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The History Boys

2006·Movie
1h 49min·R
68
GoodGoodWatch score

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The History Boys fingerprint

Strong craft, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Fast Pace4
  • Tension3
  • Spectacle3

Heart

Hopeful

Much of it is about growing up.

  • Coming of Age9
  • Hopefulness7
  • Wholesome6

Humor

Plenty of sharp wit

  • Wit & Wordplay9
  • Situational Comedy4
  • Satire & Parody4

World

Growing up, history, and society

  • Dialogue Centrality10
  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout dialogue, performances, and storytelling

  • Dialogue Quality9
  • Acting8
  • Narrative Structure8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7
  • Editing6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-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

History. It's just one bloody thing after another.

The story of an unruly class of bright, funny history students at a Yorkshire grammar school in pursuit of an undergraduate place at Oxford or Cambridge. Bounced between their maverick English master, a young and shrewd teacher hired to up their test scores, a grossly out-numbered history teacher, and a headmaster obsessed with results, the boys attempt to pass.
British Prep SchoolComing-of-AgeWitty BanterClass DynamicsPhilosophical DebateNostalgic ToneEnsemble CastHomosexual ThemesLiterary Adaptations

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The History Boys

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The History Boys legally?

The History Boys is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. 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.

Is The History Boys worth watching?

68
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 66%, and Metacritic 74). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The History Boys rated?

RStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.

How long is The History Boys?

1 h 49 min

The History Boys runs 1 h 49 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The History Boys?

Critics70
Audiences68

Yes. Critics average 70 and audiences 68 out of 100, so both groups see The History Boys much the same way.

Was The History Boys a box office hit?

Budget$4 million
Box office$13 million

Yes. It cost about $4 million to make and earned $13 million worldwide, 3.4 times its budget.

What language is The History Boys in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.

In how many countries can I watch The History Boys?

28AEARATAUCACHCLCOCVDEDKESFIFR+14

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The History Boys in 28 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The History Boys use?

One-LinerIronic EchoGayngstSchool TeachersTeacher/Student RomanceLove MartyrBilingual BonusBittersweet EndingAnachronism StewBetter than SexEverybody SmokesActor Allusionand 21 more

TV Tropes lists 33 storytelling tropes for The History Boys, including One-Liner, Ironic Echo, Gayngst.