Philadelphia

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2:54

Philadelphia

PG-13

Released Dec 22, 1993

2h 5m

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

64 Reviews

89%

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100,000+ Ratings

Fearing it would compromise his career, lawyer Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) hides his homosexuality and HIV status at a powerful Philadelphia law firm. But his secret is exposed when a colleague spots the illness's telltale lesions. Fired shortly afterwards, Beckett resolves to sue for discrimination, teaming up with Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), the only lawyer willing to help. In court, they face one of his ex-employer's top litigators, Belinda Conine (Mary Steenburgen).

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Critics Consensus

Philadelphia indulges in some unfortunate clichés in its quest to impart a meaningful message, but its stellar cast and sensitive direction are more than enough to compensate.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Philadelphia is a heartbreakingly mediocre movie. It’s dishonest, it’s often legally, medically, and politically inaccurate, and it breaks my heart that I must say it’s simply not good enough and I’d rather people not see it at all.

Jun 3, 2022

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

Philadelphia may not be the film Demme's fans expect--its emotionalism is unfiltered by cool. But it has the power to open more than a few blinkered hearts.

Mar 13, 2015

Full Review

Todd McCarthy

Variety

[An] extremely well-made message picture about tolerance, justice and discrimination is pitched at mainstream audiences, befitting its position as the first major Hollywood film to directly tackle the disease.

Oct 10, 2008

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Eleanor O'Sullivan

Asbury Park Press (NJ)

Tom Hanks is superb as a smart lawyer dying of AIDS who sues his former employers with the help of Denzel Washington, who matches Hanks' work note for note.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 29, 2024

Full Review

Steve Warren

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

Despite its weaknesses, Philadelphia can be enthralling and deeply moving at times.

May 9, 2023

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Dan DiNicola

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

Graced with splendid performances, this often stirring drama not only has its heart in the right place; it delivers a strong, convincing portrait, as well as a lesson about decency in a story aptly set in the City of Brotherly Love.

Dec 16, 2022

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Isa B

An extraordinary performance by Tom Hanks. Denzel Washington is also marvelous. The creative cinematography certainly adds value to the film. The lens choices serve to make the audience feel crowded and discombobulated. An excellent use of handheld camera work. Philadelphia is a great film. I recommend. 92/100

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/01/25

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Stephen C

Successful pride in 2 hours and 5 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ages 13 and older!!!!!!!!!! Featuring "Streets of Philadelphia," by Bruce Springsteen from the movie soundtrack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $76,000,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/25

Full Review

Jay W

I get distracted by the point the film is trying to make because of how loud they are shouting it. This movie comes across as a very, 'woah is me', 'pity party', type of story. Where our main character is always good and right, and everyone is else is a one-dimensional strawman. I feel the court case also lost the lead to what they were actually arguing about. The case was about a wrongful termination, based on some papers that may or may not have been misplaced. But the trial quickly forgets about what they are debating and make it about Beckett's health problem. Maybe it’s because I'm from Washington, we're 'at will employees', an employer can fire you for whatever reason they want.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

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Audience Member

I don't know what a big deal was with this movie. Didn't like it at all...

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

07/28/25

Full Review

paul o

We have forgotten, perhaps too quickly, the dreadful impact of Aids on society. This film helps to remedy that and despite a few inaccuracies does it very well. Strong performances from Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. Very emotional film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/02/25

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Fer S

Boring movie and unnecessarily long. The emotional parts had absolutely no effect on me.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

Full Review

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Jonathan Demme

Director

Tom Hanks

Andrew Beckett

Denzel Washington

Joe Miller

Jason Robards

Charles Wheeler

Antonio Banderas

Miguel Alvarez

Joanne Woodward

Sarah Beckett

Philadelphia: Official Clip - The Essence of Discrimination

2:01

Philadelphia: Official Clip - A Pharmacy Pick-Up

1:40

Philadelphia: Official Clip - More Comfortable

2:09

Philadelphia: Official Clip - Lesions

2:12

Philadelphia: Official Clip - A Case About Homosexuality

2:10

Philadelphia: Official Clip - An Excellent Lawyer

1:01

Philadelphia: Official Clip - I Have A Case

2:09

Philadelphia: Official Clip - Goodnight, My Angel

1:52

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Philadelphia: Trailer 1

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Denzel Washington Coolest Lines Mashup

2:00

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Synopsis

Fearing it would compromise his career, lawyer Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) hides his homosexuality and HIV status at a powerful Philadelphia law firm. But his secret is exposed when a colleague spots the illness's telltale lesions. Fired shortly afterwards, Beckett resolves to sue for discrimination, teaming up with Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), the only lawyer willing to help. In court, they face one of his ex-employer's top litigators, Belinda Conine (Mary Steenburgen).

Director: Jonathan Demme
Producer: Jonathan Demme, Edward Saxon
Screenwriter: Ron Nyswaner
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment, TriStar Pictures
Production Co: Clinica Estetico, TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 22, 1993, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $76.0M
Runtime: 2h 5m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Stereo, SDDS, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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