6.8
Where can I stream The Imaginary legally?
The Imaginary is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Imaginary
2023·Movie
The Imaginary fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy, a touch of humor.
Energy
Spectacular
- Spectacle8
- Tension6
- Fast Pace6
Heart
Awe-inspiring and moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Wonder9
- Pathos8
- Hopefulness8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Physical Comedy3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Fantasy, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout direction, storytelling, and characters
- Direction8
- Narrative Structure8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout score, visual style, and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
- Music Composition9
- Visual Stylization9
- Music Centrality9
Energy
HighSpectacular
The Imaginary is spectacular.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighAwe-inspiring and moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, moving, and hopeful. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFantasy, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around fantasy, family, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy9Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction, storytelling, and characters
The direction, storytelling, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout score, visual style, and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the score, visual style, and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure 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
A boy no one can see, and the Imaginaries.
Amanda and her imaginary friend Rudger go on thrilling make-believe adventures. But when Rudger finds himself alone, he faces a mysterious threat.
Whimsical Animated FantasyEmotional Coming-of-AgeChildhood ImaginationTouching Friendship StoryBeautifully Rendered WorldPoignant & HeartwarmingAdventure & DiscoveryMusic-Driven NarrativeFamily-Friendly Anime
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Imaginary
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Imaginary worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 66). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Imaginary rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is The Imaginary?
1 h 48 min
The Imaginary runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Imaginary?
Critics79
Audiences72
Yes. Critics average 79 and audiences 72 out of 100, so both groups see The Imaginary much the same way.
What language is The Imaginary in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Imaginary?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Imaginary in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Imaginary use?
Adaptational Nice GuyAscend to a Higher Plane of ExistenceBig BadBig Damn HeroBig Word ShoutChekhov's GunmanDeath of a ChildThe DragonHoist by His Own PetardFate Worse than DeathPicky People EaterTulpaand 14 more
TV Tropes lists 26 storytelling tropes for The Imaginary, including Adaptational Nice Guy, Ascend to a Higher Plane of Existence, Big Bad.