Overview
A raw and inspiring journey through the highs and lows of aspiring artists in New York City.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- energetic
- sincere
- melancholic
- dance movie night
- musical movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the energetic performances, musical sequences, and acting while noting that its heavier personal stories can become melodramatic and overlong.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The narrative follows eight performing-arts students from auditions through graduation, emphasizing personal growth alongside artistic training.
School performances are thrilling, but the students also face rejection, competition, insecurity, and the loss of glamour surrounding professional success.
Montgomery MacNeil is explicitly identified as gay and is one of the principal students whose identity and sensitivity shape the ensemble.
The film features dance performances, dancing in the street, auditions, and specialized training throughout New York City.
Films like Fame, and why
The Commitments
shared coming-of-age drama, performing-arts ambition, ensemble character focus, and musical energy
Breaking Away
shared teen ensemble drama, artistic aspiration, urban realism, and emotionally direct performances
A Chorus Line
shared dance-centered musical drama, youthful ambition, and high-energy performance sequences
The Breakfast Club
shared school-based coming-of-age themes, creative self-expression, and pressure between identity and achievement
Movie Details
- Director
- Alan Parker
- Release Date
- 1980-05-16
- Runtime
- 134 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (535)
Cast
- Irene Cara
- Barry Miller
- Maureen Teefy
- Paul McCrane
- Lee Curreri
- Gene Anthony Ray
- Antonia Franceschi
- Laura Dean
- Boyd Gaines
- Albert Hague
Where to watch in United States
- 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 Fame about?
- Aspiring performers confront talent, insecurity, rivalry, and the unforgiving demands of artistic ambition at a New York performing-arts high school.
- What is Fame like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Fame as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Fame violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Fame as mild.
- What did critics think of Fame?
- Critics broadly praised the energetic performances, musical sequences, and acting while noting that its heavier personal stories can become melodramatic and overlong.
- Which films are like Fame?
- Films with a similar feel include The Commitments, Breaking Away, A Chorus Line, and The Breakfast Club.
- How long is Fame?
- Fame runs 134 minutes.
- Where can I watch Fame?
- In United States, Fame is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
