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The Virgin Suicides

The Virgin Suicides

Beautiful, mysterious, haunting, invariably fatal. Just like life.

199997 minRMidcredits score: 90th percentile of all films
Director
Sofia Coppola
Starring
Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett, James Woods, Kathleen Turner

A group of male friends become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who are sheltered by their strict, religious parents.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Virgin Suicides?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Virgin Suicides streaming on Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Virgin Suicides?

The Virgin Suicides earns 8 badges, led by Top 10% of films and Visual feast.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Virgin Suicides worth watching?

The Virgin Suicides' Midcredits score is the 90th percentile of all films, from 1.6M ratings across 6 sources. 76% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

90th percentile

Better received than 90% of films

92nd percentile among Drama91st percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)90th
Approval (how many liked it)86th

74 /100

90th percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Drama92nd percentile among 1990s

Critics 77 · Audience 74

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.3 — solid but not unanimous.

76% liked it

86th percentile of all films

87th percentile among Drama87th percentile among 1990s
76% rated it 7–1024% rated it 1–6

Critics 80% · Audience 81%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 13 noms overall

98th percentile

1.6M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$9M
Opening weekend$235K
Domestic gross$4.9M
Worldwide gross$10M

Returned 1.2× its budget — 85th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a beautiful, dreamlike visual and musical mood piece, but it keeps the Lisbon sisters at an emotional arm's length.

Fans praised

  • cinematography and soft 70s palette create a dreamy, nostalgic haze
  • Air's score and era needle drops give the whole film a floating, wistful pulse
  • the boys' unreliable, myth-making memory of the Lisbon girls is a rich thematic device

Detractors panned

  • theLisbon girls are barely characterized — idealized male fantasy, not real teenagers
  • voice-over narration saps emotional devastation and creates distance
  • plot feels thin, slow, and padded with a forced mystery element

What stands out

Cinematography90

soft lighting, muted palette, nostalgic framing

Sound and musicDivisive88

Air's dreamy score and 70s classics

AtmosphereDivisive85

wobbles between whimsy, dread, and nostalgia

ActingDivisive78

rich performances, particularly the girls

Emotional impactDivisive55

distancing narration undercuts the tragedy

Plot and storyDivisive50

simple structure with forced mystery element

CharactersDivisive45

girls written as distant, underdeveloped enigmas

PacingDivisive45

slow, sometimes boring for detractors

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Virgin Suicides like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

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

It never lets up and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want every question answered.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moods
MelancholicElegiacTenseBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Register
Dreamlike · 2% of films: Logic gives way to atmosphere and association.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its tragic material at a dreamy, elegiac distance, treating the girls as elusive objects of memory and desire rather than fully realized characters.
The rideThe film sustains a melancholic, elegiac mood throughout, but the emotional weight peaks in the late stretch as the suicides are revealed.
StructureThe story is framed by the adult narrators recalling their teenage years; their collective memory and idealization make the narration inherently unreliable.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

Haunting · 14% of filmsThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers as a haunting elegy for lost youth and the unknowable minds of the Lisbon sisters, prompting questions about male idealization and the nature of memory.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).Tragedy
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%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · 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% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe narrative follows a group of boys looking back on their teenage obsession with five sisters whose tragic, isolated lives and eventual suicides shape their coming of age.

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 filmsSelfGriefSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% (this title) · Obsession 3%
  • 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% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · 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%

Survival

Grief · 6% of filmsIdentity · 14% of filmsMemory · 3% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film is centrally about the communal grief and obsessive memory surrounding the Lisbon sisters' suicides, and how the boys' idealized memories shape their understanding of the girls.
StanceThe film mourns the loss of the Lisbon sisters and the community's failure to understand them, treating the tragedy with profound grief rather than judgment.

The world

Late 20th centurySuburbanDomesticUrbanRealistic
FolkRockElectronicSupportive music · hybrid · Air
SettingAffluent Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in 1974, centered on the Lisbon family home and the boys' street view of it.
MusicThe soundtrack mixes Air's ambient score with 1970s rock and pop songs that evoke the era and the boys' nostalgic longing.

Content guide

Is The Virgin Suicides okay for kids?

R

The Virgin Suicides is rated R: “Rated R for strong thematic elements involving teens” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (60/100), sexual content at mild (32/100), language at mild (28/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (42/100) and frightening material at intense (71/100). Overall it is heavier than 23% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • JapanR18+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Czechia15+
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO18+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 50% of all filmsHeavier than 23% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 35%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 27%
Profanity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 5%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 54%
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 67%

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

The reason to think twice is 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 The Virgin Suicides have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Virgin Suicides?

Cast

At least 2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kirsten Dunst
as Lux Lisbon
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Josh Hartnett
as Trip Fontaine
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
James Woods
as Mr. Lisbon
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.
Kathleen Turner
as Mrs. Lisbon
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Michael Paré
as Adult Trip Fontaine
A.J. Cook
as Mary Lisbon
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Hanna Hall
as Cecilia Lisbon
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Leslie Hayman
as Therese Lisbon
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Chelse Swain
as Bonnie Lisbon
Giovanni Ribisi
as Narrator

Crew

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