Overview
In the vibrant chaos of 1930s Berlin, a world of cabaret and political unrest unfolds.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- sensual
- cynical
- classic movie night
- musical film night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as an unusually sophisticated, sensual, and politically dark musical distinguished by Bob Fosse's direction and Liza Minnelli's performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Kit Kat Klub performances parallel and reflect the growing Nazi presence outside the cabaret.
Sally's flamboyant performances and Max's lavish lifestyle contrast with increasingly ominous public events.
Sally, Brian, and Max form an unconventional intimate triangle shaped by bisexuality, homosexuality, and desire.
The characters pursue cabaret, romance, and personal comfort as the Nazi uprising gathers force in 1931 Berlin.
Films like Cabaret, and why
All That Jazz
A stylized musical drama using performance and romance to explore social collapse in prewar Europe.
The Conformist
A tragic, visually expressive musical centered on an entertainer confronting a hostile political world.
The Night Porter
A politically charged European musical in which theatrical spectacle masks personal and historical darkness.
Movie Details
- Director
- Bob Fosse
- Release Date
- 1972-02-13
- Runtime
- 124 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (1009)
Cast
- Liza Minnelli
- Michael York
- Helmut Griem
- Joel Grey
- Fritz Wepper
- Marisa Berenson
- Elisabeth Neumann-Viertel
- Helen Vita
- Sigrid von Richthofen
- Gerd Vespermann
Where to watch in United States
- 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 Cabaret about?
- A decadent Berlin cabaret becomes the glittering stage for tangled desire, artistic escape, and the approach of fascism.
- What is Cabaret like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Cabaret as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Cabaret violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Cabaret as mild.
- What did critics think of Cabaret?
- Critics broadly regard it as an unusually sophisticated, sensual, and politically dark musical distinguished by Bob Fosse's direction and Liza Minnelli's performance.
- Which films are like Cabaret?
- Films with a similar feel include All That Jazz, The Conformist, and The Night Porter.
- How long is Cabaret?
- Cabaret runs 124 minutes.
- Where can I watch Cabaret?
- In United States, Cabaret is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
