Amadeus

Play trailer

Amadeus

PG

Released Nov 13, 1984

2h 38m

Biography

History

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

156 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

Amadeus' liberties with history may rankle some, but the creative marriage of Miloš Forman and Peter Shaffer yields a divinely diabolical myth of genius and mediocrity, buoyed by inspired casting and Mozart's rapturous music.

Read Critics Reviews

Jake Cole

Slant Magazine

Amadeus is one of the greatest film portraits of an artist for capturing the essence of their work.

Feb 23, 2025

Full Review

Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

Decorated with a powdered-sugar sweetness and creamy lavishness unseen since the days of Josef von Sternberg, and performed by an eager to please, rootin'-tootin' American cast that would be comfortable in Oklahoma!, Amadeus is junk food par excellence.

Aug 8, 2022

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The subject of artistic creation is typically handled badly in the movies... [Amadeus] treats the subject of creativity in a fresh way.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 11, 2022

Full Review

Michelle Swope

Elements of Madness

Forman’s Amadeus is a breathtaking, divine tragedy. Amadeus is a beautifully exhilarating, outrageous feast for the eyes and ears. The 4K restoration perfectly preserves the gorgeous look and sound of the theatrical cut of a timeless masterpiece.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 28, 2025

Full Review

Allison Rose

FlickDirect

The Oscar-nominated performances and powerful script make Amadeus a must-watch, bringing Mozart's genius and Salieri's rivalry to life in stunning 4K.

Rated: 4.5/5

Feb 25, 2025

Full Review

Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

Found an irresistible angle in telling the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by routing it through the bitter jealousy and hatred of his less-talented rival, Antonio Salieri (40th anniversary)

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 20, 2024

Full Review

Read all reviews

Mikey B

Based on the Broadway play, Amadeus is NOT a biography of Mozart. There are glaring faults in accuracy. The story however is masterful. Salient as the long suffering servant of God, wondering how he could be shut out of God's appreciation while Mozart, the bawdy definitely not a good catholic, gets the praise, glory, and the girl. Filmed in Prague during cold War Era, the locations are beautiful. The acting overall is quite good. Hulce and Abram are Mozart and Salieri. Elizabeth Berridge is a little lost as the suffering spouse. But the music, the music... glorious!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

Full Review

Rob A

I have Amadeus in my One of the Best Films of All Time folder. (Best Picture Oscar winner btw.)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/21/25

Full Review

Jonah V

Amadeus is a masterful cinematic piece that beautifully captures the brilliance of classical music and the complex genius of Mozart. It stands as a compelling tribute of creative rivalry.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

Full Review

Shioka O

Undoubtedly it's a masterpiece. Fine balance between dramatic, comedic and ironic.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

Full Review

cesar c

Heavy themes on how a man question gods plans with a set on opera.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/29/25

Full Review

Roberto T

If you watch one movie about a classical musician, let it be this one

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Milos Forman

Director

F. Murray Abraham

Antonio Salieri

Tom Hulce

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Jeffrey Jones

Emperor Joseph II

Elizabeth Berridge

Constanze Mozart

Simon Callow

Emanuel Schikaneder

Gandhi

89%

92%

Gandhi

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Gandhi

Immortal Beloved

58%

86%

Immortal Beloved

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Immortal Beloved

Tucker: The Man and His Dream

81%

68%

Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Sid & Nancy

89%

76%

Sid & Nancy

Watchlist

Cry Freedom

73%

87%

Cry Freedom

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.

Director: Milos Forman
Producer: Saul Zaentz
Screenwriter: Peter Shaffer
Distributor: Orion Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: AMLF
Rating: PG
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 13, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 18, 2016
Runtime: 2h 38m
Sound Mix: Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Surround, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Most Popular at Home Now