Paris Is Burning (1991)
Kernel Score: 88% · 530 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Documentary
Released: 1991-03-13
Runtime: 78 minutes
Where to watch Paris Is Burning
- Stream: HBO Max
- Free with ads: Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.
Paris Is Burning parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Paris Is Burning is an R-rated documentary about New York's 1980s drag-ball subculture, touching on poverty, AIDS, and street survival.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Discussion and depiction of drag, transvestism, and sexuality within the ball culture community; no explicit sex scenes.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Brief references to a subculture affected by poverty; no heavy on-screen substance use noted in the signals.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
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Director
Jennie Livingston
Cast
- Pepper LaBeija as Self
- Octavia St. Laurent as Self
- Venus Xtravaganza as Self
- Dorian Corey as Self
- Willi Ninja as Self
- Paris Dupree as Self
- Freddie Pendavis as Self
- Sol Williams Pendavis as Self
- Junior LaBeija as Self
- Angie Xtravaganza as Self
Paris Is Burning FAQ
Is Paris Is Burning good?
Paris Is Burning has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 530 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Paris Is Burning?
In the US you can stream Paris Is Burning on HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Paris Is Burning OK for kids?
Paris Is Burning is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Paris Is Burning is an R-rated documentary about New York's 1980s drag-ball subculture, touching on poverty, AIDS, and street survival.
What movies are like Paris Is Burning?
If you liked Paris Is Burning, try To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, Making Squid Game: The Challenge, Man on Wire and Diego Maradona.