7.6
Where can I stream Maniac legally?
Maniac is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Maniac fingerprint
Masterful craft, stunning style.
Energy
Tense and spectacular
- Tension7
- Spectacle7
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
Plenty of absurdist humor and dark humor
- Absurdist Humor8
- Dark Humor8
- Wit & Wordplay7
World
The mind, technology, and the future
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty9
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Character Depth10
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Editing9
- Visual Stylization9
Energy
HighTense and spectacular
Maniac is tense and spectacular.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighPlenty of absurdist humor and dark humor
Expect plenty of absurdist humor and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor8Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor5Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity9Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighThe mind, technology, and the future
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around the mind, technology, and the future. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Surrealism9Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Futuristic7Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative9Time-shifts and structure play.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Homage & Reference6Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Psychedelic6Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
The mind can be solved.
Two strangers are drawn to a mysterious pharmaceutical trial that will, they're assured, with no complications or side-effects whatsoever, solve all of their problems, permanently. Things do not go as planned.
Psychological Sci-FiDark ComedySurreal DramaMental Health ExplorationCharacter-DrivenVisually InventiveMind-Bending NarrativeExistential ThemesRetro-Futuristic Aesthetic
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Maniac
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Maniac worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 76). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Maniac rated?
TV-MADrug useDisturbing imageryStrong language
It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: drug use, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How many seasons does Maniac have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 10 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on Maniac?
Critics80
Audiences78
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see Maniac much the same way.
When did Maniac air?
S1
It ran from 2018 to 2018 and has ended.
What language is Maniac in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Maniac?
130
+116
+116GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Maniac in 130 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Maniac use?
Chekhov's GunGenre RouletteMagic MirrorHomageHorrible HousingFamily Portrait of CharacterizationA Side Order of RomanceRobosexualImaginary FriendImagine SpotIn Name OnlyBunny-Ears Lawyerand 58 more
TV Tropes lists 70 storytelling tropes for Maniac, including Chekhov's Gun, Genre Roulette, Magic Mirror.