5.7
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The Punisher
1989·Movie
The Punisher fingerprint
Relentless energy, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Brutally violent and pulse-pounding
Fast from start to finish.
- Violence10
- Adrenaline9
- Tension8
Heart
Cathartic
- Catharsis7
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Physical Comedy2
- Wit & Wordplay1
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Intrigue7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Sound Centrality7
Energy
Very highBrutally violent and pulse-pounding
Fast from start to finish.
The Punisher is brutally violent, pulse-pounding, and tense.
All energy traits
- Violence10Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline9High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
LowCathartic
Emotionally, it's cathartic.
All heart traits
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, crime, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibePublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-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
If society won't punish the guilty, he will.
The avenging angel of Marvel Comics fame comes brilliantly to life in this searing action-adventure thriller! Dolph Lundgren stars as Frank Castle, a veteran cop who loses his entire family to a mafia car bomb. His ex-partner believes Castle survived the blast and became the Punisher, living in the sewers and exacting vigilante violence against mob bosses throughout the city. When the populace is caught in the midst of a gang war that he caused, Castle must again emerge from the shadows and save the innocent.
Violent Vigilante ActionGritty Crime DramaUrban WarfareRevenge ThrillerPsychological IntensityBleak AtmosphereMoral AmbiguityDark and Gritty80s Action
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
Questions about The Punisher
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Punisher worth watching?
47
MediocreGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 48/100 (IMDb 5.7, Rotten Tomatoes 24%, and Metacritic 63). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Punisher rated?
RViolenceStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is The Punisher?
1 h 29 min
The Punisher runs 1 h 29 min.
Is The Punisher based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a comic.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Punisher?
Critics44
Audiences50
Yes. Critics average 44 and audiences 50 out of 100, so both groups see The Punisher much the same way.
What language is The Punisher in?
EnglishGermanSpanishJapanesePortuguese
It was made in English, with some German, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese. Produced in Australia, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Punisher?
38
+24
+24GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Punisher in 38 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Punisher use?
Dirty HarrietEvil PlanProtagonist TitleThe DragonComic-Book AdaptationRhymes on a DimeOutliving One's OffspringArmed LegsKick the DogInexplicable Cornered EscapeSelf-SurgeryEveryone Is Armedand 53 more
TV Tropes lists 65 storytelling tropes for The Punisher, including Dirty Harriet, Evil Plan, Protagonist Title.