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Phenomenon

1996·Movie
2h 3min·PG

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Phenomenon fingerprint

Big heart, no humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Spectacle5
  • Tension4
  • Fast Pace4

Heart

Deeply moving and uplifting

Much of it is about family.

  • Pathos9
  • Hopefulness9
  • Wonder8

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy2
  • Cringe Humor2

World

Everyday modern life, family, and faith and meaning

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout characters and performances

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Music Composition7
  • Music Centrality7
  • Cinematography6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Some things in life just can't be explained.

An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.
Heartfelt DramaMagical RealismCharacter-DrivenInspiring & UpliftingSmall-Town LifeHuman ConditionLove StoryPhilosophical Exploration

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about Phenomenon

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Phenomenon legally?

Phenomenon 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 Phenomenon worth watching?

55
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 55/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 49%, and Metacritic 42). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Phenomenon rated?

PG

It's rated PG in the United States.

How long is Phenomenon?

2 h 3 min

Phenomenon runs 2 h 3 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Phenomenon?

Critics46
Audiences65

Not quite. Audiences rate Phenomenon higher (65) than critics (46). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was Phenomenon a box office hit?

Budget$32 million
Box office$152 million

Yes. It cost about $32 million to make and earned $152 million worldwide, 4.8 times its budget.

What language is Phenomenon in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Phenomenon?

53ARATAUBEBOBRBZCACHCLCOCRCZDE+39

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Phenomenon in 53 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Phenomenon use?

Super-Intelligence"The Reason You Suck" SpeechHeroic BSoDAward-Bait SongRousseau Was RightThe Smart GuyThe Topic of CancerIntelligence Equals IsolationThe SleeplessTouched by VorlonsReaching Towards the AudienceMind over Matterand 28 more

TV Tropes lists 40 storytelling tropes for Phenomenon, including Super-Intelligence, "The Reason You Suck" Speech, Heroic BSoD.