7.9
Where can I stream The Big Sleep 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 Big Sleep fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline6
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Romance6
- Melancholy5
- Hopefulness4
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor3
- Satire & Parody2
World
Crime, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Intrigue9
- Complexity9
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Big Sleep is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos3Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighCrime, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, mystery, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, direction, and dialogue stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
The picture they were born for!
Private Investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by wealthy General Sternwood regarding a matter involving his youngest daughter Carmen. Before the complex case is over, Marlowe sees murder, blackmail, deception, and what might be love.
Classic Film NoirHard-Boiled DetectiveComplex MysteryStylish CinematographySharp DialogueIntriguing PlotMoral AmbiguitySuspenseful AtmosphereCynical Worldview
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 Big Sleep
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Big Sleep worth watching?
85
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 86). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Big Sleep rated?
NRViolence
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Big Sleep?
1 h 54 min
The Big Sleep runs 1 h 54 min.
Is The Big Sleep based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Big Sleep?
Critics91
Audiences82
Not quite. Critics rate The Big Sleep higher (91) than audiences (82). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Big Sleep a box office hit?
Budget$250,000
Box office$11 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $250,000 to make and earned $11 million worldwide, 42.7 times its budget.
What language is The Big Sleep in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Big Sleep?
59
+45
+45GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Big Sleep in 59 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Big Sleep use?
Adaptational ModestyFur and LoathingPretty in MinkKudzu PlotCurse Cut ShortBeautiful All AlongBatman GambitAdaptation-Induced Plot HoleWhat Happened to the Mouse?Smoking Is CoolLighter and SofterIgnore the Fanserviceand 64 more
TV Tropes lists 76 storytelling tropes for The Big Sleep, including Adaptational Modesty, Fur and Loathing, Pretty in Mink.