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Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.

In an impossible time, it takes impossible courage.

2024133 minPG-13Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films
Director
Todd Komarnicki
Starring
Jonas Dassler, Phileas Heyblom, August Diehl, David Jonsson

As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer joins a deadly plot to assassinate Hitler, risking his faith and fate to save millions of Jews from genocide.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.?

Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. earns 8 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Preferred by Women.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. worth watching?

Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.'s Midcredits score is the 58th percentile of all films, from 13K ratings across 6 sources. 60% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

58th percentile

Better received than 58% of films

34th percentile among Biography59th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)48th
Approval (how many liked it)66th

61 /100

48th percentile of all films

24th percentile among Biography50th percentile among 2020s

Critics 43 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

60% liked it

66th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Biography67th percentile among 2020s
60% rated it 7–1040% rated it 1–6

Critics 66% · Audience 92%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

88th percentile

13K ratings across platforms

73rd percentile among Biography89th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 19% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$5M
Domestic gross$12M
Worldwide gross$13M

71st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film has good acting and production values but is marred by a choppy narrative and historical liberties.

Fans praised

  • Strong performances and authentic casting
  • Powerful message of moral courage against evil
  • Effective cinematography and production values

Detractors panned

  • Confusing nonlinear timeline and poor pacing
  • Superficial portrayal of Bonhoeffer's intellect and theology
  • Historical inaccuracies and weak dramatic structure

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive70

Beautiful visuals and period detail

Acting65

Competent performances but occasionally stagy

AtmosphereDivisive55

Immersive in parts but inconsistent tone

CharactersDivisive45

Bonhoeffer lacks depth and motivation

Emotional impactDivisive45

Often falls flat; moving for some viewers

Dialogue40

Some clichéd lines and hard-to-understand accents

Plot and story30

Disjointed, confusing chronology and historical gaps

Pacing25

Slow and tedious with excessive flashbacks

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 33 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 51 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. 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 takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film treats Bonhoeffer's moral struggle with gravity and seriousness, maintaining a solemn tone throughout.
The rideThe plot centers on a deadly conspiracy, creating sustained tension and dread that likely culminates in the emotional weight of the historical ending.
StructureMultiple reviews describe a fragmented timeline that jumps between Bonhoeffer's earlier experiences and the assassination plot.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's exploration of faith versus action lingers, prompting reflection on complicity and courage.
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 archetypeThe story centers on Bonhoeffer joining an assassination plot, a defined objective mission. The secondary element of infiltrating the regime supports the plot type.

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 filmsSelfDutyMorality
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% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% (this title) · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · 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% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Duty · 2% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of filmsFaith · 3% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Bonhoeffer's moral dilemma between his pacifist convictions and the duty to act against evil, a conflict that ultimately demands sacrifice.
StanceThe film interrogates Bonhoeffer's moral dilemma, questioning whether violence can ever be justified, even against a monstrous evil.

The world

Mid 20th centuryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Gabriel Ferreira
SettingNazi Germany during World War II, involving church circles and the resistance movement
MusicThe score likely supports the film's tense and brooding atmosphere, typical for a historical drama about resistance.

Content guide

Is Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. okay for kids?

PG-13

Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for violent content, thematic elements and some smoking” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (40/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at mild (32/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at moderate (57/100). Overall it is heavier than 43% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 11 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea12
  • Austria12
  • Netherlands12
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG13
  • Spain12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 28% of all filmsHeavier than 43% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 40%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 1%
Profanity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 23%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 81%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 68%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 68% of PG-13-rated films.

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 Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.?

Cast

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

Jonas Dassler
as Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Phileas Heyblom
as Young Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
August Diehl
as Martin Niemoller
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.
David Jonsson
as Frank Fisher
Moritz Bleibtreu
as Karl Bonhoeffer
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.
Greg Kolpakchi
as Officer Ansel Knoblauch
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
William Robinson
as Eberhard Bethge
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Clarke Peters
as Reverend Powell Sr.
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
James Flynn
as Dr. Rascher
Lisa Hofer
as Sabine Bonhoeffer
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 Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin?

Movies like Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin include Fat Man and Little Boy (1989), Amen. (2002) and Diplomacy (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, several are political thrillers, and most are films about duty.

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

11 of these 12 share its feel: solemn. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.?

733 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: clergy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.