Bluebeard (1936): cast, story & where to watch
1936 · Film · ★ 5.9
Released in 1936, Bluebeard is an animation and music film directed by Jean Painlevé, running about 13 minutes.
What it’s about. Perrault's fairy tale presented in claymation with choral voices. Bluebeard goes courting, all six of his wives having died. He arrives at the house of a widow with two daughters. He's greatly feared, but he overcomes objections with a generous dowry. One sister (Anne) refuses him; the other accepts. At his castle, the damsel delights in precious minutes away from Bluebeard in the rose garden. The Saracens declare war; Bluebeard goes off to fight them, leaving the keys to the castle in the damsel's hands. He warns her not to enter the forbidden room. As war rages, she discovers riches in the castle and then enters the forbidden room. Will Bluebeard discover her act? Can she escape death?
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, Bluebeard has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Bluebeard page.
If you liked it. Fans of Bluebeard tend to enjoy Spirited Away, Your Name., Grave of the Fireflies and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Bluebeard (1936)?
- In US, Bluebeard is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Bluebeard worth watching?
- Bluebeard holds an audience score of 5.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy animation and music. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- When was Bluebeard released?
- Bluebeard was released in 1936, with a runtime of about 13 minutes.