7.6
Where can I stream The Wave legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play Movies and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Wave
2008·Movie
·1h 47min·
The Wave fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Cathartic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
- Coming of Age9
- Catharsis8
- Pathos7
Humor
Some satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody5
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
World
Everyday modern life, growing up, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The Wave is tense and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumCathartic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's cathartic and moving. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some satire.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
HighEveryday modern life, growing up, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, growing up, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo 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
Their teacher became their leader. His students became his soldiers.
A school teacher discusses types of government with his class. His students find it too boring to repeatedly go over national socialism and believe that dictatorship cannot be established in modern Germany. He starts an experiment to show how easily the masses can become manipulated.
Social ExperimentCult DynamicsPsychological ManipulationContemporary German SocietyHigh School DramaPolitical ThrillerLoss of IndividualityThe Power of Group MentalityFascismMoral Decay
Actors
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 The Wave
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Wave worth watching?
71
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 7.6 and Rotten Tomatoes 67%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Wave rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Wave?
1 h 47 min
The Wave runs 1 h 47 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Wave?
Critics67
Audiences78
Not quite. Audiences rate The Wave higher (78) than critics (67). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Wave a box office hit?
Budget$8 million
Box office$32 million
Yes. It cost about $8 million to make and earned $32 million worldwide, 4.3 times its budget.
What language is The Wave in?
German
It was made in German. Produced in Germany.
In how many countries can I watch The Wave?
23
+9
+9GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Wave in 23 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Wave use?
BookendsDrunk with PowerGone Horribly RightGone Horribly WrongMy God, What Have I Done?Blatant LiesAcquired Situational NarcissismForeign RemakeCool TeacherAnviliciousHypocriteEvil Is Not a Toyand 22 more
TV Tropes lists 34 storytelling tropes for The Wave, including Bookends, Drunk with Power, Gone Horribly Right.