Chinatown (1974)
A private eye navigates sun-drenched 1930s Los Angeles, uncovering a pulpy web of crime and deceit.
Private eye Jake Gittes lives off of the murky moral climate of sunbaked, pre-World War II Southern California. Hired by a beautiful socialite to investigate her husband's extra-marital affair, Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits, uncovering a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together.
How intense is Chinatown?
Chinatown is mildly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Chinatown feels like
- Tone
- grittysuspensefulpulpyatmosphericmelancholy
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Chinatown
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 14, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Chinatown for you?
Is Chinatown scary?
Only a little. Chinatown has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is Chinatown gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is Chinatown sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Chinatown OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is Chinatown?
Chinatown runs 2h 10m.
Where can I stream Chinatown?
Chinatown is streaming on MGM+.
Does Chinatown have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
No. Brace yourself.
Cast and crew
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