Purple Rain

R

Released Jul 27, 1984

1h 51m

Musical

Drama

Romance

List

72%

Tomatometer

58 Reviews

78%

Audience Score

25,000+ Ratings

A victim of his own anger, the Kid (Prince) is a Minneapolis musician on the rise with his band, the Revolution, escaping a tumultuous home life through music. While trying to avoid making the same mistakes as his truculent father (Clarence Williams III), the Kid navigates the club scene and a rocky relationship with a captivating singer, Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero). But another musician, Morris (Morris Day), looks to steal the Kid's spotlight -- and his girl.

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Critics Consensus

Purple Rain makes for undeniably uneven cinema, but it's held together by its star's singular charisma -- not to mention a slew of classic songs.

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Eric Deggans

NPR

Purple Rain became a generational manifesto, while providing the largest megaphone yet for one of the greatest geniuses in pop music.

Nov 28, 2019

Full Review

Duane Byrge

Hollywood Reporter

Even those who aren't Prince fans are likely to be captivated by its energy, enamored with its simple, often poignant storyline.

Aug 7, 2018

Full Review

Gary Arnold

Washington Post

Catharsis on the cheap; there's no reason to accept the pretense that the hero has suffered much and changed for the better unless you're predisposed to get swoony over Prince himself.

Apr 23, 2018

Full Review

Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Prince was always a showman and Purple Rain brought that side of him to a whole new level.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jun 26, 2024

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…a good example of how talent can flatter to deceive…

Rated: 3/5

Jun 17, 2023

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

I recommend it as a piece of 80s pop culture with some great music and corny romance. At the very least check out the soundtrack. It's legendary!

Rated: 7/10

Sep 16, 2022

Full Review

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Kimberlee

Best concert movie and artist of our time. Happy Birthday Prince!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/08/23

Full Review

RarnChild

First time I've seen this movie - I was busy having babies in the mid-80s. Prince was amazing - I think his death hit me harder than any other celebrity. I enjoyed this movie so much. I'm so glad I got to see it on the big screen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/03/22

Full Review

Audience Member

A music movie with a stellar soundtrack that's set in Minneapolis?? Now you're speaking our language. AMAZING! Everything about it. Thank you, Prince.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Prince is THE KING. Always. 💜

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/11/24

Full Review

Jay H

It really bothers me that The Kid never says "I'm sorry" to Apollonia.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/13/24

Full Review

gioconda d

This movie has not aged well at all. Prince will always be remembered for his incredible musical skills. However, this movie is now as of 2024 officially truly embarrassing. Listen to the soundtrack. It's an undisputed masterpiece. This movie...um. Not so much.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/08/24

Full Review

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Albert Magnoli

Director

Prince

The Kid

Apollonia Kotero

Apollonia

Morris Day

Morris

Jerome Benton

Jerome

Clarence Williams III

Father

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Synopsis

A victim of his own anger, the Kid (Prince) is a Minneapolis musician on the rise with his band, the Revolution, escaping a tumultuous home life through music. While trying to avoid making the same mistakes as his truculent father (Clarence Williams III), the Kid navigates the club scene and a rocky relationship with a captivating singer, Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero). But another musician, Morris (Morris Day), looks to steal the Kid's spotlight -- and his girl.

Director: Albert Magnoli
Producer: Robert Cavallo, Steven Fargnoli, Joseph Ruffalo
Screenwriter: Albert Magnoli, William Blinn
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Purple Films, Warner Bros.
Rating: R
Genre: Musical, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 27, 1984, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Apr 22, 2016
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 15, 2008
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Surround

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