The Greatest Showman (2017)

A bold, big-hearted musical biography celebrating ambition, spectacle, and the beauty of human difference.

The Greatest Showman - Movie Information

  • Original Title: The Greatest Showman
  • Release Year: 2017
  • Directed by: Michael Gracey
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Age Rating (US): PG
  • Runtime: 1h 45m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): December 20, 2017 (Canada), December 20, 2017 (United States - PG), December 26, 2017 (United Kingdom - PG), January 4, 2018 (Germany - 6), January 24, 2018 (France - TP), December 29, 2017 (India), December 26, 2017 (New Zealand - PG), December 26, 2017 (Australia - PG), December 25, 2017 (Brazil - 12), December 28, 2017 (Mexico - A), December 28, 2017 (Italy), December 29, 2017 (Spain - APTA), December 20, 2017 (South Korea - 12), February 1, 2018 (China), January 15, 2018 (Nigeria)
  • Alternative Titles: 위대한 쇼맨 (KR), Muhteşem Şovmen (TR), 马戏之王 (CN)
  • Production Companies: Chernin Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, TSG Entertainment
  • Production Countries: United States of America

The Greatest Showman - Plot

The story of American showman P.T. Barnum, founder of the circus that became the famous traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The Greatest Showman - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the spectacle come to life:

The impossible comes true.

Where to Watch The Greatest Showman

Looking for where to watch The Greatest Showman?

The Greatest Showman - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Michael Gracey

Main Cast

  • Hugh Jackman
  • Zac Efron
  • Michelle Williams
  • Rebecca Ferguson
  • Zendaya
  • Keala Settle
  • Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
  • Natasha Liu Bordizzo
  • Paul Sparks
  • Sam Humphrey

Writers

  • Jenny Bicks
  • Bill Condon

Producers

  • Laurence Mark
  • Peter Chernin
  • Jenno Topping

The Greatest Showman - FAQs

Is The Greatest Showman based on a true story?

Yes, The Greatest Showman is loosely based on the life of P.T. Barnum, the 19th-century American showman who co-founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus. While the film captures the spirit of his ambition and rise from poverty, many events and characters are dramatized or fictionalized for entertainment purposes.

Who are the main actors in The Greatest Showman?

The film stars Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum, Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle, Michelle Williams as Charity Barnum, Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind, and Zendaya as Anne Wheeler. Keala Settle, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Paul Sparks, and Sam Humphrey round out the principal cast.

What is The Greatest Showman about?

The Greatest Showman follows P.T. Barnum's journey from humble beginnings to building a spectacular circus empire that celebrated human uniqueness. The film blends original pop-infused musical numbers with themes of ambition, belonging, and self-acceptance, earning praise for its infectious energy and Hugh Jackman's charismatic lead performance.

What does the song 'This Is Me' mean in the film?

'This Is Me,' performed by Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz, is the film's emotional centerpiece and anthem of self-acceptance. It represents the circus performers reclaiming their dignity and identity against societal rejection. The song won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song and became a global anthem for inclusivity and empowerment.

Where can I stream The Greatest Showman?

The Greatest Showman is available to stream on HBO Max. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming availability in your region.

Did The Greatest Showman win any awards?

Yes. The Greatest Showman won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for 'This Is Me.' The film's soundtrack became a massive commercial success, topping charts worldwide and spending a record-breaking number of weeks on the UK Albums Chart, far outlasting the film's initial theatrical run.

How long is The Greatest Showman?

The Greatest Showman has a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes). Its brisk pacing and wall-to-wall musical numbers make it feel even shorter, which contributed to its strong repeat-viewing appeal and long-lasting theatrical run in many markets.

What is the age rating for The Greatest Showman?

The Greatest Showman is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger children. The film contains some thematic elements and mild peril but is broadly family-friendly, which contributed significantly to its wide commercial appeal.

More About The Greatest Showman

Explore further details and official listings for The Greatest Showman below.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error