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The Boys in the Band (2020): Cast, Ratings & Ending

The Boys in the Band (2020) movie poster

The Boys in the Band is a 2020 drama directed by Joe Mantello, starring Jim Parsons as Michael, Zachary Quinto and Matt Bomer. It is based on The Boys in the Band by Mart Crowley. It runs 2 hours 1 minute. Critics gave it 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
85%
Echo Score
79
Metascore
70
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The Boys in the Band (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 1m (121 min)
Director
Joe Mantello
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Boys in the Band About?

The premise of The Boys in the Band without spoilers, adapted from The Boys in the Band by Mart Crowley. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

During the 1960s in New York City, a group of close friends, all gay men, plan an intimate gathering. However, the unexpected arrival of a guest disrupts the evening, forcing them to confront long-held secrets and unspoken tensions. As the night progresses, the carefully constructed facade of their camaraderie begins to crumble, revealing vulnerabilities and struggles related to identity and acceptance in a tumultuous era.

The Boys in the Band Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • homosexuality
  • male frontal nudity
  • friendship between men
  • gay kiss
  • gay couple
  • new york city
  • year 1968
  • gay relationship
  • gay hustler
  • gay cowboy
  • gay cruising
  • gay bar
+38 more
  • gay crush
  • gay father
  • gay parent
  • gay teacher
  • pubic hair
  • male pubic hair
  • male nudity
  • gay self loathing
  • internalized homophobia
  • friendship
  • male rear nudity
  • vomiting
  • man dances with a man
  • birthday party
  • male prostitute
  • boyfriend boyfriend relationship
  • male full frontal nudity
  • brief male frontal nudity
  • brief male full frontal nudity
  • 1960s
  • gay protagonist
  • gay man gay man relationship
  • gay character
  • gay actor plays a gay character
  • gay slur
  • effeminate man
  • depression
  • punched in the face
  • party
  • telephone call
  • birthday
  • closeted homosexual
  • party game
  • hustler
  • rooftop
  • self loathing
  • apartment
  • disdain for sissiness
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Cast & crew

The Boys in the Band Cast & Characters

Jim Parsons leads the cast as Michael, with Zachary Quinto as Harold and Matt Bomer as Donald. Directed by Joe Mantello; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Boys in the Band

· 6 more
Ratings

The Boys in the Band Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Boys in the Band 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 79/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).

79 /100

The Boys in the Band Echo Score Breakdown

The Boys in the Band delivers a thoughtful adaptation characterized by strong ensemble performances and a polished visual style. Critics highlighted its energetic staging, sharp dialogue, and vivid costume work, while users responded positively to its emotional depth and thematic resonance. Some viewers noted occasional pacing issues, genre shifts, and uneven character connections, particularly in the lead’s portrayal. Despite these minor distractions, the film’s cohesive message of acceptance and its engaging execution leave a lasting positive impression.

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, the film exhibits a well-realized visual presentation anchored by stylish production design and costume detail. Direction maintains clarity in the nearly single-location setting, avoiding claustrophobia through measured framing and editing choices. While the stage roots remain evident, the polished set dressing and controlled camera work enhance the narrative. Overall, the art direction succeeds in supporting the story’s emotional beats.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the ensemble delivers consistently nuanced performances that convey depth and camaraderie. Critics and users praised the chemistry among cast members, noting authentic interactions that capture both tension and affection. The lead role drew mixed reactions for occasional restraint in emotional range. Still, the overall ensemble strength anchors the film’s emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, the adaptation offers sharp dialogue and a coherent dramatic arc rooted in its stage origins. Reviewers highlighted moments of powerful tension, particularly during the central party sequence, while some noted abrupt tonal shifts and questioned character relationships. Pacing occasionally feels uneven as comedy gives way to drama. Overall, the narrative remains engaging despite minor structural inconsistencies.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film features a lively soundtrack and crisp sound design that amplify emotional moments. The score’s catchy motifs complement the sharp dialogue, and visual treatment maintains consistency with an understated color palette. Some viewers found limited variation in sound dynamics, yet the overall audiovisual cohesion supports the film’s tonal shifts and dramatic impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    When it comes to rewatch factor, audiences show a moderate inclination to revisit the film. Several viewers reported returning to its incisive dialogue and group dynamics, while others cited moments of boredom or detachment during extended party scenes. Although the ensemble interplay remains compelling on repeat viewings, the confined setting and pacing nuances may limit broad replay appeal.

Plot

The Boys in the Band Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Boys in the Band 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

In 1968, Michael gets ready for a birthday celebration for Harold at his Upper East Side apartment in Manhattan. Just as preparations are underway, he receives an unexpected call from his friend Donald, who arrives earlier than planned due to a canceled psychiatrist appointment. Once Donald is there, Michael reflects sadly on his aging and financially troubled situation. Then, Michael gets an emotional call from his former roommate from Georgetown, Alan, who seems distraught and expresses urgency to speak to Michael in person. Despite knowing Alan’s heterosexuality, Michael invites him to join the party, cautioning his guests about Alan’s unaware stance on Michael’s homosexuality.

Full summary

The whole story of The Boys in the Band, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

The Boys in the Band Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Boys in the Band.

The Boys in the Band | Official Trailer | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Boys in the Band?

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

Whose birthday party is the setting for the film?

Cars

Cars in The Boys in the Band

9 cars on screen, including the 1970 Checker Taxicab and the 1967 MG B.

All 9 cars
  • 1970 Checker Taxicab in The Boys in the Band 1970 Checker Taxicab Minor role
  • 1967 MG B in The Boys in the Band 1967 MG B Minor role
  • 1965 Cadillac Coupe DeVille in The Boys in the Band 1965 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Background role
  • Chevrolet Tilt Cab in The Boys in the Band Chevrolet Tilt Cab Background role
Details

The Boys in the Band Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “Les garçons de la bande” and “Os Rapazes da Banda”.

Also known as
  • Les garçons de la bande
  • Os Rapazes da Banda
  • 보이즈 인 더 밴드
  • Парни в группе
  • Gruptaki Çocuklar
  • Los chicos de la banda
  • Kluci z party
  • Oss pojkar emellan
  • A fiúk a bandából
  • 男孩夜派對
  • Хлопці в гурті
  • 乐队男孩
+6 more
  • הנערים בחבורה
  • Chłopcy z paczki
  • Grupė berniukų, ბიჭები ბენდში
  • ボーイズ・イン・ザ・バンド
  • Băieții din trupă
  • Các Chàng Trai Trong Hội

Seen The Boys in the Band?

FAQ

The Boys in the Band FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of The Boys in the Band, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Boys in the Band?

The Boys in the Band runs 2 hours 1 minute (121 minutes).

When was The Boys in the Band released?

The Boys in the Band was released on September 30, 2020.

Who directed The Boys in the Band?

The Boys in the Band was directed by Joe Mantello.

More films by Joe Mantello

Who is in the cast of The Boys in the Band?

The Boys in the Band stars Jim Parsons as Michael, Zachary Quinto as Harold and Matt Bomer as Donald, among 10 credited actors.

How is The Boys in the Band rated?

The Boys in the Band has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.

Is The Boys in the Band based on a book?

Yes. The Boys in the Band is adapted from The Boys in the Band by Mart Crowley.

Does The Boys in the Band have a post-credit scene?

No. The Boys in the Band has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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