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Downfall

Downfall

April 1945, a nation awaits its... Downfall

2004156 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Oliver Hirschbiegel
Starring
Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Corinna Harfouch, Ulrich Matthes

In April of 1945, Germany stands at the brink of defeat with the Russian Army closing in from the east and the Allied Expeditionary Force attacking from the west. In Berlin, capital of the Third Reich, Adolf Hitler proclaims that Germany will still achieve victory and orders his generals and advisers to fight to the last man. When the end finally does come, and Hitler lies dead by his own hand, what is left of his military must find a way to end the killing that is the Battle of Berlin, and lay down their arms in surrender.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Downfall?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Downfall streaming on Pluto TV (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Highlights

What stands out about Downfall?

Downfall earns 9 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Modern classic.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Downfall worth watching?

Downfall's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 598K ratings across 6 sources. 92% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Biography99th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

82 /100

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Biography98th percentile among 2000s

Critics 82 · Audience 82

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

92% liked it

99th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Biography99th percentile among 2000s
92% rated it 7–108% rated it 1–6

Critics 90% · Audience 94%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 19 wins / 33 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Foreign Language Film of the Year

Reach

How many have seen it

98th percentile

598K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Biography96th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 40% in 30 days

Box office

Budget€14M

In euro, not converted to dollars.

Opening weekend$18K
Domestic gross$5.5M
Worldwide gross$92M

94th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps acknowledge the film's meticulous, grim realism and Ganz's towering central performance, differing on whether that realism illuminates or sanitizes history.

Fans praised

  • Ganz's uncanny, fully inhabited Hitler — mannerisms, voice, Parkinson's tremor
  • Unflinching historical realism, from bunker claustrophobia to ruined Berlin streets
  • Humanizing the Nazi elite as a disturbing mirror rather than cartoon monsters

Detractors panned

  • Sluggish pacing and overlong runtime, more documentary than drama
  • Whitewashes the Nazi inner circle, letting Speer and others off the hook
  • Elides the Holocaust and systemic evil, flirting with sympathy for Hitler

What stands out

Acting95

Ganz's transformative Hitler, uniformly strong ensemble

AtmosphereDivisive88

Suffocating bunker dread and apocalyptic tone

CinematographyDivisive80

Authentic period look, grim claustrophobic visuals

OriginalityDivisive73

Rare German-perspective bunker drama, humanized Nazis

Emotional impactDivisive72

Devastating Goebbels children scene, overall draining

Plot and storyDivisive60

Loose docu-drama structure, gripping but episodic

CharactersDivisive45

Inner circle written as sympathetic victims, some one-note

PacingDivisive43

Long, repetitive with slow stretches

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Downfall like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Harrowing: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you are ready for a hard story that does not look away.

It is intense and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Harrowing.

Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Single location · 5% of films: Confined to essentially one place throughout.
ToneThe film is played completely straight, with a solemn, unflinching gaze that neither sensationalises nor judges, treating its historical subject with brutal realism.
The rideThe film builds from controlled tension to the inevitable despair and violence of the final days, with the heaviest emotional load in the bunker's last hours.
StructureTold in a straightforward chronology, largely confined to the Führerbunker and the immediate surroundings of Berlin during the final days.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe relentless, clinical depiction of a regime's final, fanatical convulsions and the casual horror of its followers' choices stays with the viewer long after.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows the inevitable, crushing collapse of Hitler's regime and all who are bound to it, driven by forces far beyond any character's control.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Oppression · 4% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeIt examines how absolute power corrupts, and the perverse loyalty it demands even as the system it created collapses.
StanceThe film presents the events with a distanced, observational eye, neither celebrating nor overtly moralizing, letting the horror speak for itself.

The world

Mid 20th centuryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral classicalAmbientSupportive music · original score
SettingThe Führerbunker beneath Berlin, April 1945
MusicThe score uses sparse, ominous orchestration to underscore the bunker's claustrophobia and despair.

Content guide

Is Downfall okay for kids?

R

Downfall is rated R: “Rated R for strong violence, disturbing images and some nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (89/100), sexual content at moderate (49/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (64/100) and frightening material at severe (87/100). Overall it is heavier than 78% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil16
  • Belgium16
  • Denmark15
  • Greece15
  • Hungary12
  • Netherlands16
  • PortugalM/16
  • Spain18
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 87% of all filmsHeavier than 78% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 52%
Profanity
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 13%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 81%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 91%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence, frightening material, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Downfall have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Downfall?

Cast

Bruno Ganz
as Adolf Hitler
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alexandra Maria Lara
as Traudl Junge
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Corinna Harfouch
as Magda Goebbels
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Ulrich Matthes
as Joseph Goebbels
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Juliane Köhler
as Eva Braun
Heino Ferch
as Albert Speer
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Christian Berkel
as Prof. Ernst-Günther Schenck
Thomas Kretschmann
as Hermann Fegelein
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ulrich Noethen
as Heinrich Himmler
Birgit Minichmayr
as Gerda Christian
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Downfall?

Movies like Downfall include 13 Minutes (2015), A Bridge Too Far (1977) and The Man with the Iron Heart (2017). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set during World War II, and most are period dramas.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its world: war epic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Downfall?

813 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: war epic. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.