Limelight (1952)
Kernel Score: 87% · 581 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Romance, Drama, Music
Released: 1952-10-16
Runtime: 137 minutes
Where to watch Limelight
- Stream: TCM, HBO Max
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A fading music hall comedian tries to help a despondent ballet dancer learn to walk and to again feel confident about life.
Limelight parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that Limelight is a G-rated classic drama-comedy about an aging performer helping a despondent dancer regain confidence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Limelight
If you liked Limelight, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- High Strung (2016) — 76%
- High Strung Free Dance (2018) — 81%
- The Man Who Laughs (1928) — 81%
- Bingo: The King of the Mornings (2017) — 87%
- The Red Shoes (1948) — 90%
- Feel the Beat (2020) — 84%
- Girl (2018) — 79%
- Water for Elephants (2011) — 76%
Director
Cast
- Charlie Chaplin as Calvero
- Claire Bloom as Thereza 'Terry' Ambrose
- Nigel Bruce as Postant
- Buster Keaton as Calvero's Partner
- Sydney Chaplin as Neville
- Norman Lloyd as Bodalink
- Andre Eglevsky as Dancer - Harlequin
- Melissa Hayden as Dancer - Columbine
- Marjorie Bennett as Mrs. Sybil Alsop
- Wheeler Dryden as Thereza's Doctor
Limelight FAQ
Is Limelight good?
Limelight has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 581 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Limelight?
In the US you can stream Limelight on TCM and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Limelight OK for kids?
Limelight is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Limelight is a G-rated classic drama-comedy about an aging performer helping a despondent dancer regain confidence.
What movies are like Limelight?
If you liked Limelight, try High Strung, High Strung Free Dance, The Man Who Laughs and Bingo: The King of the Mornings.