Watchmen

In a world where heroes have been outlawed, a disbanded group must confront a deadly conspiracy.

Critics broadly viewed the film as visually ambitious and thematically serious, but found its lengthy, self-conscious adaptation uneven and emotionally distant.

• The retired Watchmen embody conflicting ideas of justice, power, violence, and public responsibility.
• Superheroes alter the Vietnam War, preserve Nixon's presidency, and intensify the 1985 nuclear standoff.
• Rorschach links the Comedian's murder to a broader threat against the retired Watchmen and global security.
• Snyder and cinematographer Larry Fong emphasize iconic compositions, stylized violence, and panel-like imagery.

• V for Vendettaadult superhero deconstruction, alternate history, moral ambiguity, and stylized action
• The Dark Knightdystopian superhero politics, authoritarian power, and grim comic book world-building
• Sin Citydense neo-noir conspiracy, fractured heroism, and morally compromised protagonists
• Children of MenCold War paranoia, nuclear annihilation stakes, and politically charged speculative drama

Director

Zack Snyder

Release Date

2009-03-04

Runtime

163 min

Rating

7.4 / 10 (10363)

What is Watchmen about?

Retired masked heroes reunite to investigate a murder that may conceal a scheme capable of reshaping the balance of the world.

What is Watchmen like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Watchmen as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as dense.

Is Watchmen violent?

Yes. Ember rates the violence in Watchmen as graphic.

What did critics think of Watchmen?

Critics broadly viewed the film as visually ambitious and thematically serious, but found its lengthy, self-conscious adaptation uneven and emotionally distant.

Which films are like Watchmen?

Films with a similar feel include V for Vendetta, The Dark Knight, Sin City, and Children of Men.

How long is Watchmen?

Watchmen runs 163 minutes.

Where can I watch Watchmen?

In United States, Watchmen streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.