The Celluloid Closet
1996, English. Directed by Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman.
Exuberant, eye-opening movie that serves up a dazzling hundred-year history of the role of gay men and lesbians have had on the silver screen. Film contains fabulous footage from 120 films showing the changing face of cinema sexuality, from cruel stereotypes to covert love to the activist triumphs of the 1990s.
- Runtime
- 1h 42m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.3/10 from 125 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch The Celluloid Closet
The Celluloid Closet isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online.
Free
The Roku Channel
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 15 March 1996
- Country
- France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Written by
- Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman, Sharon Wood
- Box office
- $1.4M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Celluloid Closet is based on
The Celluloid Closet is based on The Celluloid Closet (1981) by Vito Russo, published by Harper.
1981
The Celluloid Closet
By Vito Russo
Published by Harper
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
If you liked The Celluloid Closet
Los Angeles Plays Itself
2004 · 7.6/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Inside Deep Throat
2005 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Disclosure
2020 · 7.8/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Welcome to Chechnya
2020 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures
2016 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films
2014 · 7.2/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Fuck
2006 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
2008 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Shawn Mendes: In Wonder
2020 · 8.1/10
Absolute CinemaRecommended by TMDB viewers
A Decade Under the Influence
2003 · 7.9/10
Absolute CinemaRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Celluloid Closet: quick answers
Is The Celluloid Closet worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.3/10 from 125 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Celluloid Closet?
The Celluloid Closet runs 102 minutes (1h 42m).
Does The Celluloid Closet have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Celluloid Closet. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Celluloid Closet parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Celluloid Closet is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Celluloid Closet on?
The Celluloid Closet isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Celluloid Closet?
If you liked The Celluloid Closet, try Los Angeles Plays Itself, Inside Deep Throat, Disclosure.
Who directed The Celluloid Closet?
The Celluloid Closet (1996) was directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman and stars Lily Tomlin, Tony Curtis, Susan Sarandon.
What is The Celluloid Closet based on?
The Celluloid Closet is based on The Celluloid Closet (1981) by Vito Russo, published by Harper.