HBO MaxWatchmen (2019)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 7.9
Overview
Set in an alternate history where “superheroes” are treated as outlaws, “Watchmen” embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel while attempting to break new ground of its own.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
HBO Max
Apple TV
Google PlayBias Dimensions
Political: Center
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Race Swap: Yes
Christianity: Positive
Overview
Set in an alternate history where “superheroes” are treated as outlaws, “Watchmen” embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel while attempting to break new ground of its own.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
HBO MaxApple TVGoogle PlayDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The film consciously balances competing viewpoints on justice, power, and morality, critiquing ideological extremes from both individualistic and collectivist perspectives without endorsing a clear political solution. Its focus on moral ambiguity and the deconstruction of heroism leads to a neutral rating.
The 'Watchmen' series demonstrates significant DEI through explicit racial recasting and reinterpretation of foundational characters, centering its narrative on a Black female protagonist. The story explicitly critiques traditional power structures and the legacy of white supremacy, making these themes central to its plot.
Secondary
"Watchmen" features significant LGBTQ+ characters and themes, most notably the historical romantic relationship between Will Reeves and Nelson Gardner, which, despite its tragic elements, is depicted with empathy and critiques societal prejudice. Angela Abar's past relationship with Laurie Blake is also presented respectfully, contributing to a net positive and affirming portrayal.
The show reveals Hooded Justice, a character depicted as white in the original comic, to be a Black man. Additionally, Doctor Manhattan, originally established as white, is primarily portrayed as a Black man in the series.
The show portrays the misuse of Christian symbols and rhetoric by the white supremacist Seventh Kavalry as a perversion, clearly condemning their hateful ideology. Simultaneously, it respectfully depicts genuine faith as a source of strength and community for characters like Sister Night's grandmother, distinguishing between sincere belief and its extremist appropriation.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The Watchmen series introduces new characters but maintains the established genders of legacy characters from the original comic, such as Ozymandias, Dr. Manhattan, and Laurie Juspeczyk. No canonical character undergoes a gender change.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
7.9
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
8.2
7.6
Critic Ratings
N/A
N/A
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