The Artist (2011)
Kernel Score: 83% · 3,471 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: 2011-10-12
Runtime: 100 minutes
Is The Artist worth watching?
Must-watch. A silent-movie star watches his career fade as talkies arrive. The film is itself nearly silent and black and white, yet it's charming, funny and moving. Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo are delightful.
Watch it if you
- love old Hollywood
- are curious about a modern silent film
- want a sweet, charming romance
Skip it if you
- refuse to watch silent films
- want fast dialogue-driven stories
Best for: Date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Artist
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Philo, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.
The Artist parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Artist is a mostly wholesome black-and-white silent-film tribute about Hollywood's transition to talkies.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Artist
If you liked The Artist, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Singin' in the Rain (1952) — 89%: Joyful musical about Hollywood's move to sound.
- Sunset Boulevard (1950) — 92%: Dark classic about fading Hollywood stardom.
- A Star Is Born (1937) — 80%: Classic Hollywood story of rise and fall.
- The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) — 82%: Magical romance about movies and real life.
- The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) — 82%: Drama about Hollywood ambition and betrayal.
- Ed Wood (1994) — 86%: Affectionate look at a passionate filmmaker.
Director
Cast
- Jean Dujardin as George Valentin
- Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller
- John Goodman as Al Zimmer
- James Cromwell as Clifton
- Penelope Ann Miller as Doris Valentin
- Missi Pyle as Constance Gray
- Beth Grant as Peppy's Maid
- Ed Lauter as Peppy's Butler
- Joel Murray as Policeman Fire
- Elizabeth Tulloch as Norma
The Artist FAQ
Is The Artist worth watching?
Must-watch. A silent-movie star watches his career fade as talkies arrive. The film is itself nearly silent and black and white, yet it's charming, funny and moving. Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo are delightful.
Where can I watch The Artist?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Philo and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Artist OK for kids?
The Artist is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Artist is a mostly wholesome black-and-white silent-film tribute about Hollywood's transition to talkies.
What movies are like The Artist?
If you liked The Artist, try Singin' in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard, A Star Is Born and The Purple Rose of Cairo.