Watch
A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire

1951
Drama
2h 2m
Blanche is in real need of a protector at this stage in her life when circumstances lead her into paying a visit to her younger sister Stella in New Orleans (imdb)
Your probable score
?

A Streetcar Named Desire

1951
Drama
2h 2m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 69.32% from 2850 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(2850)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 06 Oct 2020
80
88th
I thought it was a little overrated, but not enough to say that it's always relied on the kindness of reviewers.
Rated 28 Mar 2010
10
98th
It's hard to find a film this intense about 'love' and 'romance' and all of those themes that the Golden Age of Hollywood idolised. But this is more than that, it's a parting, or better put, a descension into the depths where the 'magic' of the old days is replaced by the cold slap in the face that is realism. The power of the past, and the need to make up fantasy to escape it and sometimes to even re-embrace it (even in the contrasting acting styles) is in the end crushed by reality.
Rated 09 Mar 2015
90
80th
A movie that will surely stand the test of time for its honest observations on the tumultuous pulls and pushes in our society's construction of the male/female relationship, powered by some of the best acting in all film, especially from Brando's raw, revolutionary performance.
Rated 25 Apr 2009
60
46th
while the story has its merit, it drags on a bit too much, and eventually turns into a one woman show. even though leigh is a remarkable actress, she's too theatrical, and sometimes downright annoying. on the other hand, brando is pure perfection, he dominates every scene he's in. Some good score and photography lifts the movie a notch as well.
Rated 16 Dec 2006
80
83rd
Tennessee Williams' words never lack wit and depth and the theatral mood of this movie fits it like a glove. Stellar performances from the Brando, Leigh and Hunter paired with the beauty of the Harry Stradling's cinematography makes this film something unforgettable as time has proven.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
94th
Great movie for two reasons: Tennessee Williams' wonderful words, and Brando's amazing performance. Didn't think Vivien Leigh was all that great, but she wasn't bad either.
Rated 31 Jul 2020
90
92nd
I am going to show someone this, then follow it up with "The Island of Dr. Moreau", and see if that person believes me that it's the same actor.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
93
94th
A great movie. Great performances by all, although Vivien Leigh performed extremely well, I don't think she was right for the part.
Rated 01 Sep 2010
80
70th
ASND's dialogue remains within its theatrical confines yet Brando reduces acting to realism in an unbridled animalic, methodic performance. A reviewer here asked what the intentions of this film are. The most forthright answer is the apparent delusion people of high society live under. The film suggests all of us are controlled by emotion, yet Blanche attempts to tame hers and leak it in contrived bursts. Whereas Stanley an admitted commoner, thrives in his unabashed existence of raw emotion.
Rated 11 Aug 2009
78
46th
Leigh's acting is pretty hammy, but so is the character she's playing. Amazing script, and Brendan Fraser is straight-up fantastic.
Rated 15 Mar 2009
99
95th
Has a variety of screen legends with the likes of Marlon Brando, and of course Vivien Leigh, who both give out penetrating, remarkably consummating and unforgettable performances. Kim Hunter and Brando's chemisty is entirely off the charts, and William's skillfully proficient and competent writing is phenomenally miraculous. Great film that's nearly perfect and unfaulted, and for me on my first watch was one of the most awesome observations I've ever sighted.
Rated 12 Apr 2016
55
32nd
It's a wonder that Brando was the only cast member not to win an Academy Award, as his towering performance is comfortably the film's strongest asset. Leigh however is irritatingly hammy in the lead role, which prevents the drama from being compelling and her character from being at all sympathetic. Frankly, Williams' dry script is just better suited to the stage.
Rated 07 Mar 2009
43
5th
Pathetic. Anyone other than Brando acts like a high school drama club member--simply terrible. Also Tennessee Williams penned a miserable story with nothing to get your attention, just unadulteratedly boring--and apparently Elia Kazan didn't know he could change anything, because this movie's twenty minute sections in one room obviously were meant for a stage.
Rated 18 Jan 2016
92
88th
I find pure genius how Leigh uses the same classic southern belle techniques that made her famous, but this time with a completely new effect. The "theatralisation" of the mad-charming character makes her performance impeccable. Marlon Brando is also perfect in his part and mesmerising to look at, but Leigh is astounding. I loved all aspects of this film, all the drama, antithesis and the conflict and the portraiture, and I feel sorry that not enough people nowadays acknowledge Kazan's geniu
Rated 05 Mar 2009
100
91st
At the time of its release, this was hailed for ushering in a new era in frank treatment of adult material. Countless films since have been more explicit, but very few have been more subtle, powerful, or brilliantly acted. Brando's brooding, brutal Stanley Kowalski made him a star. Matching him all the way is Leigh's Blanche DuBois, in a portrayal that unlayers every nuance of her fragility and desperation.
Rated 04 Sep 2010
76
66th
As with all Tennessee Williams plays, this is great drama. Superbly directed by Kazan and featuring an awe-inspiring performance by Brando. Unfortunately though, the film doesn't reach the highs of the trinity's next collaboration. 'A certain girl' (no spoilers) is reminiscent of Shelley Duvall in "The Shining" and towards the end you truly hope Brando finds the axe.
Rated 17 Apr 2010
2
21st
Poor use of film as a medium. I agree with Luna6ix, this was obviously meant for the stage. If you are gonna film in predominantly one setting then it better at least have a point or be interesting (see: 12 Angry Men). This just felt unnecessary and I don't see what the point of filming it was. All the points are for Brando, guy is great here but it's a very overpraised movie. PS, Vivien Leigh is trying way too hard. Script isn't as great as people say.
Rated 28 Jul 2009
92
98th
One of my favorite movies of all time
Rated 25 Jul 2009
50
38th
Since it features Brando and Malden and the text is so elaborate and sophisticated, it's quite miraculous how excruciatingly this managed to bore me. The characters, especially Hunter and Leigh's whiny female ones, are extremely obnoxious, and the film (or play) failed miserably to make me relate or care about their troubles.
Rated 24 Jul 2010
78
74th
Good, but not great. Leigh's performance felt a bit too melodramatic at times, making it hard to take it all very seriously. Brandon was wonderful, and the brooding atmosphere was quite effective. Starts dragging a bit after a while though.
Rated 23 Aug 2014
96
92nd
A movie that was simply ahead of its time. The subjects that are addressed in this movie are incredible, especially in how they were tackled in a movie as old as this one. The performances in A Streetcar Named Desire are perfect, with the leads being Viven Leigh, Kim Hunter, and Marlon Brando.
Rated 08 Feb 2007
95
89th
One of the best character study movies ever made
Rated 28 Aug 2008
76
71st
I think it hasn't aged as well as other classics. A Streetcar Named Desire is for my taste still a little bit too much influenced by theatre. Vivien Leigh's theatricality was very uncomforting from time to time compared to the more natural flow of Brando and Hunter. ... Also the editing and the assumption that you can never show your back to the audience really overtake this movie. ... Oh and I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this film, because I did, but these are just some of my remarks.
Rated 01 Aug 2012
4
91st
It's a good adaptation, far better than the stage version we saw. The real educational value came from witnessing the effects of young brando on my -mostly female- college classmates.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
70
82nd
Classic.
Rated 04 Jul 2013
29
35th
I hate Vivien Leigh.
Rated 16 Jul 2013
5
73rd
both a tragic elegy to the golden age and a beckoning hand towards the cinema which followed. brando's stanley stands as the crowning champion of this new era, exuding a sexual energy almost godlike in its dynamism, and whilst he's villainous and destructive there remains a sense that he's so much more fundamental and alive than that which is being left behind.
Rated 09 Jan 2012
78
60th
Amazing acting, but I didn't enjoy it enough to give it a higher score.
Rated 10 Feb 2017
86
94th
Everything about this film is just so excellent. Tennessee Williams always had a knack for truly getting into the tormented psychologies of his characters, while the performances contain such palpable intensity so as to make the second half nearly unbearable to watch at points. Kazan's direction is superb in externalizing the inner desecration of its characters. Stands the test of time in more ways than one.
Rated 11 Jul 2008
4
74th
One of the best scripts ever written, and some of the finest acting. Marlon Brando especially stands out; he dominates every scene with that rugged, violent presence, and the sexual chemistry between him and Kim Hunter is off the charts. Vivien Leigh turns in a wonderful performance but sometimes her more classical, theatrical style sticks out like a sore thumb. The role could've used a bit more subtlety I think.
Rated 05 Jun 2020
85
86th
The fiery dialogue between Brando and Leigh, is not just a battle of values but a battle between different eras and the soul of acting itself. Brando came seemingly out of nowhere to burn Hollywood to the ground with a frightening intensity and naturalism, never before seen, making his performance in this perhaps the most influential ever. It doesn't hurt that there's a killer script crackling with tension, subtext, character depth and moral complexity, too.
Rated 07 Jul 2021
60
63rd
okay movie
Rated 22 Jul 2022
95
97th
Melodrama is the biggest criticism I can lay down, but it's literally a melodrama, so that criticism is void. I often click with films adapted from the stage, possibly due to the inevitable minimalism. I'm a sucker for stripping away the sparkle and honing in on raw script. This is 2 hours of pure story and characters that sizzle. Brando kills it to a point that incomprehensibility can be forgiven, and the film's theatrical presentation necessarily accentuates Leigh's larger-than-life Blanche.
Rated 26 May 2009
80
80th
A tense film, with a rare depth. The main trio was great, especially Vivien Leigh.
Rated 31 Jul 2011
80
78th
An exceptionally bleak film, one which borrows its atmosphere from Gothic architecture and the shadows of a film noir, drenched in the languid New Orleans environment and full of exceptional acting performances (especially from Vivien Leigh). The result is a great film.
Rated 14 Feb 2010
97
99th
Brando and Leigh sure can act. Two of the best actors to honor the big screen. Take a look at Brando and surrender to lust.
Rated 20 Feb 2010
85
86th
A pretty decent classic. I honestly think that Brando and Malden steal the show, though. Some of their better roles. Try and watch the director's cut, or whichever one has the added lines and stuff. Clears up some stuff, I think.
Rated 13 Dec 2012
53
20th
I generally find movies adapted from the stage to be tedious. Especially when there is little or no effort to make it cinematic. If Brando wasn't so great, this would get a much lower score.
Rated 15 Aug 2013
40
32nd
Perhaps because I saw this a long time ago, I found this movie incredibly hard to sit through a second time.
Rated 23 Sep 2008
85
84th
A really good movie, although it was really stagey at times, but nevertheless I like the performances. And, well, it was a play before...
Rated 01 Mar 2008
79
66th
# 429
Rated 22 Mar 2008
70
39th
A competent if overraught take on Tennessee Williams. Loves me some Kim Hunter.
Rated 25 Feb 2014
59
62nd
Despite being slightly softened compared to the stage version, still ahead of its time and a very powerful film.
Rated 25 Oct 2011
75
83rd
I liked the part where Brando got mad and yelled stuff.
Rated 19 Jun 2009
60
29th
Brando was good, obviously, but what was Williams ever trying to say? Not just here but in general?
Rated 15 Mar 2009
100
93rd
Virtuoso acting highlights this powerful and disturbing drama. Leigh once again is the southern belle.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
79
28th
I'm not a big Brando fan, but I do like the book and the movie was well done.
Rated 22 Oct 2009
85
78th
Vivien Leigh is ravishing, Brando frightening.
Rated 26 Jan 2011
73
66th
Brillant interpretation by Leigh and Brando.
Rated 01 Mar 2016
60
18th
Great acting, and good filmography for the time. But the whole movie is pretty depressing. It has plenty of artistic value, but my favorite fictional movies are fun. The action is slow (typical of the timeperiod), and focused on the interpersonal and internal struggles. Which is interesting, but not fun to watch. DRAMAFFLOP rating: (see my profile for details) Dialogue=4,Rudeness=4,Acting=5,Messages=2,Action=2,Funny=0, Filmography=4,loveable characters=2,orchestration=3,Plot=3. Weighted tot
Rated 11 Sep 2009
82
84th
I have a hard time watching plays transformed into movies; on the whole, i prefer to read the play. the same goes for books made into movies. however, there are directors, actors, etc. that can really bring a play or book to life, and capture the mental images that i see when reading. this is one of those times. oddly, though, it isnt the method acting of brando, nor the theatricality of leigh that carries the movie; rather, it's the superb acting of Kim Hunter as Stella.
Rated 03 Jan 2012
75
79th
the performances in this movie are as great as they are different. vivian leigh's performance may come off as shallow in contrast to marlon fucking brando, but....there's something about it... only downside: movie's a bit too long.
Rated 18 Feb 2007
95
84th
What can be said that hasn't already been said? I give the best in show award to Hunter.
Rated 12 May 2012
89
94th
Exhausting performances by Brando and Leigh in the very much theatrical screen version of Tennessee Williams play. Kazan does little to control his actors, and the passion comes through wonderfully. Steamy New Orleans and its wonderful sounds provide a great backdrop to the commotion on the first floor.
Rated 22 Feb 2014
70
50th
I found this overwrought, tedious and almost campy. Marlon Brando is a caricature, I don't understand the acclaim for him. There is compelling drama here, made especially interesting because Blanche is a tragic victim who is so unlikable. She is a hypocrite and oddly clings to the prejudice that ultimately is used against her (I guess this is the "trap" she claims to be caught in?) What I thought strangest - there literally is a streetcar named "Desire" in it?! That just seemed too stupid.
Rated 12 Apr 2012
87
74th
Some amazing performances here from Brando, Leigh and Malden. The plot takes a bit to get going but once it does, it doesn't let up. Thanks to the Simpsons episode "A Streetcar Named Marge" I thought this film was a musical for the past 10 years and wasn't all that enthused to check it out. With the recent bluray release I realized what the film really was! The black & white here works perfectly with certain aspects of the film wouldn't have the same effect at all in colour. Highly recommended!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
94th
Great adaptation of the tennessee williams classic. Brando is excellent.
Rated 22 Mar 2011
85
90th
The hot-tempered, no-holds-barred direction style of Elia Kazan makes Tennessee Williams' Streetcar reek of aggression and desire, which here is more than often the same. But if nothing else it is worth the watch because of the sheer psychological truth and raw honesty to the acting, not only by Brando, but also by Malden, Hunter and Leigh.
Rated 18 Aug 2011
70
54th
Blanche was really doing my head in after a while. Aside from that a solid film.
Rated 01 Mar 2016
88
71st
I liked Vivien Leigh in this despite her overacting; it seemed to fit Blanche nicely. Brando is obviously the show-stealer, but everyone is great and the production plays out as if on the stage. Some scoff at this because film is a different medium that insists a different approach. That's a fair perspective, but I've never really been bothered by strict stage adaptations like this (see Glengarry Glen Ross or August: OSage Country). The story is a bit convoluted by the social mores of the time.
Rated 22 Mar 2007
91
87th
Fantastic actors movie starring screen legends like Karl Malden and, of course, Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh in one of her only major roles outside of Gone With the Wind.
Rated 25 May 2012
69
49th
STELLAAAAAAAA
Rated 27 Feb 2016
15
81st
Star Rating: ★★★★
Rated 01 Aug 2009
78
80th
A movie that is all about the brilliant performances. If I'm being honest apart from the performances every thing else is deeply underwhelming.
Rated 30 Dec 2006
78
70th
Good but distressing
Rated 28 Aug 2011
87
90th
Great theater has made for great cinema---a brilliant, well-acted classic featuring impressive performances from both Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh.
Rated 28 Jul 2010
95
97th
I'd put this at the top of the list of best acted movie of all-time.
Rated 30 Oct 2009
88
97th
Great screenplay, great actors.
Rated 26 Dec 2010
77
62nd
Great story and acting, particularly from Brando. This film doesn't really offer anything else of note, though.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
80
60th
#394
Rated 12 Jun 2012
100
99th
This is what art masterpieces should look like, the story is layered in so many levels I think every time you see it, it will say something different. Also how great and complex are these characters, they truly speak about the human nature. With this source material you only need great actors and a great director, and they just did that I mean how much greater than Elia, Marlon and Vivien can you go? Because of these kind of films I love films.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
82
64th
356
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
72nd
Stella!
Rated 12 Jun 2011
75
80th
It might be the most dramatic and robust film of the 1950s. Kazan directs his actors as if they were on stage, but there is a mise-en-scène here that only a filmmaker could provide.
Rated 09 Aug 2015
90
81st
Very tense, claustrophobic movie with brilliant roles. No wonder it's a classic.
Rated 05 Jan 2010
88
91st
This film, together with Casablanca, made me realize how much I was missing when I was avoiding old B&Ws. Brando and Leigh are both so captivating, each of them owns the screen. and when they're together, it's wonderfully unbearable. one of the best 'negative' chemistries ever, many villain/hero duos have much to learn from this.
Rated 30 Dec 2007
75
70th
A good adaptation runied by a shoddy ending and some odd design choices.
Rated 01 Feb 2012
75
3rd
what the fuck?! a psycho woman who sag on the others!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
17th
great acting
Rated 12 Apr 2011
70
34th
Sure, Streetcar was ahead of its time in terms of sexual politics, and yeah, Brando was great in his prime, but the film never rises above being a mildly interesting vehicle for its themes.
Rated 22 Aug 2012
95
50th
Brando at his best.
Rated 03 Jun 2013
80
77th
Wife Beater t-shirt sales skyrocketed after this movie thanks to Marlon Brando.
Rated 22 Jan 2007
85
80th
Searing performance by Leigh is almost painful to watch, Brando all too convincing as sadistic lout. Kim Hunter Oscar well deserved.
Rated 08 Jun 2011
93
91st
Great piece of art. Marlon Brando is wild like a straight dog. Vivien Leigh is great. Looks like more a theatrical play which it really is.
Rated 26 Sep 2012
93
96th
Vivien Leigh's devestatingly self-conscious performance is one of the most raw slices of misery ever caught on film. I was laughing and shivering through the whole movie.
Rated 04 May 2013
75
67th
No one will ever top Marge Simpson's ethereal performance of Blanche DuBois.
Rated 29 Jan 2016
78
79th
Sadly ahead of its time -- can't imagine how you can see this in 1951 and not wake up a total feminist the next day... but I guess things take a while. Yes it's theatre-y, but it's good theatre'y. and I didn't attend theatre in the 50s, hell I barely do now, so ...
Rated 28 Jul 2009
88
60th
The censoring of Blanche's backstory and the veil during the rape scene, mar an otherwise excellent production. Acting was first rate. Particularly enchanted by the Malden Leigh confrontation scene where Blanche brings forward the details of her troubled past.
Rated 28 Nov 2009
100
95th
Grim New Orleans setting for terrific performances by all, with Malden, Leigh, and Hunter winning Oscars, and Brando making highest impact on audiences. Brando disliked the role, despite the great impact it had on his career.
Rated 22 May 2016
84
86th
Rain from heaven. A wilting hothouse flower meets a remarkable brute.
Rated 27 Feb 2010
8
78th
Well acted if surprisingly uninvolving. The film does ask us to take a step back and examine it more objectively, since it's based on a play. The theatricality seems to overstay its welcome yet it's the film's core beauty. The acting is indeed an admirable collaborative effort, especially Brando with his flamboyant mannerisms and little nuances. That man is the balls.
Rated 15 Mar 2010
90
89th
A great movie classic! The story is great. Brando is awesome and Vivien Leigh won a very well deserved Oscar for her portrail of Blanche DuBois, as did Malden and Kim Hunter. There are many reasons to watch this movie, but only one word... STELLA!!!
Rated 16 Aug 2010
85
95th
Stunning.
Rated 22 Sep 2013
90
99th
90.000
Rated 30 Dec 2014
30
29th
Melodramatic
Rated 23 Apr 2009
5
93rd
"Epic performances in a movie that seethes with atmosphere."
Rated 19 Mar 2013
62
34th
Great acting but mostly boring story that only gets going near the end.
Rated 26 Feb 2017
90
92nd
Acting. nuff said.
Rated 26 Jan 2009
70
54th
Great classic.
Rated 07 Dec 2009
89
84th
An excellent drama. Vivien Leigh shines but she wasn't that great and Brando showed what he can do. This film has one of the better scripts out there.

Collections

(106)
Compact view
Showing 1 - 24 of 106 results

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...