Citizen Kane

Year: 1941

Runtime: 1 h 59 m

Language: English

DramaMystery

Following the death of publishing tycoon Charles Foster Kane, a reporter is tasked with uncovering the meaning behind his final, mysterious word: "Rosebud." Through interviews with Kane's acquaintances—friends, rivals, and family—the reporter pieces together a portrait of a complex and often contradictory man, exploring his childhood, career, and ultimately, the source of his enduring unhappiness. The investigation reveals a story of ambition, love, loss, and the elusive nature of memory.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Citizen Kane (1941)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Citizen Kane (1941). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Main Characters – Citizen Kane (1941)

Meet the key characters of Citizen Kane (1941), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Major Themes – Citizen Kane (1941)

Explore the central themes of Citizen Kane (1941), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

The Tragic Decline of a Great Man in films like Citizen Kane

Epic character studies of powerful figures brought down by their own flaws.Explore movies like Citizen Kane that delve into the rise and fall of powerful figures. If you appreciated the deep character study of Charles Foster Kane, you'll find similar stories exploring ambition, legacy, and the personal cost of power in these epic dramas.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a biographical or chronological arc, tracing a protagonist's ascent to power and influence, followed by a gradual decline driven by internal flaws such as hubris, loneliness, or a corrupted moral compass. The story structure often emphasizes the contrast between public achievement and private emptiness.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a monumental character arc, a melancholic tone exploring lost potential, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from the protagonist's ultimate tragedy. They share a similar pacing that allows for a deep, reflective study of a complex life.

Investigative puzzle narratives like in Citizen Kane

Stories where a central mystery is unraveled through fragmented, subjective memories.Discover movies with narrative structures similar to Citizen Kane. If you liked the investigative journalism and fragmented flashbacks used to uncover the truth about Charles Foster Kane, you'll enjoy these complex stories that piece together a mystery through unreliable memory and multiple perspectives.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a present-day investigation, often by an outsider, that triggers a series of flashbacks from different characters connected to a central figure or event. These recollections are subjective and sometimes contradictory, forcing the audience to critically assess the information and construct a cohesive understanding of what truly happened.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared complex, non-linear plot structure, their investigative and reflective mood, and their thematic focus on the fallibility of memory. They create a specific viewing experience centered on intellectual engagement and the gradual revelation of emotional truths.

Unlock the Full Story of Citizen Kane

Don't stop at just watching — explore Citizen Kane in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Citizen Kane is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Citizen Kane Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Citizen Kane, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Citizen Kane Timeline

Track the full timeline of Citizen Kane with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Citizen Kane Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Citizen Kane

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Citizen Kane: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Citizen Kane

Discover movies like Citizen Kane that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.