7.4
Where can I stream The City of Lost Children legally?
You can 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.
The City of Lost Children
1995·Movie
·1h 52min·R·
The City of Lost Children fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and scary
- Tension7
- Scare7
- Spectacle7
Heart
Melancholic and wondrous
- Melancholy7
- Wonder7
- Pathos5
Humor
Plenty of absurdist humor and dark humor
- Absurdist Humor8
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Technology, fantasy, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty9
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Standout cinematography and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography8
- Visual Stylization8
- Editing7
Energy
HighTense and scary
The City of Lost Children is tense, scary, and spectacular.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumPlenty of absurdist humor and dark humor
Expect plenty of absurdist humor and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor8Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighTechnology, fantasy, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around technology, fantasy, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Surrealism9Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Psychedelic6Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
Where happily ever after is just a dream.
A scientist in a surrealist society kidnaps children to steal their dreams, hoping that they slow his aging process.
Surrealist FantasyDark Fairy TaleSteampunkVisually StrikingPsychological MysteryEuropean CinemaNightmarishAtmosphericThematic Complexity
Actors
Crew
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The City of Lost Children
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The City of Lost Children worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 80%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The City of Lost Children rated?
RDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The City of Lost Children?
1 h 52 min
The City of Lost Children runs 1 h 52 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The City of Lost Children?
Critics77
Audiences81
Yes. Critics average 77 and audiences 81 out of 100, so both groups see The City of Lost Children much the same way.
Was The City of Lost Children a box office hit?
Budget$18 million
Box office$2 million
No. It cost about $18 million to make and earned $2 million worldwide, 10% of its budget.
What language is The City of Lost Children in?
French
It was made in French. Produced in France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The City of Lost Children?
68
+54
+54GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The City of Lost Children in 68 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The City of Lost Children use?
Little People Are SurrealIris OutBlood from the MouthCreepy Circus MusicJaw Drop"Be Quiet!" NudgeArtificial HumanOlder Than They LookUnflinching Faith in the BrakesConjoined TwinsIndustrial GhettoFaceplanting into Foodand 99 more
TV Tropes lists 111 storytelling tropes for The City of Lost Children, including Little People Are Surreal, Iris Out, Blood from the Mouth.