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Paris Is Burning (1991) poster

Paris Is Burning

1991, English. Directed by Jennie Livingston.

Having a ball… Wish you were here

Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.

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Runtime
1h 18m
Post-credits
None listed
Language
English
Rated
R

Start now and it ends at ….

Absolute Cinema

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8.0/10 from 578 TMDB viewer ratings.

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Where to watch Paris Is Burning

Paris Is Burning is streaming on HBO Max in India.

Availability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.

Details

Released
13 March 1991
Country
United States of America
Budget
$500K
Box office
$3.9M
new york citytransvestismaidshomophobiadrag queenmale homosexualitytranssexualsubcultureshopliftinglgbtdragwoman directorharlem, new york cityblack lgbt

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Paris Is Burning: quick answers

Is Paris Is Burning worth watching?

Our verdict is Absolute Cinema: Drop everything and watch it. It scores 8.0/10 from 578 TMDB viewer ratings.

How long is Paris Is Burning?

Paris Is Burning runs 78 minutes (1h 18m).

Does Paris Is Burning have a post-credits scene?

None is listed for Paris Is Burning. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.

Paris Is Burning parents guide: is it suitable for kids?

Paris Is Burning is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.

Which OTT platform is Paris Is Burning on?

Paris Is Burning is streaming on HBO Max in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)

What movies are like Paris Is Burning?

If you liked Paris Is Burning, try The War Room, The Princess, Ronaldo.

Who directed Paris Is Burning?

Paris Is Burning (1991) was directed by Jennie Livingston and stars Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza.

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