Overview
A charming tale of love and family during a pivotal holiday season.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- nostalgic
- warm
- witty
- family movie night
- holiday viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly celebrate its warm family storytelling, memorable songs, Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien's performances, and exceptionally expressive Technicolor period design.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Smith family's daily life, trolley rides, holidays, and anticipation of the St. Louis Fair create an affectionate portrait of turn-of-the-century American culture.
Mr. Smith's proposed move to New York places the family's attachment to St. Louis, its home, and its memories at the center of the conflict.
Halloween scenes, shadowy streets, firelight, and Tootie's frightened imagination introduce a subtly eerie, surreal dimension to the otherwise gentle family musical.
The story unfolds through celebrations and milestones including Halloween, Christmas, and preparations for the World's Fair.
Films like Meet Me in St. Louis, and why
The Music Man
warm nostalgic family musical with romantic courtship, memorable songs, and an affectionate period setting
Easter Parade
vividly staged classic Hollywood musical combining family relationships, romance, Americana, and Technicolor spectacle
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
sentimental period musical centered on family bonds, changing social expectations, and lavish song-and-dance numbers
State Fair
uplifting classic musical with domestic comedy, romance, and a richly nostalgic American setting
Movie Details
- Director
- Vincente Minnelli
- Release Date
- 1944-11-28
- Runtime
- 114 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (440)
Cast
- Judy Garland
- Margaret O'Brien
- Mary Astor
- Lucille Bremer
- Leon Ames
- Tom Drake
- Marjorie Main
- Harry Davenport
- June Lockhart
- Henry H. Daniels Jr.
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 Meet Me in St. Louis about?
- A tender, song-filled portrait of a St. Louis family balancing first love, sibling bonds, and the fear of leaving home.
- What is Meet Me in St. Louis like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Meet Me in St. Louis as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Meet Me in St. Louis violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Meet Me in St. Louis.
- What did critics think of Meet Me in St. Louis?
- Critics broadly celebrate its warm family storytelling, memorable songs, Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien's performances, and exceptionally expressive Technicolor period design.
- Which films are like Meet Me in St. Louis?
- Films with a similar feel include The Music Man, Easter Parade, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and State Fair.
- How long is Meet Me in St. Louis?
- Meet Me in St. Louis runs 114 minutes.
- Where can I watch Meet Me in St. Louis?
- In United States, Meet Me in St. Louis is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
