8.4
Where can I stream The Shining legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Shining fingerprint
Relentless energy, masterful craft, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and terrifying
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension10
- Scare9
- Violence7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Absurdist Humor2
- Dark Humor2
World
The mind, family, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion10
- Rewatchability10
- Ambiguity9
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, sound design, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Sound Centrality10
- Editing9
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and terrifying
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Shining is nerve-racking, terrifying, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension10Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare9Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Uncanny10Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
It keeps its emotions at a distance. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind, family, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around the mind, family, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability10Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative5Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference6Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, sound design, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, sound design, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality10Sound design as core element.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingYou want to half-watch while scrollingGraphic violence bothers you
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About
A masterpiece of modern horror.
Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world for the winter. But they aren't prepared for the madness that lurks within.
Psychological HorrorClaustrophobic IsolationMasterful SuspenseIconic Villain PerformanceSurreal Dream LogicFamily DisintegrationAtmospheric DreadVisual StorytellingAmbiguous Supernatural Elements
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Shining
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Shining worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 8.4, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Shining rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How long is The Shining?
2 h 24 min
The Shining runs 2 h 24 min.
Is The Shining based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Shining?
Critics76
Audiences88
Not quite. Audiences rate The Shining higher (88) than critics (76). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Shining a box office hit?
Budget$19 million
Box office$50 million
Yes. It cost about $19 million to make and earned $50 million worldwide, 2.6 times its budget.
What language is The Shining in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Shining?
89
+75
+75GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Shining in 89 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Shining use?
Shout-OutLimp and LividAdaptational WimpTap on the HeadEldritch AbominationDead Person ImpersonationPop-Cultural OsmosisDistinction Without a DifferenceScenery PornJump ScareRe-CutDeath by Adaptationand 147 more
TV Tropes lists 159 storytelling tropes for The Shining, including Shout-Out, Limp and Livid, Adaptational Wimp.