7.6
Where can I stream The Fly 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 Fly
1986·Movie
The Fly fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Scare8
- Spectacle7
Heart
Deeply moving and romantic
- Pathos10
- Romance8
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor2
World
Technology and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and characters
- Acting10
- Direction9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and editing
- Music Composition9
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
Energy
HighNerve-racking and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Fly is nerve-racking, scary, and spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare8Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque9Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and romantic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, romantic, and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumTechnology and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around technology and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Futuristic6Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
- Surrealism5Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and characters
The performances, direction, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference6Allusions to other works.
Style
HighStandout score, cinematography, and editing
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Grotesque9Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers youYou scare easily
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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
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
When brilliant, eccentric scientist Seth Brundle makes a huge technological breakthrough in teleportation, he decides to test it on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a common housefly manages to get inside the device and the two become one.
Tragic Body HorrorSci-Fi RomanceJeff Goldblum MasterclassVisceral TransformationDavid Cronenberg AestheticEmotional DevastationTechnological HubrisGothic Atmosphere
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Fly
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Fly worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 82%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Fly rated?
RViolenceNuditySexual contentDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Fly?
1 h 36 min
The Fly runs 1 h 36 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Fly?
Critics82
Audiences79
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 79 out of 100, so both groups see The Fly much the same way.
Was The Fly a box office hit?
Budget$15 million
Box office$61 million
Yes. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $61 million worldwide, 4.0 times its budget.
What language is The Fly in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Fly?
85
+71
+71GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Fly in 85 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Fly use?
Bio PunkAnger Born of WorryAdaptational Location ChangeCreator CameoThe CorruptionImperiled in PregnancyCensor SteamScale of Scientific SinsOh, Crap!Karmic TransformationFailed a Spot CheckDramatic Ironyand 249 more
TV Tropes lists 261 storytelling tropes for The Fly, including Bio Punk, Anger Born of Worry, Adaptational Location Change.