The Greatest Showman
An ambitious nineteenth-century showman builds a dazzling circus empire while learning that applause and social respect cannot replace family or belonging.
Overview
A dazzling celebration of ambition and imagination, where dreams take center stage.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- exuberant
- sentimental
- uplifting
- family movie night
- holiday viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film visually dazzling and musically energetic, but faulted its superficial characterization and limited historical nuance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
P. T. Barnum's rise from poverty to circus impresario is presented as an inspirational, highly stylized biography rather than a historically detailed account.
Barnum's circus acts and musical numbers turn theatrical display into a visual expression of his ambition and identity.
Lettie Lutz, Anne Wheeler, and other unusual performers find belonging and public recognition within Barnum's troupe.
Barnum's promotion of Jenny Lind and desire for high-brow acceptance draw him away from his family and performers.
Films like The Greatest Showman, and why
Moulin Rouge!
lavish period musical spectacle, theatrical ambition, and an emotionally direct rags-to-riches story
Rocketman
biographical musical storytelling, charismatic performers, and conflict between artistic ambition and personal relationships
La La Land
uplifting ensemble musical centered on outsiders, performance, and belonging
Chicago
historical show-business drama with spectacle, romance, and an ambitious central performer
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Gracey
- Release Date
- 2017-12-20
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 7.9 / 10 (10257)
Cast
- Hugh Jackman
- Zac Efron
- Michelle Williams
- Rebecca Ferguson
- Zendaya
- Keala Settle
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
- Natasha Liu Bordizzo
- Paul Sparks
- Sam Humphrey
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Greatest Showman about?
- An ambitious nineteenth-century showman builds a dazzling circus empire while learning that applause and social respect cannot replace family or belonging.
- What is The Greatest Showman like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Greatest Showman as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Greatest Showman violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Greatest Showman.
- What did critics think of The Greatest Showman?
- Critics broadly found the film visually dazzling and musically energetic, but faulted its superficial characterization and limited historical nuance.
- Which films are like The Greatest Showman?
- Films with a similar feel include Moulin Rouge!, Rocketman, La La Land, and Chicago.
- How long is The Greatest Showman?
- The Greatest Showman runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Greatest Showman?
- In United States, The Greatest Showman streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel.
