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Celluloid
RomanceDrama Morelia 2010 · Mexican Classics

Like Water for Chocolate

Directed by Alfonso Arau · 1992 ·

Short answer

Is Like Water for Chocolate worth watching?

Yes. Like Water for Chocolate (1992) earns an 83% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one. See the 4 inputs.

83%
Celluloid Score Recommended

4-input transparent breakdown

91% Editorial Rating
92% Audience snapshot · excluded
86 Metascore
★★★★☆ Letterboxd 4.2
7.1 IMDb /10
0
Watch Trailer
Released
Runtime
1h 45m
Age rating
R (US) · 15 (UK) · M (Australia) · 14A (Canada) · 19 (South Korea)
Cast
Marco Leonardi , Lumi Cavazos , Regina Torné
Streaming
fuboTV, MGM+, Paramount+
Country
Mexico
Language
Spanish

Also known as Como agua para chocolate Les épices de la passion Bittersüße Schokolade Como Água para Chocolate 달콤 쌉사름한 초콜릿 巧克力情人 Acı Çikolata Come l'acqua per il cioccolato

🏆 2 award wins — Won Best Picture, Ariel Awards 1992

Where to watch

  • fuboTV
  • MGM+
  • Paramount+

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Why this score?

  • Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (91/100).
  • Audiences widely enjoyed it (92%).
  • Metascore signals universal acclaim (86/100).
  • Letterboxd diarists rate it highly (4.2/5).
  • Celluloid Score 83% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.

Best for

  • Viewers who want a well-regarded romance, drama pick
  • Short runtime — easy weeknight watch

Not ideal for

    Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy

    Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

    Is Like Water for Chocolate worth watching?

    Yes — Like Water for Chocolate earns an 83% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded romance, drama pick. Read our full review (4/5).

    Celluloid verdict

    Arau's magical-realist romance became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in the United States for years.

    , Founder & Editor

    Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one.

    What is Like Water for Chocolate about?

    A young woman forbidden to marry pours emotion into food that magically affects everyone who eats her cooking on a Mexican ranch.

    Watch the Trailer

    Critic Reviews

    Short review 4 min read English Like Water for Chocolate

    Like Water for Chocolate (1992) Review: Recipes for Longing

    Like Water for Chocolate is Alfonso Arau's magical-realist Mexican romance about a woman forbidden to marry, whose cooking carries her feelings to all who eat it.

    Yes. It is a sensual, enchanting romance and a landmark of Mexican cinema, best for viewers who enjoy magical realism and can embrace generous helpings of melodrama.

    Kaiser Khan Founder & Editor

    Like Water for Chocolate stills

    Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.

    Like Water for Chocolate production still 1
    Like Water for Chocolate production still 2
    Like Water for Chocolate production still 3
    Like Water for Chocolate production still 4
    Like Water for Chocolate production still 5
    Like Water for Chocolate production still 6

    Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.

    Reader takes

    No reader takes published yet. Send yours and we may publish it after editing.

    Like Water for Chocolate: frequently asked questions

    Is Like Water for Chocolate worth watching?

    Yes. Like Water for Chocolate (1992) has a Celluloid Score of 83%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.

    Where can I watch Like Water for Chocolate?

    In the United States, Like Water for Chocolate streams on fuboTV, MGM+, Paramount+ with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.

    How long is Like Water for Chocolate?

    Like Water for Chocolate runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

    What is Like Water for Chocolate rated?

    Like Water for Chocolate is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, M in Australia, 14A in Canada and 19 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.

    Who stars in Like Water for Chocolate?

    Like Water for Chocolate is directed by Alfonso Arau and stars Marco Leonardi, Lumi Cavazos, Regina Torné.

    What is the Metascore for Like Water for Chocolate?

    Metacritic's Metascore for Like Water for Chocolate is 86 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.

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