Overview
A witty exploration of New York's elite social scene, where love and philosophy collide.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- arch
- intimate
- quiet evening
- conversation film night
What critics said
Critics broadly praise the film as a smart, gently satirical, and unusually specific comedy-drama whose social world produces universal insights.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The young characters sustain debates about Fourier's socialism, Jane Austen, class, and manners during parties and bridge games.
Tom's simpler background makes him critical of the Manhattan upper-class circle while drawing him toward Audrey.
The debutantes and their escorts spend Christmas break in parties, conversations, and flirtations while struggling to define adult identities.
Upper East Side debutante culture, black-tie soirées, bridge, and status-conscious friendships create the film's distinctive social setting.
Films like Metropolitan, and why
The Last Days of Disco
witty coming-of-age ensemble, class-conscious social observation, and densely conversational young characters
Love & Friendship
upper-class young adults navigating romance, status, and self-definition through arch dialogue
The Breakfast Club
intimate urban coming-of-age drama centered on privileged youth, friendship, and romantic uncertainty
Whit Stillman's Barcelona
literary social comedy with romantic entanglements, privilege, and sharply observed manners
Movie Details
- Director
- Whit Stillman
- Release Date
- 1990-08-03
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (194)
Cast
- Edward Clements
- Chris Eigeman
- Taylor Nichols
- Carolyn Farina
- Isabel Gillies
- Dylan Hundley
- Allison Parisi
- Bryan Leder
- Will Kempe
- Ellia Thompson
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
- 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 Metropolitan about?
- A sharply conversational Manhattan coming-of-age dramedy where an outsider unsettles a privileged young social circle and finds unexpected romance.
- What is Metropolitan like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Metropolitan as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Metropolitan violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Metropolitan.
- What did critics think of Metropolitan?
- Critics broadly praise the film as a smart, gently satirical, and unusually specific comedy-drama whose social world produces universal insights.
- Which films are like Metropolitan?
- Films with a similar feel include The Last Days of Disco, Love & Friendship, The Breakfast Club, and Whit Stillman's Barcelona.
- How long is Metropolitan?
- Metropolitan runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch Metropolitan?
- In United States, Metropolitan streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
