Paris Is Burning (1991): cast, story & where to watch
1991 · Film · ★ 8.2
Released in 1991, Paris Is Burning is a documentary film directed by Jennie Livingston, running about 71 minutes. “Having a ball… Wish you were here” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.
Who’s in it. Paris Is Burning stars Carmen Xtravaganza as Self, Brooke Xtravaganza as Self, Andre Christian as Self and Dorian Corey as Self, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 8.2/10, Paris Is Burning sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue. It went on to earn $3.8M at the box office.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel and HBO Max and rent or buy it from Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Paris Is Burning page.
If you liked it. Fans of Paris Is Burning tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Paris Is Burning (1991)?
- In US, Paris Is Burning is available to stream on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV and Criterion Channel, and rent or buy from Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Paris Is Burning worth watching?
- Paris Is Burning holds an audience score of 8.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Paris Is Burning?
- Paris Is Burning stars Carmen Xtravaganza, Brooke Xtravaganza, Andre Christian, Dorian Corey and Paris Dupree.
- When was Paris Is Burning released?
- Paris Is Burning was released in 1991, with a runtime of about 71 minutes.