Billy Elliot (2000)

Kernel Score: 88% · 4,035 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Drama, Comedy, Music

Released: 2000-09-28

Runtime: 111 minutes

Is Billy Elliot worth watching?

Must-watch. During the 1984 miners' strike, a boy swaps boxing for ballet. It's funny, rough and moving, and Jamie Bell is excellent in a story about family and class.

Watch it if you

  • like British working-class dramas
  • enjoy underdog stories with heart
  • want something uplifting but not syrupy

Skip it if you

  • dislike strong language
  • want a lighter, glossier film

Best for: Feel-good night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Billy Elliot

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

County Durham, England, 1984. The miners' strike has started and the police have started coming up from Bethnal Green, starting a class war with the lower classes suffering. Caught in the middle of the conflict is 11-year old Billy Elliot, who, after leaving his boxing club for the day, stumbles upon a ballet class and finds out that he's naturally talented. He practices with his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson for an upcoming audition in Newcastle-upon Tyne for the royal Ballet school in London.

Billy Elliot parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Billy Elliot is an R-rated drama about a boy pursuing ballet during a coal miners' strike, featuring class conflict and social unrest.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts street riots and clashes between striking miners and police during the 1984 UK miners' strike.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Billy Elliot

If you liked Billy Elliot, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Pride (2014) — 88%: British working-class solidarity, funny and moving
  • Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Young dreamer finds himself through art
  • The Chorus (2004) — 86%: A gifted kid and an inspiring teacher
  • The Holdovers (2023) — 86%: Warm, wry story about an unlikely bond
  • Girl (2018) — 79%: A young dancer's struggle for who she is
  • The Bélier Family (2014) — 78%: Teen with a gift in a close-knit family

Director

Stephen Daldry

Cast

  • Jamie Bell as Billy Elliot
  • Gary Lewis as Jackie Elliot
  • Julie Walters as Mrs Wilkinson
  • Jean Heywood as Grandma
  • Jamie Draven as Tony Elliot
  • Stuart Wells as Michael Caffrey
  • Mike Elliot as George Watson
  • Billy Fane as Mr Braithwaite
  • Nicola Blackwell as Debbie Wilkinson
  • Carol McGuigan as Librarian

Billy Elliot FAQ

Is Billy Elliot worth watching?

Must-watch. During the 1984 miners' strike, a boy swaps boxing for ballet. It's funny, rough and moving, and Jamie Bell is excellent in a story about family and class.

Where can I watch Billy Elliot?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Billy Elliot OK for kids?

Billy Elliot is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Billy Elliot is an R-rated drama about a boy pursuing ballet during a coal miners' strike, featuring class conflict and social unrest.

What movies are like Billy Elliot?

If you liked Billy Elliot, try Pride, Sing Street, The Chorus and The Holdovers.