Purple Rain

Purple Rain (1984)

  • 74% of critics liked it
    (31 reviews)

  • 78% of users liked it
    (45,484 ratings)

Purple Rain, the first starring film for Prince, is the story of an arrogant, young black singer, born and raised in Minneapolis, who reaches the pinnacle of stardom. The dramatic complications include "The Kid's" (Prince) miserable home life, where he suffers the brutalities of his… More

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R,
Directed By
Genres
Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1984 Wide
Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

  • Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

    It's probably best to think of the film as an extended music video, a watershed moment for movie sound tracks, and not much more.

  • John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews

    worth a rental for the curious and is a keeper for his fans

  • Rob Nelson, City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

    Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called Purple Rain--the Citizen Kane of Minnesota movies and a worldwide showcase for the ascendance of its then-26-year-old star into rock 'n' roll eternity.

  • John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis

    It helps to remember that Purple Rain is a much better music video than it is a personal drama. (HD-DVD Edition)

  • John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis

    ...there is so much good music involved...it easily distracts one's mind from the clunky histrionics.

Read all 11 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Lenny M


    Obviously the music and watching Prince perform it is the only good thing about the film. Update: Prince's live performances are legendary, "Computer Blue" is sick

  • Tim S


    Classic stuff.

  • Jason O


    I've always been a fan of some of Prince's songs such as "1999," "Little Red Corvette," and "I Would Die 4 You." Of course, since I'm alive and especially since I live in the United States, I've always heard tons of people praise how… More

  • Emily A


    Oh my god, this is the stupidest movie ever. "Wow, what an egomanical, bullying, mean-spirited asshole. I think I'll dive into his bed." There are no endearing characters in this film, the story is utterly pedestrian and there's nothing for an audience to hold… More

  • Nani V


    Giving it a rating through the eyes of an 8 year old.

Read all 12 featured audience ratings

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