Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Brutal
- tense
- disturbing
- allegorical
- serious movie night
- literary adaptation viewing
What critics said
Critics found the adaptation visually striking and supported by committed performances, but broadly viewed its allegory and character work as less nuanced than the novel and the 1963 film.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ralph's organized rescue effort gives way to Jack's factional rule and violent primitivism on the island.
The stranded cadets split between Ralph's procedural leadership and Jack's hunting-based gang.
The colorful Pacific island scenery contrasts with hunting, theft, pursuit, and killings.
Jack exploits the boys' fear of the unknown to secure obedience and reinforce his authority.
Films like Lord of the Flies, and why
Lord of the Flies
Shared survival drama, adolescent group conflict, moral collapse, and isolated island setting.
The Coral Island
Shared survival thriller structure, stranded youths, escalating fear, and breakdown of social order.
The Maze Runner
Shared allegorical survival drama, institutional collapse, and children confronting violent primal impulses.
The Hunger Games
Shared isolated setting, factional conflict, paranoia, and group violence under extreme pressure.
Movie Details
- Director
- Harry Hook
- Release Date
- 1990-03-16
- Runtime
- 91 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (668)
Cast
- Balthazar Getty
- Chris Furrh
- Danuel Pipoly
- James Badge Dale
- Andrew Taft
- Edward Taft
- Gary Rule
- Terry Wells
- Braden MacDonald
- Angus Burgin
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Lord of the Flies about?
- Stranded military cadets build rival societies on a Pacific island, where the struggle for rescue gives way to fear-driven tribal violence.
- What is Lord of the Flies like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Lord of the Flies as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Lord of the Flies violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Lord of the Flies as brutal.
- What did critics think of Lord of the Flies?
- Critics found the adaptation visually striking and supported by committed performances, but broadly viewed its allegory and character work as less nuanced than the novel and the 1963 film.
- Which films are like Lord of the Flies?
- Films with a similar feel include Lord of the Flies, The Coral Island, The Maze Runner, and The Hunger Games.
- How long is Lord of the Flies?
- Lord of the Flies runs 91 minutes.
- Where can I watch Lord of the Flies?
- In United States, Lord of the Flies streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
