7.8
Where can I stream The OA legally?
The OA is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The OA
2016·Show
The OA fingerprint
High energy, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Spectacle6
- Violence6
Heart
Awe-inspiring and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Wonder9
- Pathos8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Absurdist Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Mystery, the mind, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Ambiguity9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
Style
Standout score and cinematography
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality9
- Cinematography8
Energy
HighTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The OA is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
HighAwe-inspiring and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, moving, and romantic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas 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.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighMystery, the mind, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and faith and meaning. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Contemporary Realism5Modern, grounded storytelling.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative7Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout score and cinematography
Look and sound: the score and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Psychedelic6Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
This is a dream but you're wide awake.
Seven years after vanishing from her home, a young woman returns with mysterious new abilities and recruits five strangers for a secret mission.
Metaphysical MysteryNear-Death Experience DramaNon-Linear Narrative PuzzleSpiritual & Philosophical Sci-FiAtmospheric & HauntingEmotional Character StudySurreal Dream LogicIntricate Plot ArchitectureSting Soundtrack ShowcaseExistential Thriller
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 OA
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The OA worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 63). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The OA rated?
TV-MAViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language
It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How many seasons does The OA have?
2 seasons
It has 2 seasons with 16 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on The OA?
Critics74
Audiences82
Not quite. Audiences rate The OA higher (82) than critics (74). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
When did The OA air?
S1S2
It ran from 2016 to 2019 and has ended.
What language is The OA in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The OA?
129
+115
+115GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The OA in 129 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The OA use?
Mad ScientistExtreme DoormatStraight GayLima SyndromeSpiritual SuccessorWhy Don't You Just Shoot Him?Twice-Told TaleMy Beloved SmotherDimensional TravelerImpersonation GambitAscended ExtraFlatline Plotlineand 50 more
TV Tropes lists 62 storytelling tropes for The OA, including Mad Scientist, Extreme Doormat, Straight Gay.