Overview
A brilliant neurosurgeon discovers a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions after a life-altering accident.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- visionary
- mystical
- blockbuster movie night
- superhero marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's imaginative visual effects, confident performances, and fresh mystical expansion of the superhero formula, while noting its familiar origin-story structure.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Stephen Strange is forced to train under the Ancient One and learn sorcery after losing his surgical career.
The hidden mystical world and alternate dimensions are depicted through kaleidoscopic cityscapes and folding spatial environments.
Strange must put aside his professional pride and selfish ambition to become a protector of the real world.
Greenwich Village becomes the gateway to a secret magical world populated by sorcerers, relics, and interdimensional threats.
Films like Doctor Strange, and why
Iron Man
shared superhero origin structure, mystical powers, witty humor, and high-concept visual spectacle
Thor
shared comic-book adventure format, magical or cosmic world-building, ensemble heroism, and playful tone
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
shared superhero mythology, alternate dimensions, psychedelic imagery, and action-driven fantasy
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
shared fantasy spectacle, mentor-led training, occult threats, and colorful metaphysical world-building
Movie Details
- Director
- Scott Derrickson
- Release Date
- 2016-10-25
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (23968)
Cast
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Rachel McAdams
- Benedict Wong
- Mads Mikkelsen
- Tilda Swinton
- Michael Stuhlbarg
- Benjamin Bratt
- Scott Adkins
- Zara Phythian
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus, YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Doctor Strange about?
- A brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon discovers that mastering mystical forces requires surrendering the ego that made him exceptional.
- What is Doctor Strange like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Doctor Strange as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Doctor Strange violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Doctor Strange as moderate.
- What did critics think of Doctor Strange?
- Critics broadly praised the film's imaginative visual effects, confident performances, and fresh mystical expansion of the superhero formula, while noting its familiar origin-story structure.
- Which films are like Doctor Strange?
- Films with a similar feel include Iron Man, Thor, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
- How long is Doctor Strange?
- Doctor Strange runs 115 minutes.
- Where can I watch Doctor Strange?
- In United States, Doctor Strange streams on Disney Plus, YouTube TV.
