairvoyanceand 51 more
TV Tropes lists 63 storytelling tropes for The Orphanage, including Linked List Clue Methodology, In Case You Forgot Who Wrote It, Creepy Basement.