The Wave (2008)
A teacher's classroom experiment in fascism spirals into a chilling, unstoppable wave of conformity and control.
A school teacher discusses types of government with his class. His students find it too boring to repeatedly go over national socialism and believe that dictatorship cannot be established in modern Germany. He starts an experiment to show how easily the masses can become manipulated.
How intense is The Wave?
The Wave is mildly scary, with no gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch.
What The Wave feels like
- Tone
- tensegrittysuspensefulbleak
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Wave
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 14, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Wave for you?
Is The Wave scary?
Only a little. The Wave has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Wave gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Wave sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
How long is The Wave?
The Wave runs 1h 47m.
Where can I stream The Wave?
The Wave is streaming on Kanopy.
Does The Wave have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
No. Brace yourself.
Cast and crew
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