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Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

Obsession can cause the unthinkable.

2006147 minRMidcredits score: 91st percentile of all films
Director
Tom Tykwer
Starring
Ben Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Dustin Hoffman

Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, born in the stench of 18th century Paris, develops a superior olfactory sense, which he uses to create the world's finest perfumes. However, his work takes a dark turn as he tries to preserve scents in the search for the ultimate perfume.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Perfume: The Story of a Murderer streaming on Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer earns 10 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

Show 2 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer worth watching?

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer's Midcredits score is the 91st percentile of all films, from 502K ratings across 6 sources. 81% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

91st percentile

Better received than 91% of films

92nd percentile among Crime90th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)88th
Approval (how many liked it)91st

73 /100

88th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Crime87th percentile among 2000s

Critics 56 · Audience 74

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

81% liked it

91st percentile of all films

91st percentile among Crime91st percentile among 2000s
81% rated it 7–1019% rated it 1–6

Critics 59% · Audience 74%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 14 wins / 19 noms overall

98th percentile

502K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Crime97th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 7% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$60M
Opening weekend$37K
Domestic gross$2.2M
Worldwide gross$135M

Returned 2.3× its budget — 96th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

An ambitious, visually rich adaptation of an 'unfilmable' novel that polarizes audiences with its bizarre, fantastical climax.

Fans praised

  • Visually stunning cinematography capturing 18th-century France
  • Ben Whishaw's mesmerizing, near-silent performance as Grenouille
  • Reinventing scent through image and music with brilliant atmosphere

Detractors panned

  • Overlong; pacing drags severely in the middle
  • Ridiculous, laughable finale with mass orgy undermines credibility
  • Narration is intrusive, spoon-feeds rather than shows

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive85

Lush, period-perfect visuals; hyper-real macro shots

Originality85

Unique conceit of scent-driven narrative hailed as innovative

AtmosphereDivisive80

Immersive evocation of stench and beauty in 18th-century France

ActingDivisive75

Whishaw's silent intensity praised; Hoffman and Rickman divisive

CharactersDivisive50

Grenouille is compelling yet emotionally opaque; victims are flat

Plot and storyDivisive45

Faithful adaptation but episodic; logic stretched by fantastical premise

PacingDivisive40

Mid-section drags; final act rushed into absurdity

EndingDivisive35

Bizarre orgy finale splits viewers; many find it unsatisfying

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicDread
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film takes its dark material with complete seriousness, never undercutting the horror or the beauty, creating a somber and sensual atmosphere.
The rideA sustained oppressive and eerie atmosphere, punctuated by moments of visceral horror and quiet sadness, maintaining pressure from start to finish.
StructureThe film opens and closes with Grenouille's trial and execution, framing his life story told in flashback.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's dark beauty and tragic conclusion linger, leaving a haunting, unsettling feeling about the lengths of obsession.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeGrenouille's obsessive pursuit of the perfect scent drives the narrative, making it a dark quest with a defined objective.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsObsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Isolation · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeGrenouille's quest for a perfect perfume is a desperate search for a self he lacks, amplified by an all-consuming obsession and his utter detachment from humanity.
StanceThe film questions the nature of identity and the futility of seeking self-worth through external validation, without offering a clear moral judgment.

The world

Early modernUrbanInstitutionalDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral classicalExperimentalForeground music · original score · Tom Tykwer
Setting18th-century France, from squalid Parisian markets to the perfume town of Grasse
MusicThe score is a lush, often dissonant orchestral work that mirrors the film's blend of beauty and horror.

Content guide

Is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer okay for kids?

R

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is rated R: “Rated R for aberrant behavior involving nudity, violence, sexuality, and disturbing images” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (81/100), sexual content at intense (80/100), language at minimal (12/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (32/100) and frightening material at intense (71/100). Overall it is heavier than 62% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 22 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15A
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina+16
  • BelgiumR
  • Hong KongIIB
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia12+
  • SingaporeR21
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland14
  • Türkiye16+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 78% of all filmsHeavier than 62% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 66%
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 97%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 22%
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 66%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence, sexual content, and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Perfume: The Story of a Murderer have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Ben Whishaw
as Jean-Baptiste Grenouille
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Alan Rickman
as Richis
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Rachel Hurd-Wood
as Laura
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Dustin Hoffman
as Giuseppe Baldini
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John Hurt
as Narrator
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Karoline Herfurth
as The Plum Girl
David Calder
as Bishop of Grasse
Simon Chandler
as Mayor of Grasse
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Sian Thomas
as Madame Gaillard
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jessica Schwarz
as Natalie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

Movies like Perfume: The Story of a Murderer include The Pit and the Pendulum (1961), The Babysitter (1995) and Dorian Gray (2009). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Tom Tykwer, and several are hunter-and-hunted stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its subject: obsession. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

110 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: parent. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.