Biographical drama

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Name: Bohemian Rhapsody
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music
Released: 2018-11-02
Duration: 2 h 14 min
Cast: Rami Malek, Ace Bhatti, Lucy Boynton, Ben Hardy, Gwilym Lee

Bohemian Rhapsody is a 2018 biographical drama directed by Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher, starring Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, Ace Bhatti and Lucy Boynton. It runs 2 hours 14 minutes and earned $910.8 million worldwide on a $52 million budget. It won 4 Oscars, including Actor in a Leading Role and Film Editing, and 9 awards in all. Critics gave it 49 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.9/10.

IMDb rating: 7.9/10
worldwide gross: $910.8M
Oscars won: 4
Echo Score: 68

Loading streaming availability…

Watch the trailer Plot & ending explained

Released: November 2, 2018
Runtime: 2h 14m (134 min)
Directors: Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher
Genres: Biography , Drama , Music
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Budget: $52M
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Bohemian Rhapsody About?

The premise of Bohemian Rhapsody without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

This biopic portrays the incredible journey of Queen and their iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury. The film explores the band's rise to global fame, showcasing their groundbreaking music and innovative sound that defied expectations. It follows their triumphs and challenges, including Freddie’s solo endeavors, before culminating in a powerful and unforgettable performance at Live Aid, a defining moment in music history and a testament to the band’s enduring legacy.

Bohemian Rhapsody Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags

rock music
live aid
rock band
1980s
singer
rock concert
london england
singing
song
playing piano
wembley stadium
parsee

+38 more

friendship between men
rock band reunion
gay slur
the band queen
1970s
aids
bisexual male
title based on song
musician
gay
20th century
song recording
record producer
ends with biographical notes
ends with historical notes
ends with real life photos
ends with real life footage
betrayal
musician as protagonist
recording studio
music industry
british asian
ethnic minority
freddie mercury character
tour
gay character
male protagonist
hiv aids
conservative family
homophobic slur
cat
gay man
gay couple
gay kiss
gay cruising
racial slur
ethnic slur
marriage proposal

Loading streaming availability…

Cast & crew

Bohemian Rhapsody Cast & Characters

Rami Malek leads the cast as Freddie Mercury, with Ace Bhatti as Bomi Bulsara and Lucy Boynton as Mary Austin. Directed by Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher; 16 actors are credited in all.

Co-director Bryan Singer
Co-director Dexter Fletcher

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury
Ace Bhatti as Bomi Bulsara
Lucy Boynton as Mary Austin
Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor

Also Starring in Bohemian Rhapsody

· 12 more

Ratings

Bohemian Rhapsody Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Bohemian Rhapsody 49 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (50).

68 /100

Bohemian Rhapsody Echo Score Breakdown

Bohemian Rhapsody delivers polished visual presentation and compelling performances but is hindered by familiar structure and selective storytelling. In terms of direction and production design, the film presents vibrant cinematography and meticulous editing that capture the period feel, while the narrative relies on well-worn biopic conventions that limit originality. The script’s pacing oscillates between engaging concert sequences and predictable dramatic beats, resulting in uneven momentum. Overall, the movie is an engaging watch for fans but remains an unsatisfyingly conventional portrait of its iconic subject.

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

Art & Craft 75

At its best, the film exhibits a polished aesthetic and careful production design. In terms of cinematography, the period settings are captured with a vibrant color palette and precise framing, while the editing maintains coherent transitions between narrative and concert footage. The film’s meticulous art direction enhances authenticity. Overall, the visual craft is strong though it rarely surprises.
Character & Emotion 70

Character portrayal is anchored by a compelling lead performance but lacks consistent depth across the ensemble. When it comes to acting, Rami Malek delivers a magnetic and nuanced portrayal that captures Freddie Mercury’s charisma, while supporting roles often feel understated and underdeveloped. This imbalance weakens emotional resonance. Overall, character work is elevated by the lead but uneven in scope.
Story & Flow 50

The narrative structure offers familiar beats and clear chronology but limits originality. In terms of pacing, the film balances concert set pieces with biographical interludes yet often resorts to predictable transitions and narrative shortcuts. Plot coherence is maintained at the expense of depth, resulting in a storyline that feels safely conventional. Overall, engagement is mixed due to its formulaic approach.
Sensory Experience 85

The film excels in its auditory presentation, delivering a powerful and immersive soundtrack. When it comes to music and sound design, the live concert recreations are vivid and dynamic, and the integration of Queen’s original recordings evokes visceral responses. Visual style harmonizes with the score through synchronized editing and lighting. Overall, the sensory experience is highly engaging.
Rewatch Factor 60

Rewatch potential is moderate due to strong musical highlights but limited narrative surprises. In terms of replay value, key concert sequences and Rami Malek’s performance retain appeal, yet the predictable structure reduces incentive for repeated viewings. While fans may revisit standout moments, the overall conventional pacing tempers long-term appeal.

IMDb

7.9 /10
See on IMDb
Metacritic

49 Metascore

User score 7.6
See on Metacritic
TMDB

80% User score
See on TMDB
Letterboxd

3.5 /5

8.1K ratings
See on Letterboxd
Movie Insider

4.5 /5
See on Movie Insider

Plot

Bohemian Rhapsody Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Bohemian Rhapsody 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 1970, Freddie Farrokh Bulsara, portrayed by Rami Malek, is an Indian-British Parsi who juggles his time studying art in London and working as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport. In the evenings, he often frequents local music venues with friends. One fateful night, after a pub show, Freddie encounters the band Smile and is captivated by an attractive young woman named Mary Austin in the hallway. She directs him to the band and reveals that she works at a trendy boutique, Biba. Complimenting the performance to drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Brian May, he eagerly offers himself as a replacement after their lead singer, Tim Staffell, departs, showcasing his impressive vocal talent in the process.

Full summary

The whole story of Bohemian Rhapsody, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary

Box office

Bohemian Rhapsody Box Office & Budget

Bohemian Rhapsody grossed $910.8 million worldwide on a $52 million budget, 18 times what it cost. $216.7 million came from the US and Canada and $694.1 million (76%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$910.8M

18× its budget

US & Canada: $216.7M
International: $694.1M
Budget: $52M

US & Canada 24% Rest of the world 76%

Awards

Bohemian Rhapsody Awards & Nominations

Bohemian Rhapsody won 4 Oscars, including Actor in a Leading Role and Film Editing, and 9 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Oscars 2019, with 4 wins from 5 nominations.

9 wins19 nominations5 ceremonies

Oscars 2019 4 wins · 5 nominations
- Won Actor in a Leading Role – Rami Malek
- Won Film Editing
- Won Sound Editing
- Won Sound Mixing
- Nominated Best Picture
BAFTA 2019 2 wins · 7 nominations
- Won Best Actor in a Leading Role – Rami Malek
- Won Best Sound
- Nominated Best Cinematography
- Nominated Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Editing
+2 more at the BAFTA 2019
Golden Globes 2019 2 wins · 2 nominations
- Won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama – Rami Malek
- Won Best Motion Picture – Drama
Actor Awards (SAG) 2019 1 win · 2 nominations
- Won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role – Rami Malek
- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

Show all 5 ceremonies

Critics' Choice 2019 3 nominations
- Nominated Best Actor – Rami Malek
- Nominated Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Hair and Makeup

Videos

Bohemian Rhapsody Trailers & Videos

19 videos: 2 trailers, 2 teasers, 3 clips, 9 featurettes and 3 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 19 videos

Bohemian Rhapsody Trailer: Official Trailer — Official Trailer

Trailer Final Trailer
Teaser Exclusive Sneak Peek
Teaser Teaser Trailer
Clip "Can You Go a Bit Higher?" Clip

Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bohemian Rhapsody?

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 was Freddie Mercury's birth name?

Cars

Cars in Bohemian Rhapsody

19 cars on screen, including the 1988 Lincoln Town Car Stretched Limousine and the 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I.

All 19 cars

1988 Lincoln Town Car Stretched Limousine Important role
1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I Important role
Airstream 345 Minor role
1970 Austin Morris J4 M10 Minor role

Details

Bohemian Rhapsody Also Known As

21 alternative titles, including “波希米亞狂想曲” and “Bogema rapsodiyasi”.

Also known as: 波希米亞狂想曲
Bogema rapsodiyasi
Bogemcha rapsodiya
Bohém rapszódia
Богемская рапсодия
โบฮีเมียน แรปโซดี
ボヘミアン・ラプソディ
Бохемска рапсодия
Богемна рапсодія
רפסודיה בוהמית
보헤미안 랩소디
波希米亞狂想曲：搖滾傳說

+9 more Show fewer

波西米亚狂想曲
Боемска Рапсодија
Bohēmista rapsodija
الملحمة البوهيمية
Bohemijos rapsodija
Bohemian Rhapsody: Huyền Thoại Ngôi Sao Nhạc Rock
Bogemli rapsodiya, ბოჰემური რაფსოდია
Boemska rapsodija
बोहीमियन रैप्सडी

Seen Bohemian Rhapsody?

Movies Like Bohemian Rhapsody

Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Freddie Mercury: The Final Act, Freddie Mercury: The Untold Story and The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.