Amadeus (1984)
Kernel Score: 90% · 4,666 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: History, Music, Drama
Released: 1984-09-19
Runtime: 160 minutes
Is Amadeus worth watching?
Must-watch. A rich, funny and sad story of a mediocre composer who can't stand a genius. The music is glorious and the central rivalry is acted superbly.
Watch it if you
- love period dramas
- enjoy stories about jealousy and talent
- want classical music woven into the story
Skip it if you
- won't sit through 160 minutes
- dislike costume dramas
Best for: Quiet evening in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Amadeus
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Disciplined Italian composer Antonio Salieri becomes consumed by jealousy and resentment towards the hedonistic and remarkably talented young Salzburger composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Amadeus parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Amadeus is a PG-rated historical drama about jealousy and rivalry between two composers, including themes of envy and moral struggle.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a murder plot element and themes of psychological torment tied to jealousy.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Amadeus
If you liked Amadeus, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) — 93%: Same director, another classic about authority and genius
- The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) — 77%: Same director, a bold biopic of a controversial figure
- Man on the Moon (1999) — 82%: Same director, a playful biopic about a comedian
- Elvis (2022) — 84%: Flashy music biopic about a legend
- TÁR (2022) — 81%: Dark drama about power and talent in classical music
- Whiplash (2014) — 96%: Fierce story of ambition and a brutal teacher
Director
Cast
- F. Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri
- Tom Hulce as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Elizabeth Berridge as Constanze Mozart
- Simon Callow as Emanuel Schikaneder
- Roy Dotrice as Leopold Mozart
- Christine Ebersole as Katerina Cavalieri
- Jeffrey Jones as Emperor Joseph II
- Charles Kay as Count Orsini-Rosenberg
- Kenny Baker as Parody Commendatore
- Lisbeth Bartlett as Papagena
Amadeus FAQ
Is Amadeus worth watching?
Must-watch. A rich, funny and sad story of a mediocre composer who can't stand a genius. The music is glorious and the central rivalry is acted superbly.
Where can I watch Amadeus?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Amadeus OK for kids?
Amadeus is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Amadeus is a PG-rated historical drama about jealousy and rivalry between two composers, including themes of envy and moral struggle.
What movies are like Amadeus?
If you liked Amadeus, try One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The People vs. Larry Flynt, Man on the Moon and Elvis.