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Action adventure film

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020): Cast & Ratings

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) movie poster

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a 2020 action adventure film directed by Cathy Yan, starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rosie Perez. It runs 1 hour 49 minutes and earned $205.5 million worldwide on a $84.5 million budget. It earned 6 award nominations, including Best Actress in a Film at the Saturn Awards 2021. Critics gave it 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.1/10.

IMDb rating
6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
79%
worldwide gross
$205.5M
award nominations
6
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Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 49m (109 min)
Director
Cathy Yan
Genres
Action , Adventure , Crime
Original language
English
Budget
$84.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) About?

The premise of Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Harley Quinn's unpredictable journey leads her to team up with an unlikely group of women. Huntress, Black Canary, and Renee Montoya join forces to confront Roman Sionis, a dangerous crime lord with a penchant for chaos. When Sionis sets his sights on a young woman, the four heroines must overcome their personal conflicts and use their unique skills to stop him and bring justice to Gotham.

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • harley quinn character
  • police
  • hyena
  • spin off
  • chase
  • roller derby
  • assassin
  • revenge
  • violence
  • female protagonist
  • laxative
  • roller skates
+38 more
  • pickpocket
  • swallowing a diamond
  • betrayal
  • shoplifting
  • diamond theft
  • sequel
  • reference to the joker
  • superhero
  • superheroine
  • criminal
  • black canary character
  • gotham city
  • voice over narration
  • fight
  • gangster
  • crime lord
  • nonlinear timeline
  • one woman army
  • breaking the fourth wall
  • surrealism
  • dumped by boyfriend
  • restaurant
  • orphan
  • woman murders a man
  • animated sequence
  • superhero action
  • huntress character
  • helena bertinelli character
  • feminism
  • female empowerment
  • dc extended universe
  • shared universe
  • action heroine
  • reference to black canary
  • title directed by female
  • based on comic book
  • dinah lance character
  • renee montoya character
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Cast & crew

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Cast & Characters

Margot Robbie leads the cast as Harley Quinn, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Helena Bertinelli, The Huntress and Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya. Directed by Cathy Yan; 23 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

· 19 more
Show all 23 cast members
From the director

More from Cathy Yan

More films directed by Cathy Yan, best-rated first: Dead Pigs and Dead Pigs.

Full filmography
Ratings

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).

80 /100

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Echo Score Breakdown

The film’s principal strength lies in its energetic style and a magnetic lead performance, though its narrative cohesion is uneven. Critics consistently highlight the bold direction, inventive action sequences, and dynamic visual approach, applauding its subversive tone. User feedback echoes appreciation for Margot Robbie’s portrayal and the film’s kinetic momentum, while noting plot inconsistencies and a lackluster main antagonist. Overall, Birds of Prey stands out for its vibrant execution despite occasional structural flaws.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, Birds of Prey delivers a visually dynamic and stylistically bold presentation. Reviewers praise the vibrant production design, inventive cinematography, and brisk editing that fuel its frenetic energy. The film’s use of an eclectic color palette and inventive camera movements reinforces its subversive sensibility. Taken together, these elements create a cohesive visual identity that remains a hallmark of its aesthetic success.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film is anchored by a compelling lead but shows limited depth among the supporting ensemble. Critics and users commend Margot Robbie’s nuanced embodiment of Harley Quinn and note effective chemistry with Ewan McGregor. However, several viewers point to underdeveloped secondary roles and uneven emotional resonance. In sum, a powerful central performance elevates an otherwise inconsistent character landscape.

  • Story & Flow 60

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative offers a spirited pace but suffers from coherence issues and uneven engagement. The film’s thematic focus on identity and sisterhood provides depth, yet multiple accounts describe a messy plot structure and an underwhelming antagonist. While frenetic sequences maintain momentum, some viewers find the fourth-wall breaks and self-referential moments distracting. Ultimately, the storyline remains energetic but structurally uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    In the sensory experience, the film presents a bold audio-visual style and a catchy soundtrack that enhances its kinetic energy. Critics highlight the memorable musical choices, robust sound design, and striking visual motifs that underscore its gritty Gotham setting. The integration of discordant textures and polished production values creates a distinctive atmosphere. Overall, the film’s sensory elements coalesce into an immersive and evocative style.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    For rewatch value, the film offers entertaining moments but may not sustain strong long-term appeal for all viewers. The standout action choreography and Harley Quinn’s unpredictable presence invite repeat viewings, yet narrative flaws and shallow character arcs limit lasting resonance. Some users note memorable set pieces and quotable lines that encourage another viewing, while others find the overall experience less compelling over time. This yields moderate replay potential.

Plot

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Plot Summary

What happens in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The movie opens with Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) narrating her life story through a vibrant animated sequence. Growing up, she endured a tumultuous childhood with a neglectful, alcoholic father who abandoned her at a Catholic girls’ school. Despite her rebellious spirit, Harley pursued her education and achieved a PhD, ultimately becoming a psychologist. It was here that she encountered The Joker, falling deeply in love and transforming from Harleen Quinzel to the infamous Harley Quinn. However, following their recent breakup—after he helped her escape from prison as depicted in ‘Suicide Squad’—Harley’s bravado masks her emotional turmoil. Living alone in a dilapidated apartment with her pet hyena, Bruce (named after Bruce Wayne), she struggles to cope with the fallout of the relationship.

Full summary

The whole story of Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Box Office & Budget

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) grossed $205.5 million worldwide on a $84.5 million budget, 2.4 times what it cost. $84.2 million came from the US and Canada and $121.2 million (59%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$205.5M

2.4× its budget

US & Canada
$84.2M
International
$121.2M
Budget
$84.5M
US & Canada 41% Rest of the world 59%
Awards

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Awards & Nominations

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) earned 6 award nominations, including Best Actress in a Film at the Saturn Awards 2021.

6 nominations1 ceremony

Videos

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Trailers & Videos

11 videos: 4 trailers, 3 featurettes and 4 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 11 videos
Official Trailer 1
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Trailer Soundtrack Trailer
  • Trailer Official 4K Trailer
  • Featurette NYCC: Exclusive Birds of Prey Cast Interview!
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)?

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What inspired Harley Quinn's rebellious nature as a child?

Cars

Cars in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

65 cars on screen, including the 1987 Jaguar XJ-S XJ27 and the 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I.

All 65 cars
  • 1987 Jaguar XJ-S XJ27 in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) 1987 Jaguar XJ-S XJ27 Main role
  • 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Main role
  • Triumph Speed Triple S in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Triumph Speed Triple S Main role
  • 2006 Ford Crown Victoria in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Important role

Seen Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)?

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Movies Like Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Suicide Squad, Catwoman: Hunted and Suicide Squad.

FAQ

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), each answered in a sentence.

How long is Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)?

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) runs 1 hour 49 minutes (109 minutes).

When was Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) released?

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) was released on February 7, 2020.

Who directed Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)?

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) was directed by Cathy Yan.

More films by Cathy Yan

Who is in the cast of Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)?

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Helena Bertinelli, The Huntress and Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya, among 23 credited actors.

How much did Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) make at the box office?

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) grossed $205.5 million worldwide ($84.2 million domestic, $121.2 million international) on a budget of $84.5 million.

How is Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) rated?

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) has 6.1/10 on IMDb, 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69% on TMDB and 3.0/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) nominated for any awards?

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) received 6 nominations across 1 ceremony.

Does Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) have a post-credit scene?

No. Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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