6.9
Where can I stream Yeelen legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Yeelen
1987·Movie
·1h 45min·NR·
Yeelen fingerprint
Immersive world, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Spectacle6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Wondrous
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics8
- Coming of Age7
- Wonder7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Physical Comedy1
- Dark Humor1
World
Faith and meaning, fantasy, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction
- Direction9
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Music Composition8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Yeelen is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumWondrous
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's wondrous. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick 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
HighFaith and meaning, fantasy, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around faith and meaning, fantasy, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou want fast pacing
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A young man with magical powers journeys to his uncle to request help in fighting his sorcerer father.
African MythologySpiritual JourneyMagical RealismFather-Son ConflictVisually StrikingAllegorical DramaMali FolkloreMystical AtmosphereSlow-Burn Epic
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
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Questions about Yeelen
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Yeelen worth watching?
67
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68/100 (IMDb 6.9 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Yeelen rated?
NRViolence
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Yeelen?
1 h 45 min
Yeelen runs 1 h 45 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Yeelen?
Critics100
Audiences69
Not quite. Critics rate Yeelen higher (100) than audiences (69). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Yeelen in?
BambaraFula
It was made in Bambara, with some Fula. Produced in Burkina Faso, France, Germany, Japan, Mali.
In how many countries can I watch Yeelen?
6
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Yeelen in 6 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Yeelen use?
DeterminatorFunctional MagicThe QuestRule of SymbolismScarily Competent TrackerSomeone to Remember Him ByScenery Porn
TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for Yeelen, including Determinator, Functional Magic, The Quest.