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Whiplash

Directed by Damien Chazelle · 2014 ·

Short answer

Is Whiplash worth watching?

Yes. Whiplash (2014) earns an 89% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one. See the 4 inputs.

89%
Celluloid Score Recommended

4-input transparent breakdown

94% Editorial Rating
94% Audience snapshot · excluded
88 Metascore
★★★★☆ Letterboxd 4.4
8.5 IMDb /10
0
Watch Trailer
Released
Runtime
1h 47m
Age rating
R (US) · 15 (UK) · MA 15+ (Australia) · R (Canada) · 15 (South Korea)
Cast
Miles Teller , J.K. Simmons , Paul Reiser , Melissa Benoist , Austin Stowell , Nate Lang , Chris Mulkey , Damon Gupton , Suanne Spoke , Max Kasch
Language
English

Also known as Whiplash: Música y Obsesión Whiplash: Em Busca da Perfeição セッション 위플래쉬 爆裂鼓手 進擊的鼓手 ตีให้ลั่น เพราะฝันยังไม่จบ Khát Vọng Nhịp Điệu

Where to watch

Streaming availability varies by region — our catalogue lists Netflix, Wavve, TVING in South Korea. Check local listings for your region.

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home, Spectrum On Demand

Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Where to watch Whiplash by country

Country Streaming on
Japan Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT
South Korea Netflix, Wavve, TVING
United Arab Emirates Shahid

Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.

Why this score?

  • Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (94/100).
  • Audiences widely enjoyed it (94%).
  • Metascore signals universal acclaim (88/100).
  • Letterboxd diarists rate it highly (4.4/5).
  • IMDb users score it 8.5/10.

Best for

  • Viewers who want a well-regarded drama, music, thriller pick
  • Short runtime — easy weeknight watch

Not ideal for

    Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy

    Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

    Is Whiplash worth watching?

    Yes — Whiplash earns an 89% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded drama, music, thriller pick. Read our full review (4.5/5).

    Celluloid verdict

    Whiplash — Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2014. A landmark festival winner on Celluloid.

    , Founder & Editor

    Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one.

    What is Whiplash about?

    Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.

    Watch the Trailer

    Critic Reviews

    Short review 4 min read English Whiplash

    Whiplash (2014) Review: A Jazz Drama Played Like a Thriller

    Whiplash is Damien Chazelle's ferocious jazz drama about a young drummer and a tyrannical teacher, cut with the tension of a thriller and powered by J.K. Simmons.

    Yes. It is one of the most gripping films of its decade, and at 107 minutes it never wastes a beat. Ideal for anyone drawn to stories of ambition, music or obsession.

    Whiplash stills

    Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.

    Whiplash production still 1
    Whiplash production still 2
    Whiplash production still 3
    Whiplash production still 4
    Whiplash production still 5
    Whiplash production still 6

    Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.

    Reader takes

    No reader takes published yet. Send yours and we may publish it after editing.

    Whiplash: frequently asked questions

    Is Whiplash worth watching?

    Yes. Whiplash (2014) has a Celluloid Score of 89%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.

    Where can I watch Whiplash?

    In the United States you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT in Japan; Netflix, Wavve, TVING in South Korea; Shahid in the United Arab Emirates. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.

    How long is Whiplash?

    Whiplash runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).

    What is Whiplash rated?

    Whiplash is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, MA 15+ in Australia, R in Canada and 15 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.

    Who stars in Whiplash?

    Whiplash is directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist, Austin Stowell.

    What is the Metascore for Whiplash?

    Metacritic's Metascore for Whiplash is 88 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.

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