The Greatest Showman (2017)
Kernel Score: 87% · 9,937 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama
Released: 2017-12-20
Runtime: 105 minutes
Is The Greatest Showman worth watching?
Worth watching. A feel-good musical about P.T. Barnum with big song-and-dance numbers and a likeable Hugh Jackman. The story plays fast and loose with history and it is shallow, but the songs are catchy and viewers love it.
Watch it if you
- love big, bright movie musicals
- want something upbeat and easy
- enjoy Hugh Jackman performing
Skip it if you
- want a historically accurate Barnum story
- find sugary musicals tiresome
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Greatest Showman
- Stream: HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The story of American showman P.T. Barnum, founder of the circus that became the famous traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The Greatest Showman parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Greatest Showman is a PG musical biopic about P.T. Barnum building his circus, including an infidelity subplot.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — An adultery subplot is referenced but not shown explicitly.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Greatest Showman
If you liked The Greatest Showman, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Les Misérables (2012) — 84%: Big movie musical with strong singing and emotion
- Elvis (2022) — 84%: Showy musical biography with spectacular performances
- Better Man (2024) — 84%: Pop star biopic told with bold, imaginative flair
- Big Fish (2003) — 87%: Tall-tale storytelling with warmth and heart
- Almost Famous (2000) — 85%: Warm, music-filled story about chasing a dream
- The Elephant Man (1980) — 90%: A classic drama about a Victorian sideshow performer
Director
Cast
- Hugh Jackman as P. T. Barnum
- Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle
- Michelle Williams as Charity Barnum
- Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind
- Zendaya as Anne Wheeler
- Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as W. D. Wheeler
- Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Deng Yan
- Paul Sparks as James Gordon Bennett
- Sam Humphrey as Charles Stratton
The Greatest Showman FAQ
Is The Greatest Showman worth watching?
Worth watching. A feel-good musical about P.T. Barnum with big song-and-dance numbers and a likeable Hugh Jackman. The story plays fast and loose with history and it is shallow, but the songs are catchy and viewers love it.
Where can I watch The Greatest Showman?
In the US you can stream The Greatest Showman on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Greatest Showman OK for kids?
The Greatest Showman is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Greatest Showman is a PG musical biopic about P.T. Barnum building his circus, including an infidelity subplot.
What movies are like The Greatest Showman?
If you liked The Greatest Showman, try Les Misérables, Elvis, Better Man and Big Fish.