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Purple Rain

Play trailer Poster for Purple Rain R 1984 1h 51m Musical Drama Romance Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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74% Tomatometer 61 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 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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Purple Rain

Purple Rain

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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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Critics Reviews

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Joel Selvin San Francisco Chronicle Dec 8
4/4
The film hangs on the flimsiest of plots, but the movie is really about Prince delivering the message in his music. And it is above all a frankly sentimental film about love -- not sex, fired by the spectacular music. Go to Full Review Eric Deggans NPR 11/28/2019
Purple Rain became a generational manifesto, while providing the largest megaphone yet for one of the greatest geniuses in pop music. Go to Full Review Duane Byrge The Hollywood Reporter 08/07/2018
Even those who aren't Prince fans are likely to be captivated by its energy, enamored with its simple, often poignant storyline. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 16
3/4
The drama is clunky, the acting is awful more often than not, and the casual sexism simmers throughout. But whenever Prince takes the stage, the picture irresistibly exudes sex, sweat, and swagger in equal measure. Go to Full Review Douglas Corzine Washington City Paper Sep 15
Purple Rain features some of the most thrilling musical sequences ever put on film. Go to Full Review Jennie Kermode Eye for Film 03/06/2025
4/5
More than just an extended music video. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Allan C @RT15713161 Jul 12 The Purple One’s origin story! Purple Rain (1984) **** Purple Rain is an irresistible showcase for Prince, whose magnetic screen presence and unforgettable music easily overcome the film's uneven melodrama. Though its treatment of abusive relationships has aged poorly, the electrifying performances and iconic soundtrack make it one of the defining rock movies of the 1980s. SEE LETTERBOXED FOR FULL REVIEW See more Jacob G @RT02487659 Jul 11 I absolutely love this movie. It has such great music, the atmosphere is so cool and seeing Prince and his actual band performing is awesome. See more Jonathan O @RT41230270 Jun 6 Not sure if is based on Prince life story but is entertaining and Prince performance is actually good and songs are really electrifying and memorable and Morris Day performance is so cartoonish and this new 4K restoration with Dolby Vision looks unbelievable. See more Erick M @Purplehouse Apr 25 ITS STILL BETTER THAN ALL OF THE MUSIC BIO PICS EVER MADE. BETTER THAN ELVIS, BETTER THAN MICHAEL AND BETTER THAN BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. See more Ethan G @ethdrew05 Mar 17 Purple Rain is a powerful and emotional music film with unforgettable songs. Prince delivers an iconic performance, making it one of the most unique and memorable movies of the 80s. See more Travis T. @BigT2004 Feb 24 This movie is So Good See more Read all reviews
Purple Rain

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Cast & Crew

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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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Purple Rain

Purple Rain (1984) Purple Rain (1984) Purple Rain (1984) View more photos

Movie Info

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
William Blinn
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Warner Bros., Purple Films
Rating
R
Genre
Musical, Drama, Romance, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 27, 1984, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Mar 5, 2025
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 15, 2008
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Surround