Burlesque (2010)

Kernel Score: 80% · 2,353 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama, Romance

Released: 2010-11-23

Runtime: 119 minutes

Is Burlesque worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A glitzy backstage musical with Cher and Christina Aguilera, big numbers and a simple rags-to-riches story. It's more about the songs and spectacle than the plot, so it suits fans of the genre.

Watch it if you

  • love showy musical numbers
  • enjoy rags-to-riches stories
  • want a glamorous night in

Skip it if you

  • want a fresh, surprising plot
  • dislike musicals

Best for: Girls' night in

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

Where to watch Burlesque

  • Stream: Hulu
  • Free with ads: YouTube Free
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Ali leaves behind a troubled life and follows her dreams to Los Angeles, where she lands a job as a cocktail waitress at the Burlesque Lounge, a once-majestic theater that houses an inspired musical revue. Vowing to perform there, she makes the leap from bar to stage, helping restore the club's former glory.

Burlesque parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that this PG-13 musical drama is set in a burlesque club with suggestive dance performances and cabaret themes.

  • Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Burlesque and cabaret dance performances involve suggestive costuming and moves, consistent with the PG-13 rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Burlesque

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

  • Moulin Rouge! (2001) — 86%: Bigger, bolder musical romance set in a cabaret world.
  • Chicago (2002) — 79%: Razzle-dazzle stage musical with showy numbers.
  • Dirty Dancing (1987) — 83%: Dance-led romance that won audiences over.
  • Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) — 79%: Classic showbiz musical with plenty of song and dance.
  • Divines (2016) — 86%: Dance-driven story of ambition and dreams.
  • Titanic (1997) — 93%: Sweeping, romantic drama on a grand scale.

Director

Steve Antin

Cast

  • Cher as Tess
  • Christina Aguilera as Alice "Ali" Rose
  • Cam Gigandet as Jack Miller
  • Kristen Bell as Nikki
  • Stanley Tucci as Sean
  • Eric Dane as Marcus Gerber
  • Peter Gallagher as Vince Scali
  • Julianne Hough as Georgia
  • Alan Cumming as Alexis
  • Dianna Agron as Natalie

Burlesque FAQ

Is Burlesque worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A glitzy backstage musical with Cher and Christina Aguilera, big numbers and a simple rags-to-riches story. It's more about the songs and spectacle than the plot, so it suits fans of the genre.

Where can I watch Burlesque?

In the US you can stream Burlesque on Hulu, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Burlesque OK for kids?

Burlesque is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this PG-13 musical drama is set in a burlesque club with suggestive dance performances and cabaret themes.

What movies are like Burlesque?

If you liked Burlesque, try Moulin Rouge!, Chicago, Dirty Dancing and Yankee Doodle Dandy.