Overview
A heartfelt exploration of tradition and change in a small village, where love defies the odds.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- exuberant
- wistful
- classic movie night
- musical marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the adaptation emotionally powerful and artistically accomplished, especially in its staging and performances, while some considered it less subtle and less transcendent than the stage musical.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Tevye and his daughters express changing beliefs and family conflicts through recurring musical numbers.
The Jewish residents of Anatevka are ultimately evicted by the Czar's troops.
Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava each pursue relationships that progressively challenge Tevye's expectations.
The film expands Anatevka into a lived-in rural environment of homes, fields, taverns, and communal gatherings.
Films like Fiddler on the Roof, and why
The Sound of Music
epic stage-to-screen musical combining family conflict, romance, tradition, and social upheaval
My Fair Lady
period musical drama centered on class, family expectations, romance, and memorable songs
The King and I
emotionally expansive musical about community, cultural identity, and changing social values
Doctor Zhivago
historical musical drama balancing intimate relationships with political and cultural transformation
Movie Details
- Director
- Norman Jewison
- Release Date
- 1971-11-03
- Runtime
- 181 min
- Rating
- 7.7 / 10 (672)
Cast
- Chaim Topol
- Norma Crane
- Leonard Frey
- Molly Picon
- Paul Mann
- Rosalind Harris
- Michele Marsh
- Neva Small
- Paul Michael Glaser
- Ray Lovelock
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus
- 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 Fiddler on the Roof about?
- A warm yet sweeping musical drama follows a Jewish milkman whose daughters’ romances unsettle family tradition as persecution drives their village toward exile.
- What is Fiddler on the Roof like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Fiddler on the Roof as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Fiddler on the Roof violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Fiddler on the Roof as mild.
- What did critics think of Fiddler on the Roof?
- Critics broadly found the adaptation emotionally powerful and artistically accomplished, especially in its staging and performances, while some considered it less subtle and less transcendent than the stage musical.
- Which films are like Fiddler on the Roof?
- Films with a similar feel include The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, The King and I, and Doctor Zhivago.
- How long is Fiddler on the Roof?
- Fiddler on the Roof runs 181 minutes.
- Where can I watch Fiddler on the Roof?
- In United States, Fiddler on the Roof streams on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus.
