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Biographical musical

Hamilton (2020): Cast, Ratings & Ending

Hamilton (2020) movie poster

Hamilton is a 2020 biographical musical directed by Thomas Kail, starring Anthony Ramos as John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, Phillipa Soo and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It runs 2 hours 40 minutes and was made on a reported $12.5 million budget. It earned 2 award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes 2021. Critics gave it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.3/10.

IMDb rating
8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
98%
award nominations
2
Echo Score
86
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Hamilton (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 40m (160 min)
Director
Thomas Kail
Original language
English
Studio
Disney+
Budget
$12.5M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Hamilton About?

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

This cinematic presentation captures the Richard Rodgers Theatre production of the acclaimed musical. It explores the ambitious life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers and the first Secretary of the Treasury. The story is told through a vibrant mix of musical styles, including hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway show tunes, offering a fresh and dynamic perspective on a pivotal moment in American history.

Hamilton Themes & Keywords

· 43 tags
  • alexander hamilton character
  • revolutionary war
  • american history
  • epic
  • founding fathers
  • friendship
  • george washington character
  • thomas jefferson character
  • stage musical
  • costume drama
  • 18th century
  • 19th century
+31 more
  • aaron burr character
  • king george iii character
  • american revolution
  • james madison character
  • broadway musical
  • shot to death
  • husband wife relationship
  • father son relationship
  • singing
  • dance
  • hip hop music
  • song
  • dancing
  • 1770s
  • 1780s
  • burning a letter
  • 1790s
  • epic drama
  • pulitzer prize source
  • violence
  • death
  • flashback
  • murder
  • one word title
  • live performance
  • character name as title
  • actor recreates his stage role
  • actress recreates her stage role
  • 1800s
  • based on book
  • based on true story
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Cast & crew

Hamilton Cast & Characters

Anthony Ramos leads the cast as John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, with Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton. Directed by Thomas Kail; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Hamilton

· 7 more
From the director

More from Thomas Kail

More films directed by Thomas Kail, best-rated first: Moana, Hamilton Sing-Along and Grease Live.

Full filmography
Ratings

Hamilton Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Hamilton 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in sensory experience (90) and weakest in story & flow (80).

86 /100

Hamilton Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Hamilton presents a highly engaging filmed adaptation of the stage musical, blending historical narrative with energetic performances. Critics highlight the seamless fusion of direction, choreography, and ensemble staging, while users praise its powerful score and unexpected emotional resonance. Some note that historical nuance and pacing issues can obscure clarity at times. On balance, the production delivers a compelling and enduring musical experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, Hamilton excels in its direction and stage-to-screen translation with dynamic camera movements and precise editing. Critics praise the choreography-driven visual composition and filmic staging, while a few note occasional lighting and camera choices that feel uneven. Overall, the production achieves an artful presentation that captures the musical’s theatrical energy.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, Hamilton benefits from strong performances and a spirited ensemble. Reviewers commend lead and supporting actors for delivering nuanced portrayals that convey both historical gravitas and emotional intensity. Some audience members mention oversimplified characterizations of complex figures. In sum, the acting and onstage chemistry convey a compelling emotional core despite occasional depth limitations.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of story and flow, Hamilton offers a briskly paced retelling that many find original and engaging. Supporters highlight the inventive blending of rap and historical narrative, while some viewers report that rapid transitions and condensed events can hinder comprehension. Overall, the production’s narrative momentum and inventive structure maintain audience engagement, despite occasional lapses in coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    When considering the sensory experience, Hamilton delivers a powerful fusion of soundtrack, sound design, and visual style. Critics and users laud the dynamic score and catchy lyrics, noting how music and choreography invigorate each scene. A small number of viewers find dense rap passages challenging to follow. Ultimately, the production’s auditory and visual flair create a memorable sensory impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    In terms of rewatch factor, Hamilton boasts strong replay value thanks to its memorable songs and dynamic production. Many users mention repeatedly listening to the soundtrack and revisiting key sequences for renewed appreciation. Some critics question whether the filmed version can capture live energy on repeat viewings. Overall, the musical’s vibrant composition and performances encourage multiple viewings.

Plot

Hamilton Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Hamilton 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 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The story begins with the orphan Alexander Hamilton as he departs from his home in Nevis and arrives in New York in 1776. Here, he encounters Aaron Burr, John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan, who are captivated by his remarkable rhetorical abilities. Their aspirations for revolution are ignited through their shared determination in the song > “My Shot.” Simultaneously, the charming Schuyler sisters—Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy—embark on their quest in search of suitors. Samuel Seabury raises concerns about Congress, which Hamilton challenges with his rebuttal in > “Farmer Refuted.” The authority of King George is soon emphasized in his powerful declaration > “You’ll Be Back.”

Full summary

The whole story of Hamilton, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Awards

Hamilton Awards & Nominations

Hamilton earned 2 award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes 2021.

2 nominations1 ceremony

Videos

Hamilton Trailers & Videos

7 videos: 1 trailer, 3 teasers and 3 clips.

All 7 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser Streaming Exclusively July 3
  • Teaser Celebrate with Hamilton
  • Teaser Hamilton Sing-Along
  • Clip "Alexander Hamilton" Clip
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Hamilton?

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
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  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
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What year does Alexander Hamilton arrive in New York City?

Details

Hamilton Also Known As

15 alternative titles, including “Hamilton An American Musical” and “Гамильтон”.

Also known as
  • Hamilton An American Musical
  • Гамильтон
  • 해밀턴
  • 汉密尔顿
  • 漢密爾頓
  • המילטון
  • Χάμιλτον
  • Гамільтон, ჰამილტონი
  • ハミルトン
  • هاميلتون
  • Хамилтон
  • Anh Hùng Hamilton
+3 more
  • Хамилтън
  • Hamiltonas
  • 咸美頓

Seen Hamilton?

FAQ

Hamilton FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Hamilton, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Hamilton?

Hamilton runs 2 hours 40 minutes (160 minutes).

When was Hamilton released?

Hamilton was released on July 3, 2020.

Who directed Hamilton?

Hamilton was directed by Thomas Kail.

More films by Thomas Kail

Who is in the cast of Hamilton?

Hamilton stars Anthony Ramos as John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, among 11 credited actors.

What was the budget of Hamilton?

Hamilton had a reported budget of $12.5 million.

How is Hamilton rated?

Hamilton has 8.3/10 on IMDb, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 88 on Metacritic and 82% on TMDB.

Was Hamilton nominated for any awards?

Hamilton received 2 nominations across 1 ceremony.

Does Hamilton have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Hamilton has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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