Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- theatrical
- energetic
- intimate
- musical theater night
- dance movie marathon
What critics said
Critics found the cast, music, and mature backstage subject matter compelling, but broadly agreed that the film adaptation lost the stage production's urgency and energy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The audition process prompts dancers to recount intimate experiences, ambitions, and vulnerabilities before the director.
Veteran dancers compete for a handful of ensemble positions, with careers and continued relevance at stake.
The film moves through a large group of dancers, combining their audition performances and personal accounts into a composite portrait.
The production remains largely confined to the audition environment while using choreography, editing, and musical numbers to create movement.
Films like A Chorus Line, and why
Fame
shared backstage musical setting, ensemble audition structure, and show-business ambition
All That Jazz
shared theatrical performance, artistic ambition, and emotionally exposed performers
The Commitments
shared musical drama, professional competition, and backstage tensions
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Attenborough
- Release Date
- 1985-12-10
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (207)
Cast
- Michael Douglas
- Alyson Reed
- Terrence Mann
- Gregg Burge
- Vicki Frederick
- Michelle Johnston
- Audrey Landers
- Janet Jones
- Pam Klinger
- Cameron English
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is A Chorus Line about?
- An emotionally revealing Broadway audition becomes a pressure cooker for dancers competing for a precious few places in the ensemble.
- What is A Chorus Line like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of A Chorus Line as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is A Chorus Line violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in A Chorus Line.
- What did critics think of A Chorus Line?
- Critics found the cast, music, and mature backstage subject matter compelling, but broadly agreed that the film adaptation lost the stage production's urgency and energy.
- Which films are like A Chorus Line?
- Films with a similar feel include Fame, All That Jazz, and The Commitments.
- How long is A Chorus Line?
- A Chorus Line runs 118 minutes.
- Where can I watch A Chorus Line?
- In United States, A Chorus Line is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube.
