Les Misérables (2012)
Tom Hooper's sweeping musical epic brings Victor Hugo's immortal tale of justice, redemption, and revolution to breathtaking cinematic life.
Les Misérables - Movie Information
- Original Title: Les Misérables
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Tom Hooper
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 18, 2012 (South Korea - 12), December 25, 2012 (United States - PG-13), December 25, 2012 (Canada), January 11, 2013 (United Kingdom - 12A), December 25, 2012 (Germany - 12), February 13, 2013 (France - TP), January 10, 2013 (New Zealand - M), December 26, 2012 (Australia - M), February 1, 2013 (Brazil - 14), January 11, 2013 (Mexico), January 31, 2013 (Italy - T), December 25, 2012 (Spain - 7)
- Alternative Titles: レ・ミゼラブル デジタルリマスター／リミックス (JP), Bi Navayan (IR), Les misérables: Nędznicy (PL), Le Mis (US), 레 미제라블 (KR)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Working Title Films, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd., Relativity Media
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Les Misérables - Plot
An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France. Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.
Les Misérables - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see this extraordinary musical epic unfold:
Fight. Dream. Hope. Love.
Where to Watch Les Misérables
Looking for where to watch Les Misérables?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Les Misérables - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tom Hooper
Main Cast
- Hugh Jackman
- Russell Crowe
- Amanda Seyfried
- Anne Hathaway
- Eddie Redmayne
- Sacha Baron Cohen
- Helena Bonham Carter
- Aaron Tveit
- Samantha Barks
- Daniel Huttlestone
Writers
- William Nicholson
- Herbert Kretzmer
- Alain Boublil
Producers
- Tim Bevan
- Eric Fellner
- Cameron Mackintosh
- Debra Hayward
Les Misérables - FAQs
Is Les Misérables based on a true story?
Les Misérables isn't based on a single true story, but Victor Hugo drew heavily from real history. The 1832 Paris Uprising forms the backdrop, and Hugo based Jean Valjean partly on real convicts he researched. The social injustices depicted — poverty, harsh penal conditions, child labor — were very much the reality of 19th-century France.
Did Anne Hathaway win an Oscar for Les Misérables?
Yes! Anne Hathaway won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her devastating portrayal of Fantine. Her raw, single-take performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" became one of the most talked-about moments of the film and earned her widespread critical acclaim alongside the Oscar win.
Where can I stream Les Misérables (2012)?
You can stream Les Misérables on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus. If you'd prefer to rent or buy, it's available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Plenty of options to catch this sweeping musical epic.
Why did the actors sing live on set?
Director Tom Hooper made the bold decision to have the cast sing live on camera rather than lip-sync to pre-recorded tracks — a first for a major Hollywood musical. This allowed actors to deliver emotionally raw, spontaneous performances, with a small earpiece playing piano accompaniment to keep them on pitch.
Who are the main actors in Les Misérables?
The film boasts a remarkable ensemble. Hugh Jackman leads as Jean Valjean, with Russell Crowe as the relentless Inspector Javert. Anne Hathaway plays the tragic Fantine, Amanda Seyfried is Cosette, and Eddie Redmayne portrays the idealistic Marius. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter bring dark comedy as the scheming Thénardiers.
How many Oscars did Les Misérables win?
Les Misérables won three Academy Awards at the 2013 ceremony: Best Supporting Actress for Anne Hathaway, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Sound Mixing. The film received eight nominations in total, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hugh Jackman, cementing its status as one of the year's most celebrated productions.
What is Les Misérables (2012) about?
The film follows Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread who breaks parole and rebuilds his life, only to be relentlessly hunted by the obsessive Inspector Javert. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France and the 1832 Paris Uprising, it's a sweeping story of justice, redemption, sacrifice, and love.
How long is Les Misérables and what is its rating?
Les Misérables runs for 2 hours and 38 minutes — a grand, immersive runtime fitting for such an epic story. It's rated PG-13 in the United States, reflecting its themes of poverty, violence, and mature emotional content, making it accessible to most audiences while retaining the story's dramatic weight.
More About Les Misérables
Explore further details about Les Misérables on these trusted resources: