Babylon (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Babylon is a 2022 historical drama directed by Damien Chazelle, starring Brad Pitt as Jack Conrad, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva. It runs 3 hours 8 minutes and earned $65.3 million worldwide on a $78 million budget. It won 4 awards from 21 nominations, among them 3 Oscar nominations. Critics gave it 57% on Rotten Tomatoes and 61 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 3h 8m (188 min)
- Director
- Damien Chazelle
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- Budget
- $78M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Babylon About?
The premise of Babylon without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
In 1920s Los Angeles, a group of ambitious individuals pursue their dreams within the vibrant and chaotic film industry. Led by Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva, they navigate a world of excess and relentless ambition. The story explores the dark underbelly of Hollywood's golden age, revealing the clash between glamour and the harsh realities of greed and shattered aspirations as the era of silent film transitions to talkies.
Babylon Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- film history
- 1920s
- hollywood california
- hedonism
- female full frontal nudity
- filmmaking
- female female kiss
- female nudity
- reference to warner bros.
- period drama
- party
- showbiz drama
+38 more Show fewer
- 1930s
- silent filmmaking
- orgy
- film set
- s&m scene
- sex standing up
- rehearsing lines
- destructive lifestyle
- graphic violence
- bisexuality
- female star appears topless
- side boob
- nipples visible through clothing
- pokies
- movie studio
- female rear nudity
- upskirt
- year 1928
- male full frontal nudity
- male frontal nudity
- female frontal nudity
- nudity
- male nudity
- fictional film studio
- snorting cocaine
- swimming pool
- rattlesnake
- film camera
- film clapper board
- sanatorium
- new york city
- father daughter relationship
- mother daughter relationship
- newspaper headline
- killing a rattlesnake
- husband wife relationship
- shooting
- torture dungeon
Babylon Cast & Characters
Brad Pitt leads the cast as Jack Conrad, with Margot Robbie as Nellie LaRoy and Diego Calva as Manny Torres. Directed by Damien Chazelle; 16 actors are credited in all.
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Director Damien Chazelle
-
Brad Pitt as Jack Conrad -
Margot Robbie as Nellie LaRoy - Diego Calva as Manny Torres
-
Olivia Wilde as Ina Conrad
Also Starring in Babylon
· 12 more- Li Jun Li
- Phoebe Tonkin Jane Thornton
- Eric Roberts
- Samara Weaving
- Jean Smart Elinor St. John
- Katherine Waterston
- Tobey Maguire
- Max Minghella
- Jimmy Ortega Elephant Wrangler
- Marcos A. Ferraez Police Officer
- Shane Powers Dale
- J.C. Currais Truck Driver
Babylon Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Babylon 57% on Rotten Tomatoes and 61 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in sensory experience (72) and weakest in story & flow (58).
Babylon Echo Score Breakdown
Babylon delivers a spectacle that polarizes audiences through its ambitious production and chaotic narrative. Critics note a mix of dazzling visuals and technical missteps, while many viewers celebrate its energetic direction and period recreation. The film’s strengths lie in its audacious set pieces and musical vigor, yet its uneven pacing and scattered storytelling limit universal appeal. As a result, the movie offers a compelling but divisive experience that resonates more with cinephiles than with mainstream viewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of art and craft, Babylon excels in visual extravagance but falters in consistency. Critics applaud its lavish sets, striking cinematography, and bold direction, describing the film as a grand canvas of 1920s Hollywood. Conversely, some reviewers highlight distracting allusions and editing irregularities that undermine the overall cohesion. The net impression is a technically impressive work that occasionally sacrifices polish for spectacle.
- Character & Emotion 68
When evaluating character and emotion, the ensemble performances receive mixed appraisals. Many observers commend the magnetic presence of the lead actors and the chemistry that drives the narrative’s emotional beats. However, certain critiques point to over‑styled characterizations that hinder depth and render some arcs superficial. Overall, the portrayals are engaging enough to anchor the film, though they lack uniform resonance across the cast.
- Story & Flow 58
The story and flow of Babylon are contentious, with pacing and coherence dividing opinion. Some reviewers praise its ambitious homage to cinema history and the thematic exploration of industry transition. Others criticize the plot as meandering, citing excessive side notes and a lack of narrative focus that leaves viewers unsettled. Consequently, the film offers moments of intrigue but struggles to maintain a consistently compelling storyline.
- Sensory Experience 72
Sensory experience stands out as a strong element in Babylon, blending a vibrant soundtrack with striking visual design. Critics and audiences alike note the electrifying jazz‑infused score and sweeping camera work that enliven the period setting. While a few technical glitches are mentioned, the overall sensory impact remains immersive and reinforces the film’s energetic tone. The sensory layer therefore enhances the viewing experience despite minor flaws.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Rewatch factor for Babylon is moderate, reflecting its polarizing nature. Enthusiastic viewers highlight its spectacle and musical vigor as reasons for repeat viewings, while detractors point to narrative fatigue and overwhelming excess that diminish longevity. The film’s ambitious scope offers occasional rediscovery value, but its uneven execution limits broad repeat appeal. Overall, it provides a worthwhile revisit for fans but may not sustain universal rewatch interest.
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IMDb 7.1 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 57% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 52%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 61 Metascore
User score 7.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 74% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.8 /5
29K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.5 /5
See on Movie Insider
Babylon Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Babylon from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In Bel Air, California, 1926, Manny Torres (Diego Calva) embarks on a chaotic journey when he encounters a truck driver meant to assist with the transport of an elephant to a lavish party hosted by studio executive Don Wallach (Jeff Garlin). Despite being misinformed that he was moving a horse, Manny bribes the driver to take the actual elephant. As they ascend a hill, the truck’s load causes it to roll downwards, leading to a messy situation when the elephant unexpectedly defecates on Manny’s accomplice.
Full summary
The whole story of Babylon, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Babylon Box Office & Budget
Babylon grossed $65.3 million worldwide on a $78 million budget, 84% of what it cost. $15.7 million came from the US and Canada and $49.6 million (76%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$65.3M
84% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $15.7M
- International
- $49.6M
- Budget
- $78M
Babylon Awards & Nominations
Babylon won 4 awards from 21 nominations, among them 3 Oscar nominations. Its biggest night was the Golden Globes 2023, with 2 wins from 5 nominations.
4 wins21 nominations5 ceremonies
-
Golden Globes 2023 2 wins · 5 nominations- Won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
- Won Best Original Score
- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Actor) – Diego Calva
- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Actress) – Margot Robbie
- Nominated Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture (Supporting Actor) – Brad Pitt
-
Critics' Choice 2023 1 win · 9 nominations- Won Best Production Design
- Nominated Best Actress – Margot Robbie
- Nominated Best Cinematography
- Nominated Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Director – Damien Chazelle
-
BAFTA 2023 1 win · 3 nominations- Won Best Production Design
- Nominated Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Original Score
-
Oscars 2023 3 nominations- Nominated Costume Design
- Nominated Music (Original Score)
- Nominated Production Design
Show all 5 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Actor Awards (SAG) 2023 1 nomination- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture – Jovan Adepo , P.J. Byrne , Diego Calva and 10 more
Babylon Trailers & Videos
46 videos: 4 trailers, 12 teasers, 3 clips, 12 featurettes and 15 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Trailer Nice Trailer
- Trailer Naughty Trailer
- Teaser Bargain
How Well Do You Know Babylon?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What year is 'Babylon' set in?
Babylon Also Known As
21 alternative titles, including “बेबीलोन” and “ব্যাবিলন”.
- Also known as
-
- बेबीलोन
- ব্যাবিলন
- Babil
- 巴比倫: 星聲追夢荷里活
- Вавилон
- 巴比伦
- Բաբելոն
- 바빌론
- Babilônia
- Babylon - Rausch der Ekstase
- バビロン
- Βαβυλώνα
+9 more Show fewer
- Babilon
- بابل
- 巴比倫
- בבילון
- بابیلون
- บาบิลอน
- Babilona
- Babülon
- Babilonas, ბაბილონი
Seen Babylon?
Movies Like Babylon
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Hollywood Babylon, Babylon and Cosmopolis.
Babylon FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Babylon, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Babylon?
Babylon runs 3 hours 8 minutes (188 minutes).
When was Babylon released?
Babylon was released on December 23, 2022.
Who directed Babylon?
Babylon was directed by Damien Chazelle.
More films by Damien Chazelle Who is in the cast of Babylon?
Babylon stars Brad Pitt as Jack Conrad, Margot Robbie as Nellie LaRoy and Diego Calva as Manny Torres, among 16 credited actors.
How much did Babylon make at the box office?
Babylon grossed $65.3 million worldwide ($15.7 million domestic, $49.6 million international) on a budget of $78 million.
How is Babylon rated?
Babylon has 7.1/10 on IMDb, 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, 61 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.
What awards did Babylon win?
Babylon won 4 awards from 21 nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes 2023.
Does Babylon have a post-credit scene?
No. Babylon has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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