Chess Story (2021)
Chess Story is streaming in Germany on WOW, Sky Go, Wow Fiction Amazon Channel.
The verdict
Chess Story earns its keep as a steady German film that knows its audience. It carries a 6.8/10 on TMDB across 164 ratings — squarely mid-table. It clocks in at a standard 110 minutes. In Germany you can stream it on WOW, Sky Go, Wow Fiction Amazon Channel.
Should you spend 1h 50m on it?
1h 50m of German history with a drama streak, not one for younger kids. Standard length — a normal evening's watch, nothing to plan around.
- Why
- 6.8/10 from 164 ratings — well received so far, on a modest sample.
- Skip if
- you want pace ahead of period detail
- Best for
- An ordinary evening in
Story
1938. While the Nazi troops march into Vienna, the lawyer Josef Bartok hastily tries to escape to the USA with his wife but is arrested by the Gestapo. Bartok remains steadfast and refuses to cooperate with the Gestapo that requires confidential information from him. Thrown into solitary confinement, Bartok is psychologically tormented for months and begins to weaken. However, when he steals an old book about chess it sets him on course to overcome the mental suffering inflicted upon him, until it becomes a dangerous obsession.
Good to know
| Runtime | 1h 50m |
| Watch with family? | 12 · Older kids & up |
| Genre | History / Drama |
| Language | German |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Philipp Stölzl
Cast
Where to watch in Germany
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 23 Sept 2026 — platforms may change over time.
Trailer
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