Showgirls (1995)
Paul Verhoeven's notorious NC-17 drama follows one woman's ruthless, glittering climb through the cutthroat world of Las Vegas showbiz.
Showgirls - Movie Information
- Original Title: Showgirls
- Release Year: 1995
- Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NC-17
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 22, 1995 (Canada - R), September 22, 1995 (United States - NC-17), January 12, 1996 (United Kingdom - 18), January 25, 1996 (Germany - 16), January 9, 1996 (France - 12), October 12, 1995 (Australia - R18+), October 12, 1995 (Brazil - 18), October 26, 1995 (Italy - 14+), January 26, 1996 (Spain - 18), December 24, 2020 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 艳舞女郎 (CN), Les Girls de Las Vegas (CA), 쇼걸 (KR), Slacipunce (SI), Šou merginos (LT), V rytme pokušenia (SK), Шоугелз (RU)
- Production Companies: Chargeurs, Charles Evans Productions, Carolco Pictures, Joe Eszterhas Productions, Ben Myron Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America, France
Showgirls - Plot
Fresh to Las Vegas with no connections, Nomi Malone takes a job as an exotic dancer. Her talents are quickly noticed by Cristal, a headlining dancer who senses an opportunity to bolster her own act. But Nomi won't play second fiddle and soon begins her venomous path to the top, ruthlessly backstabbing anyone who gets in her way.
Showgirls - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the glittering, dangerous world of Las Vegas showbiz unfold:
Leave your inhibitions at the door... the show is about to begin.
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Showgirls - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Verhoeven
Main Cast
- Elizabeth Berkley
- Kyle MacLachlan
- Gina Gershon
- Glenn Plummer
- Robert Davi
- Alan Rachins
- Gina Ravera
- Lin Tucci
- Greg Travis
- Al Ruscio
Writers
- Joe Eszterhas
Producers
- Alan Marshall
- Charles Evans
Showgirls - FAQs
Where can you stream Showgirls online?
Showgirls is available to stream on fuboTV and Philo as part of their subscription plans. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV and Fawesome. Kanopy also offers the film at no cost through participating libraries. Check JustWatch for the most current regional availability.
Why did Showgirls receive an NC-17 rating?
Showgirls earned an NC-17 rating from the MPAA due to its explicit sexual content, nudity, and a graphic assault scene. Director Paul Verhoeven and writer Joe Eszterhas chose to release the film uncut, making it one of the most prominent wide-release NC-17 films in Hollywood history.
Who are the main actors in Showgirls?
Showgirls stars Elizabeth Berkley as ambitious drifter Nomi Malone, Gina Gershon as headlining dancer Cristal Connors, and Kyle MacLachlan as entertainment director Zack Carey. Supporting roles are filled by Glenn Plummer, Robert Davi, Alan Rachins, Gina Ravera, and Lin Tucci.
Has Showgirls become a cult classic over time?
Yes. Despite being a critical and commercial disaster upon release — earning just over $20 million against a $45 million budget — Showgirls has since developed a devoted cult following. Its campy excess, outrageous performances, and satirical undertones have been reappraised as intentional, earning it midnight-movie status worldwide.
What is Showgirls about?
Showgirls follows Nomi Malone, a young drifter who arrives in Las Vegas and lands a job as an exotic dancer. Spotted by headlining performer Cristal Connors, Nomi ruthlessly schemes her way to the top of the showgirl world, sacrificing friendships and integrity in her relentless pursuit of stardom.
Who directed Showgirls and who wrote it?
Showgirls was directed by Paul Verhoeven, the Dutch filmmaker known for RoboCop and Basic Instinct. The screenplay was written by Joe Eszterhas, who had previously collaborated with Verhoeven on Basic Instinct. The film was produced by Alan Marshall and Charles Evans.
When was Showgirls released and how long is it?
Showgirls was theatrically released on September 22, 1995, in the United States with an NC-17 rating. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes. It opened wide across approximately 1,400 theaters, an unusually broad release for an NC-17-rated feature at the time.
How was Showgirls received by critics and audiences?
Showgirls was widely panned upon release, winning multiple Razzie Awards including Worst Picture and Worst Actress for Elizabeth Berkley. Critics found it exploitative and dramatically hollow. However, its reputation has shifted considerably over the decades, with many now viewing it as a fascinatingly subversive satire of Hollywood ambition and exploitation.
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