8.5
Where can I stream American History X legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Tubi TV. You can also 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.
American History X
1998·Movie
American History X fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Brutally violent and tense
- Violence9
- Tension8
- Fast Pace6
Heart
Moving and cathartic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Society, everyday modern life, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting10
- Character Depth9
- Non-linear Narrative9
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighBrutally violent and tense
American History X is brutally violent and tense.
All energy traits
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and cathartic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumSociety, everyday modern life, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around society, everyday modern life, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative9Time-shifts and structure play.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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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
Some legacies must end.
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
Neo-Noir DramaRacial TensionRedemption ArcNon-Linear StorytellingIntense Character StudySocial RealismToxic MasculinityFamily FracturePowerful PerformanceCultural Critique
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 American History X
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is American History X worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 8.5, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 62). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is American History X rated?
RViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imageryDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, disturbing imagery, and drug use.
How long is American History X?
1 h 59 min
American History X runs 1 h 59 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on American History X?
Critics73
Audiences88
Not quite. Audiences rate American History X higher (88) than critics (73). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was American History X a box office hit?
Budget$20 million
Box office$24 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $20 million to make and earned $24 million worldwide, 1.2 times its budget.
What language is American History X in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch American History X?
89
+75
+75GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for American History X in 89 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does American History X use?
Curb-Stomp BattleDeliberately MonochromeSoapbox SadieReveal ShotFamily Theme NamingRevised EndingIronic EchoDon't Split Us UpDebate and SwitchFirst Rule of the YardSoundtrack DissonanceVery Loosely Based on a True Storyand 89 more
TV Tropes lists 101 storytelling tropes for American History X, including Curb-Stomp Battle, Deliberately Monochrome, Soapbox Sadie.