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Drama thriller

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood (2019) movie poster

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood is a 2019 drama thriller starring Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth, Al Pacino and Emile Hirsch. It runs 2 hours 41 minutes and earned $392.1 million worldwide on a $90 million budget. It won 2 Oscars, including Actor in a Supporting Role and Production Design, and 15 awards in all. Critics gave it 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
86%
worldwide gross
$392.1M
Oscars won
2
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Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 41m (161 min)
Genres
Drama , History , Mystery , Thriller
Original language
English
Budget
$90M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood About?

The premise of Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the film follows television star Rick Dalton and his longtime stunt double, Cliff Booth, as they grapple with the changing face of Hollywood. Navigating a turbulent cultural climate, they confront their careers and legacies during a nostalgic look back at the golden age of the film industry. The story explores the challenges and uncertainties faced by those trying to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • hollywood california
  • place in title
  • violence
  • film within a film
  • actor as protagonist
  • alternate history
  • 1960s
  • manson murders
  • friendship between men
  • los angeles california
  • western filmmaking
  • home invasion
+38 more
  • western town movie set
  • hippie girl
  • stunt double
  • struggling actor
  • revisionist history
  • murder
  • movie theater
  • manson family
  • foot fetish
  • actress
  • california
  • sharon tate character
  • steve mcqueen the actor character
  • connie stevens character
  • actor
  • roman polanski character
  • dog
  • dog attack
  • reference to telly savalas
  • teenage girl
  • friendship
  • scene during end credits
  • playboy mansion
  • western novel
  • reference to batman and robin
  • film set
  • cult
  • based on real person
  • charles manson character
  • reference to walt disney
  • death
  • bruce lee character
  • fictional tv show
  • fictional tv commercial
  • acting
  • child actress
  • gun
  • dog food
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Cast & crew

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood Cast & Characters

Brad Pitt leads the cast as Cliff Booth, with Al Pacino as Marvin Schwarz and Emile Hirsch as Jay Sebring.

Also Starring in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood

· 8 more
Ratings

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (60).

75 /100

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood Echo Score Breakdown

In overall terms, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood offers an evocative recreation of late-1960s Hollywood paired with uneven narrative propulsion. The film’s strengths lie in its immersive period detail and charismatic performances, as key characters bring measured charm and dynamic interplay. However, many critics and viewers note a meandering structure and a subdued thematic payoff that temper its engagement. While the sensory fabric and craft elevate the viewing experience, the wandering story arc limits its emotional momentum.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its meticulous period recreation and bold visual composition. Critics and viewers praise the authentic production design and polished cinematography that evoke the late-1960s milieu. Though some describe the editing as deliberately languid, the measured pacing amplifies the aesthetic immersion. Overall, the craftwork anchors the film’s appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the performances deliver consistent appeal through nuanced portrayals by the leads. Reviewers highlight DiCaprio’s understated depth and Pitt’s relaxed charisma, with Margot Robbie contributing a buoyant presence. Some commentary notes limited character arcs and uneven emotional stakes in secondary roles. Ultimately, the core ensemble sustains the film’s magnetism.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In reviewing story and flow, the narrative unfolds as a leisurely mosaic of vignettes rather than a traditional plot. Several analyses point to extended digressions and a subdued sense of forward momentum, with thematic payoffs arriving late. While moments of originality appear in period details, the overall structure can feel fragmented. The pacing diminishes sustained engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    With regard to the sensory experience, the soundtrack and visual styling emerge as standout elements. Observers commend the carefully selected period tracks and vibrant sound design that punctuate key sequences. The film’s color palette and scenic authenticity immerse viewers in the era. Even critics who note indulgence agree that the sensory fabric remains compelling.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In consideration of rewatch factor, the film’s immersive atmosphere and standout moments invite repeat viewings despite its sprawling length. The rich period detail and intermittent bursts of Tarantino’s signature energy provide lasting snapshots that reward multiple watches. Conversely, the slow pacing and variable narrative focus may deter some from revisiting. Overall, the film offers moderate replay value.

Plot

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood 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 February 1969, Hollywood actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), the former star of the 1950s Western television series Bounty Law, finds himself in despair over his waning career. Over lunch with Producer and Agent Marvin Schwarz (Al Pacino), Dalton comes to a painful realization: accepting guest roles as a villain in new network shows could ultimately tarnish his legacy, leaving him branded as a “has been.” His best friend and former stunt double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), who also struggles with whispers of his troubled past—including rumors surrounding his wife’s death—drives Dalton around, as he relies on Dalton for work.

Full summary

The whole story of Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood Box Office & Budget

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood grossed $392.1 million worldwide on a $90 million budget, 4.4 times what it cost. $142.5 million came from the US and Canada and $249.6 million (64%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$392.1M

4.4× its budget

US & Canada
$142.5M
International
$249.6M
Budget
$90M
US & Canada 36% Rest of the world 64%
Awards

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood Awards & Nominations

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood won 2 Oscars, including Actor in a Supporting Role and Production Design, and 15 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Critics' Choice 2020, with 4 wins from 12 nominations.

15 wins50 nominations8 ceremonies

Show all 8 ceremonies
Videos

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood Trailers & Videos

19 videos: 3 trailers, 3 teasers, 8 featurettes and 5 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 19 videos
Official Teaser Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Trailer This Town
  • Teaser Picture
  • Teaser Once Upon A Time In Hollywood | Phenomenal Reviews | In Cinemas August 15
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood?

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 is the name of the TV series where Rick Dalton stars as Jake Cahill?

Cars

Cars in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood

5 cars on screen, including the 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan and the 1956 Hillman Minx Phase VIIIa.

All 5 cars
  • 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan Minor role
  • 1956 Hillman Minx Phase VIIIa in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood 1956 Hillman Minx Phase VIIIa Minor role
  • 1957 Morris JB in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood 1957 Morris JB Minor role
  • 1956 Morris-Commercial J-Type in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood 1956 Morris-Commercial J-Type Minor role

Seen Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood?

From the blog

Articles About Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood

Our article about Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood: “Rediscovering Classic Film Techniques in Modern Cinema”.

FAQ

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood?

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood runs 2 hours 41 minutes (161 minutes).

When was Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood released?

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood was released on July 26, 2019.

Who is in the cast of Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood?

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood stars Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth, Al Pacino as Marvin Schwarz and Emile Hirsch as Jay Sebring, among 12 credited actors.

How much did Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood make at the box office?

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood grossed $392.1 million worldwide ($142.5 million domestic, $249.6 million international) on a budget of $90 million.

How is Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood rated?

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.

What awards did Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood win?

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood won 15 awards from 50 nominations, including Best Fantasy Film Release at the Saturn Awards 2021.

Does Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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