Overview
In a world torn apart by war, love and sacrifice intertwine in a perilous dance.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- romantic
- cynical
- witty
- classic cinema night
- romantic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an exceptionally well-crafted blend of romance, suspense, humor, political intrigue, and superb ensemble performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Rick and Ilsa's rekindled feelings are tested by Victor Laszlo's resistance work and the need to help refugees escape.
Rick's nightclub gathers refugees, black-market operators, officials, resistance figures, and occupying forces in one volatile social hub.
Rick initially claims indifference to politics but is forced to confront his past and choose a side.
The illicit letters of transit motivate the refugees, authorities, resistance network, and Rick's central dilemma.
Films like Casablanca, and why
The English Patient
wartime romance shaped by sacrifice, political pressure, and a painful moral choice
Atonement
classic romantic melodrama combining star-crossed lovers, wartime danger, and sweeping emotional restraint
The Third Man
film noir atmosphere, cynical protagonist, corrupt authorities, and morally compromised choices
Notorious
romantic wartime drama centered on resistance, divided loyalties, and personal sacrifice
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Curtiz
- Release Date
- 1943-01-15
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 8.1 / 10 (6250)
Cast
- Humphrey Bogart
- Ingrid Bergman
- Paul Henreid
- Claude Rains
- Conrad Veidt
- Sydney Greenstreet
- Peter Lorre
- S.Z. Sakall
- Madeleine Lebeau
- Dooley Wilson
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- 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 Casablanca about?
- In a wartime Casablanca nightclub, a disillusioned expatriate must choose between rekindled love and helping a resistance leader escape.
- What is Casablanca like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Casablanca as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Casablanca violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Casablanca as mild.
- What did critics think of Casablanca?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an exceptionally well-crafted blend of romance, suspense, humor, political intrigue, and superb ensemble performances.
- Which films are like Casablanca?
- Films with a similar feel include The English Patient, Atonement, The Third Man, and Notorious.
- How long is Casablanca?
- Casablanca runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch Casablanca?
- In United States, Casablanca streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
