Ben-Hur
8.1
Ben-Hur fingerprint
High energy, big heart, no humor.
Energy
Epic and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle10
- Adrenaline7
- Violence7
Heart
Moving and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Catharsis8
- Hopefulness7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Satire & Parody2
- Situational Comedy1
World
History, war, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and editing
- Cinematography9
- Music Composition9
- Editing8
Energy
HighEpic and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Ben-Hur is epic, thrilling, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle10Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighMoving and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, cathartic, and hopeful. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, war, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, war, and faith and meaning. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, score, and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle10Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
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Questions about Ben-Hur
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Ben-Hur worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 87%, and Metacritic 90). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Ben-Hur rated?
It's rated G in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Ben-Hur?
3 h 32 min
Ben-Hur runs 3 h 32 min.
Is Ben-Hur based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Ben-Hur?
Yes. Critics average 89 and audiences 86 out of 100, so both groups see Ben-Hur much the same way.
Was Ben-Hur a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $164 million worldwide, 10.9 times its budget.
What language is Ben-Hur in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Ben-Hur?
+79GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Ben-Hur in 93 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Ben-Hur use?
TV Tropes lists 10 storytelling tropes for Ben-Hur, including Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, Ben-Hur, Ben-Hur.