The Birdcage (1996)
Kernel Score: 77% · 1,321 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy
Released: 1996-03-03
Runtime: 119 minutes
Where to watch The Birdcage
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel, 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
A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen partner agree to put up a false heterosexual front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's conservative parents.
The Birdcage parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Birdcage is an R-rated comedy centered on a gay couple pretending to be straight, featuring drag performances and mature humor.
- Language: Some — Contains adult comedic dialogue and innuendo typical of an R-rated comedy.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Birdcage
If you liked The Birdcage, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Victor/Victoria (1982) — 81%
- Barefoot in the Park (1967) — 78%
- White Chicks (2004) — 78%
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) — 86%
- Happiest Season (2020) — 78%
- To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) — 81%
- Loose Cannons (2010) — 81%
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Robin Williams as Armand Goldman
- Gene Hackman as Senator Kevin Keeley
- Nathan Lane as Albert
- Dianne Wiest as Louise Keeley
- Dan Futterman as Val Goldman
- Calista Flockhart as Barbara Keeley
- Hank Azaria as Agador
- Christine Baranski as Katharine Archer
- Tom McGowan as Harry Radman
- Grant Heslov as Photographer - National Enquirer
The Birdcage FAQ
Is The Birdcage good?
The Birdcage has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,321 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Birdcage?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Birdcage OK for kids?
The Birdcage is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Birdcage is an R-rated comedy centered on a gay couple pretending to be straight, featuring drag performances and mature humor.
What movies are like The Birdcage?
If you liked The Birdcage, try Victor/Victoria, Barefoot in the Park, White Chicks and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.