Is Death Note Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Death Note is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies.
It features a runtime of 126 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Death Note Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2006, Death Note emerges as a significant entry in the Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Light Yagami finds the "Death Note," a notebook with the power to kill, and decides to create a Utopia by killing the world's criminals, and soon the world's greatest detective, "L," is hired to find the mysterious murderer. Unlike standard genre fare, Death Note attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Death Note features a noteworthy lineup led by Tatsuya Fujiwara . Supported by the likes of Kenichi Matsuyama and Asaka Seto , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Death Note (2006) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Death Note Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Death Note is a Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller film that transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Light Yagami finds the "Death Note," a notebook with the power to kill, and decides to create a Utopia by killing the world's criminals, and soon the world's greatest detective, "L," is hired to find the mysterious murderer. An all out battle between the two greatest minds on earth begins and the winner will control the world. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Death Note Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Death Note resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to fantasy resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Death Note reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Death Note?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Death Note Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $29.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Death Note Budget
The estimated production budget for Death Note is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Death Note
- Tatsuya Fujiwara – Light Yagami
- Kenichi Matsuyama – L
- Asaka Seto – Naomi Misora
- Shigeki Hosokawa – Raye Iwamatsu
- Erika Toda – Misa Amane
Top Highlights
Tatsuya FujiwaraLight Yagami
Kenichi MatsuyamaL
Asaka SetoNaomi Misora
Shigeki HosokawaRaye Iwamatsu
Erika TodaMisa Amane
Shunji FujimuraWatari
Takeshi KagaSoichiro Yagami
Yuu KashiiShiori Akino
Shido NakamuraRyuk (voice)
Sota AoyamaTouta Matsuda
Where to Watch Death Note Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Death Note is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Death Note stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death Note movie hit or flop?
Death Note is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller movies.
Is Death Note worth watching?
Yes, Death Note is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller cinema.
Where can I watch Death Note online?
Death Note may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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