The Celebration (1998)
Kernel Score: 87% · 1,229 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1998-06-19
Runtime: 101 minutes
Where to watch The Celebration
- Stream: The Criterion Channel
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
The family of a wealthy businessman gather to celebrate his 60th birthday. During the course of the party, his eldest son presents a speech that reveals a devastating secret that turns the night into a battle of truth and denial.
The Celebration parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Celebration is an intense R-rated drama exposing child abuse and family trauma at a birthday party.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Contains depictions of past child abuse, suicide, and emotionally violent family confrontations.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Heavy drinking and drunkenness feature throughout the dinner party setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Celebration
If you liked The Celebration, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Color Purple (1985) — 86%
- Magnolia (1999) — 88%
- The Fallout (2021) — 86%
- The Hunt (2012) — 90%
- Ordinary People (1980) — 83%
- Natural Born Killers (1994) — 80%
- The Sixth Sense (1999) — 89%
- Cria! (1976) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Ulrich Thomsen as Christian
- Henning Moritzen as Faderen
- Thomas Bo Larsen as Michael
- Paprika Steen as Helene
- Birthe Neumann as Moderen
- Trine Dyrholm as Pia
- Helle Dolleris as Mette
- Therese Glahn as Michelle
- Klaus Bondam as Toastmasteren
- Bjarne Henriksen as Kokken
The Celebration FAQ
Is The Celebration good?
The Celebration has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,229 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Celebration?
In the US you can stream The Celebration on The Criterion Channel.
Is The Celebration OK for kids?
The Celebration is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Celebration is an intense R-rated drama exposing child abuse and family trauma at a birthday party.
What movies are like The Celebration?
If you liked The Celebration, try The Color Purple, Magnolia, The Fallout and The Hunt.