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Les Misérables (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Les Misérables (2020) movie poster

Les Misérables is a 2020 film directed by Ladj Ly, starring Alexis Manenti as Chris, Damien Bonnard and Djibril Zonga. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $54.6 million worldwide on a $2.1 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
88%
worldwide gross
$54.6M
award nominations
3
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Les Misérables (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Director
Ladj Ly
Original language
French
Budget
$2.1M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Les Misérables About?

The premise of Les Misérables without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In the Parisian suburbs, a newly arrived officer named Stephane joins a local police brigade in Montfermeil. He quickly finds himself caught between rival neighborhoods and complex relationships with his colleagues, Chris and Gwada. A seemingly simple arrest escalates into a tense situation, further complicated by the constant surveillance of a drone, revealing the fragility of order and the simmering tensions within the community.

Les Misérables Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • police
  • paris france
  • year 2018
  • drone
  • lion
  • montfermeil paris
  • gypsy
  • revenge
  • street life
  • social violence
  • ghetto
  • afro french
+38 more
  • tower block
  • police partner
  • france
  • parisian suburb
  • french flag
  • train station
  • train
  • 2018 fifa world cup
  • la marseillaise
  • police officer
  • nickname
  • muslim
  • reference to les miserables the novel
  • reference to victor hugo
  • rap
  • reference to instagram
  • reference to snapchat
  • lion cub
  • stolen animal
  • cell phone
  • playing soccer
  • flash ball gun
  • video
  • attack
  • building
  • molotov cocktail
  • reference to diego maradona
  • reference to kylian mbappe
  • reference to ousmane dembele
  • reference to paris saint germain fc
  • reference to chelsea f.c.
  • reference to the world cup
  • singing in a car
  • circus
  • aerial camera shot
  • bloody face
  • 15 year old
  • teenage boy
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Cast & crew

Les Misérables Cast & Characters

Alexis Manenti leads the cast as Chris, with Damien Bonnard as Stéphane and Djibril Zonga. Directed by Ladj Ly; 4 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Ladj Ly

One more film directed by Ladj Ly: Speak Up.

Full filmography
Ratings

Les Misérables Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Les Misérables 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

80 /100

Les Misérables Echo Score Breakdown

Les Misérables succeeds as a tense and socially conscious thriller, anchored by urgent direction and immersive world-building. Critics frequently noted its gripping third act and explosive tension, while viewers highlighted its raw portrayal of social inequity. The film’s deliberate pacing and dense thematic layers drew both praise for their intensity and criticism for occasional familiar beats and narrative congestion. Outstanding visual style and strong performances reinforce its impact, though some felt emotional connections waver in places. Overall, this modern adaptation leaves a lasting impression through its fervent energy and critical perspective.

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

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film delivers a consistently dynamic visual experience. Reviews highlight thoughtfully composed long takes and breathless camera movement in key sequences. Production design evokes the gritty Montfermeil setting with authentic detail, and editing maintains narrative tension. Together, these elements craft a cohesive aesthetic that powerfully underscores the film’s urgent drama.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to acting and character depth, performances are broadly compelling and nuanced. Several characters exhibit shifting loyalties that engage viewer sympathies, and standout portrayals from both adult ensemble and youth cast lend emotional weight. Some critics felt minor roles lacked development, yet the central figures retain sufficient complexity to anchor the film’s social narrative.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the narrative provides a tense buildup that culminates in an explosive third act. The police procedural framework offers familiarity, and some viewers noted a slow start and occasional narrative overcrowding. Nonetheless, the film sustains engagement through urgent stakes and well-timed dramatic turns, balancing social commentary with thriller momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s electronic soundtrack and ambient sound design amplify its urban tension. The score by Pink Noise punctuates dramatic moments with driving rhythms, while location sound captures the raw atmosphere of the banlieue. Visually, a cohesive color palette and dynamic lighting integrate with production elements to heighten the film’s immersive quality.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When it comes to rewatch value, the film offers strong moments of tension and social insight that may reward subsequent viewings. Its layered commentary on inequality and intricate event sequences reveal additional depth on repeat watches. Some viewers find the pacing’s familiarity limits replay enjoyment, but the film’s thematic resonance and visual craftsmanship sustain a lasting appeal upon revisitation.

Plot

Les Misérables Plot Summary

What happens in Les Misérables from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film opens with vibrant scenes of crowds in Paris joyously celebrating the French team’s victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup along the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This festive moment is depicted as a symbol of unity among diverse social classes and ethnicities within France. Shortly thereafter, we are introduced to Stéphane Ruiz (Damien Bonnard), a police officer fresh to Paris who has recently joined the anti-crime brigade. He finds himself partnered with squad leader Chris (Alexis Manenti) and brigadier Gwada (Djibril Zonga) as they embark on their duties in the neighboring city of Montfermeil.

Full summary

The whole story of Les Misérables, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Les Misérables Box Office & Budget

Les Misérables grossed $54.6 million worldwide on a $2.1 million budget, 26 times what it cost. $330,181 came from the US and Canada and $54.3 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$54.6M

26× its budget

US & Canada
$330.2K
International
$54.3M
Budget
$2.1M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Awards

Les Misérables Awards & Nominations

Les Misérables was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 3 nominations come from 3 ceremonies.

3 nominations3 ceremonies

Videos

Les Misérables Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 2 featurettes.

LES MISÉRABLES - Official Trailer | Amazon Studios
  • Trailer LES MISÉRABLES (2019) | Official Trailer | Altitude Films
  • Teaser Les Misérables | Now Playing In Select Theatres
  • Featurette Ladj Ly on his Oscar-nominated debut LES MISÉRABLES
  • Featurette Featurette: The Making Of
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Les Misérables?

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
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What significant event serves as the backdrop for the movie?

Cars

Cars in Les Misérables

51 cars on screen, including the 2014 Peugeot 308 SW and the 2010 Citroën Jumper.

All 51 cars
  • 2014 Peugeot 308 SW in Les Misérables 2014 Peugeot 308 SW Main role
  • 2010 Citroën Jumper in Les Misérables 2010 Citroën Jumper Minor role
  • 2015 Fiat Doblò Cargo in Les Misérables 2015 Fiat Doblò Cargo Minor role
  • 2008 Seat Ibiza in Les Misérables 2008 Seat Ibiza Minor role
Details

Les Misérables Also Known As

27 alternative titles, including “Die Wütenden - Les Misérables” and “I miserabili”.

Also known as
  • Die Wütenden - Les Misérables
  • I miserabili
  • Les Misérables (2019)
  • Os Miseráveis
  • 悲慘世界
  • 레미제라블
  • Los miserables
  • Отверженные
  • 레 미제라블
  • Bídníci
  • Οι Άθλιοι
  • 悲惨世界
+15 more
  • Bedári
  • レ・ミゼラブル
  • Sefiller
  • A nyomorultak
  • עלובי החיים
  • Клетниците
  • Nędznicy
  • Vargdieniai
  • 孤城淚
  • Les Miserables
  • Nožēlojamie
  • Els miserables
  • البؤساء
  • Знедолені
  • Mizerabilii

Seen Les Misérables?

FAQ

Les Misérables FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Les Misérables, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Les Misérables?

Les Misérables runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was Les Misérables released?

Les Misérables was released on January 10, 2020.

Who directed Les Misérables?

Les Misérables was directed by Ladj Ly.

More films by Ladj Ly

Who is in the cast of Les Misérables?

Les Misérables stars Alexis Manenti as Chris, Damien Bonnard as Stéphane and Djibril Zonga, among 4 credited actors.

How much did Les Misérables make at the box office?

Les Misérables grossed $54.6 million worldwide ($330,181 domestic, $54.3 million international) on a budget of $2.1 million.

How is Les Misérables rated?

Les Misérables has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic and 76% on TMDB.

Was Les Misérables nominated for any awards?

Les Misérables received 3 nominations across 3 ceremonies.

Does Les Misérables have a post-credit scene?

No. Les Misérables has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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