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Santa Sangre

Santa Sangre

Forget Everything You Have Ever Seen...

1989123 minNC-17Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films
Director
Alejandro Jodorowsky
Starring
Axel Jodorowsky, Blanca Guerra, Guy Stockwell, Thelma Tixou

A former circus artist escapes from a mental hospital to rejoin his armless, cult leader mother, and is forced to enact brutal murders in her name.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Santa Sangre?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Santa Sangre streaming on Cineverse via Prime Video, Fandor via Prime Video, Midnight Pulp via Prime Video, Prime Video, Screambox via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Santa Sangre?

Santa Sangre earns 11 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Santa Sangre worth watching?

Santa Sangre's Midcredits score is the 92nd percentile of all films, from 90K ratings across 4 sources. 79% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

92nd percentile

Better received than 92% of films

94th percentile among Drama93rd percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)92nd
Approval (how many liked it)89th

75 /100

92nd percentile of all films

94th percentile among Drama94th percentile among 1980s

Rating distribution

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

79% liked it

89th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Drama90th percentile among 1980s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 86%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 7 noms overall

94th percentile

90K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Drama93rd percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$787K
Worldwide gross$21

Returned 0.0× its budget — 1st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a bizarre, unforgettable experience built around striking circus-set visuals and a psychological horror plot.

Fans praised

  • visually stunning surreal imagery
  • haunting atmospheric score
  • emotionally affecting performance by Fenix

Detractors panned

  • tedious pacing with boring stretches
  • amateurish acting and low-budget look
  • heavy-handed symbolism trying too hard

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive88

defies genre categorization

AtmosphereDivisive86

immersive dreamlike/nightmare circus world

CinematographyDivisive84

vivid colors and elaborate compositions

Sound and musicDivisive80

eerie Spanish-influenced score

Emotional impactDivisive74

tragic central figure evokes sympathy

Effects and spectacleDivisive72

practical gore and set-piece violence

TensionDivisive70

creeping dread and psychological unease

PacingDivisive58

slow second half loses grip

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 18 points higher than critics.

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

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

Watch experience

What is Santa Sangre like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadContemplativeAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Dreamlike · 2% of films: Logic gives way to atmosphere and association.Melodramatic · 9% of films: Heightened emotion, played large.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneJodorowsky plays the material with a surreal, theatrical distance, mixing melodramatic dialogue and brutal imagery in a dreamlike register.
The rideThe film oscillates between dreamlike calm and shocking brutality, with the heaviest emotional and psychological weight landing in the final confrontation between Fenix and Concha and his subsequent liberation.
StructureThe story unfolds through nonlinear flashbacks from the protagonist's childhood trauma, gradually revealing the roots of his present madness.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's surreal imagery and psychological violence linger, leaving a haunting and unsettling aftertaste.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

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).Rebirth
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%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

Why this archetypeFenix's journey from catatonic trauma to liberation is a rebirth narrative, as he breaks free from his mother's psychic control and reclaims his own agency.

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% (this title) · 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%
  • 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% (this title) · 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%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsTrauma · 7% of filmsFamily bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film dissects how trauma and family control fracture a person's sense of self, with Fenix's hands becoming a battleground between his will and his mother's tyranny.
StanceThe film interrogates identity by showing how profoundly Fenix is warped by his mother's traumatic control, without celebrating or condemning his struggle; it leaves the question of who he really is open until the very end.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalWildernessMagical realism
Orchestral classicalWorldForeground music · original score · Simon Boswell
SettingA Mexican circus, a mental asylum, and a dilapidated house.
MusicBoswell's score blends orchestral passages with Mexican folk instruments, amplifying the film's surreal and tragic dimensions.

Content guide

Is Santa Sangre okay for kids?

NC-17

Santa Sangre is rated NC-17: “Rated NC-17 for several scenes of extremely explicit violence” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (94/100), sexual content at intense (71/100), language at mild (35/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (70/100) and frightening material at severe (93/100). Overall it is heavier than 78% of NC-17-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaR 18+
  • Germany18
  • France16
  • South Korea18
  • CL14
  • FinlandK-18
  • GreeceK18
  • ItalyVM14
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 95% of all filmsHeavier than 78% of NC-17-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 85%
Sex & Nudity
Intense
typical for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 37%
Profanity
Mild
light for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 4%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 75%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 86%

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

Heavy almost across the board: violence, frightening material, sexual content, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what NC-17-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 Santa Sangre have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Santa Sangre?

Cast

6 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Axel Jodorowsky
as Fénix
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Blanca Guerra
as Concha
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Guy Stockwell
as Orgo
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Thelma Tixou
as The Tattooed Woman
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sabrina Dennison
as Alma
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Adán Jodorowsky
as Young Fénix
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Faviola Elenka Tapia
as Young Alma
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Teo Jodorowsky
as Pimp
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sergio Bustamante
as Monsignor
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Joaquín García Vargas
as Box-Office Attendant

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Santa Sangre?

Movies like Santa Sangre include El Topo (1970), The Dance of Reality (2013) and Strange Circus (2005). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories of toxic codependency, and most are magical-realist films.

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

Alejandro Jodorowsky wrote and directed 4 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Santa Sangre?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: captor and captive. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.