Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- whimsical
- magical
- theatrical
- family movie night
- musical theater night
What critics said
Critics recognized the production's accomplished musical performances and visual spectacle but generally found the filmed stage presentation awkward and dramatically thin.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The production captures Andrew Lloyd Webber's theatrical Cats performance with concert-scale sound, choreography, and theatrical staging.
The Jellicle cats gather for the annual Jellicle Ball, where one cat is chosen for a new life.
The cats are introduced through individual songs and performance numbers before the larger ceremonial conclusion.
The filmed production uses stylized lighting, costumes, choreography, and magical stage imagery to create a mysterious cat world.
Films like Cats, and why
The Phantom of the Opera
filmed stage musical with fantasy spectacle, ensemble singing, and theatrical presentation
The Lion King
family-oriented musical fantasy built around memorable songs, stylized production design, and theatrical performance
Chicago
screen adaptation of a celebrated stage musical emphasizing choreography, spectacle, and ensemble performance
Movie Details
- Directors
- David Mallet, Trevor Nunn
- Release Date
- 1998-10-05
- Runtime
- 120 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (187)
Cast
- Elaine Paige
- John Mills
- Ken Page
- Rosemarie Ford
- Michael Gruber
- John Partridge
- Aeva May
- Geoffrey Garratt
- James Barron
- Jo Gibb
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video
- Buy
- Amazon Video
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Cats about?
- A lavish filmed musical in which an eccentric community of cats gathers for an enchanted night of songs, rivalries, memories, and renewal.
- What is Cats like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Cats as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Cats violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Cats.
- What did critics think of Cats?
- Critics recognized the production's accomplished musical performances and visual spectacle but generally found the filmed stage presentation awkward and dramatically thin.
- Which films are like Cats?
- Films with a similar feel include The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and Chicago.
- How long is Cats?
- Cats runs 120 minutes.
- Where can I watch Cats?
- In United States, Cats is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video.
