Overview
A journey to a hidden paradise offers a chance to escape the world's turmoil.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- wonderous
- philosophical
- romantic
- classic cinema night
- literary adaptation viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's lavish production, photography, staging, and performances while finding the adaptation overlong and its conclusion less satisfying.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Shangri-la is presented as an Eden-like valley protected from the turmoil gathering beyond its mountains.
Robert Conway moves from diplomatic crisis and an airplane crash into the isolated Himalayan society of Shangri-la.
The critical reception repeatedly emphasizes the opulent sets, rich costuming, beautiful photography, and impressive staging.
The valley's isolation and seductive peace are contrasted with the clouds of world war gathering outside.
Films like Lost Horizon, and why
The Wizard of Oz
shared utopian fantasy, spiritual escapism, and visually elaborate classic-Hollywood adventure
Brigadoon
shared idealized hidden world, romantic fantasy, and conflict between worldly cynicism and transcendent wonder
The Thief of Bagdad
shared prewar adventure, exotic setting, philosophical themes, and grand studio spectacle
The Secret Garden
shared literary fantasy, perilous journey, romantic idealism, and richly designed alternate realm
Movie Details
- Director
- Frank Capra
- Release Date
- 1937-03-03
- Runtime
- 132 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (254)
Cast
- Ronald Colman
- Jane Wyatt
- Edward Everett Horton
- John Howard
- Thomas Mitchell
- Margo
- Isabel Jewell
- H.B. Warner
- Sam Jaffe
- John Burton
Where to watch in United States
- 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 Lost Horizon about?
- A crash-landed British diplomat discovers a seductive Himalayan utopia whose promise of peace challenges his loyalty to the troubled world outside.
- What is Lost Horizon like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Lost Horizon as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Lost Horizon violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Lost Horizon as mild.
- What did critics think of Lost Horizon?
- Critics broadly praised the film's lavish production, photography, staging, and performances while finding the adaptation overlong and its conclusion less satisfying.
- Which films are like Lost Horizon?
- Films with a similar feel include The Wizard of Oz, Brigadoon, The Thief of Bagdad, and The Secret Garden.
- How long is Lost Horizon?
- Lost Horizon runs 132 minutes.
- Where can I watch Lost Horizon?
- In United States, Lost Horizon is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
