Stereotypical Sergio Leone film with endless waitings and sight crossings. One of the performances that made Robert de Niro de actor he is and an interesting way of telling a story and the evolution of America during the years of the alcohol prohibition.…
8.4/10Drama · Crime
Once Upon a Time in America
“Crime, passion and lust for power.”
- 1984
- 2h 19m
- R
- EN
- Released
The story
What Once Upon a Time in America is about
A former Prohibition-era Jewish gangster returns to the Lower East Side of Manhattan over thirty years later, where he once again must confront the ghosts and regrets of his old life.
Once Upon a Time in America is a drama and crime film from 1984, directed by Sergio Leone. It runs 2h 19m and is rated R in the US. It was produced by Embassy International Pictures, PSO and The Ladd Company, with production in Italy, United States of America.
The main cast is led by Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Joe Pesci. The screenplay was written by Sergio Leone, Franco Arcalli. Reported worldwide gross stands at $5.5M.
Why it matters: Once Upon a Time in America currently holds 8.4/10 from 6301 TMDB user ratings and has taken $5.5M worldwide against a $30.0M budget. Figures move as more ratings and box-office updates arrive.
Editor’s note
Should you watch Once Upon a Time in America?
Once Upon a Time in America is best suited to a slower, character-led evening. At 2h 19m, it is a standard feature length. The draw is Robert De Niro and James Woods, directed by Sergio Leone.
With 6,301 TMDB ratings averaging 8.4/10, this is one of the most widely seen titles in our library, so the score is a reliable signal.
TMDB tags the film with themes including new york city, regret, lovesickness and rape.
The US certification is R: restricted: it contains material intended for adults, including strong language or violence.
If you like this, try The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather or The Green Mile.
Auto-generated from TMDB data (runtime, cast, ratings, keywords, certification). Last updated November 4, 2026.
Availability
Where to watch Once Upon a Time in America
42 official sources across 5 regions. Every button opens this exact title on the provider’s own site, where price, video quality and audio options are confirmed before you pay.
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Prime Video
Included with a Prime Video subscription, no extra charge · United States
United States10 options
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India1 option
Checked 4 November 2026. Listings from TMDB / JustWatch data and they change daily; the provider page always shows the final price. Compare every option on JustWatch. MovieState links only to licensed services.
Who is in it
Once Upon a Time in America cast
Character names follow the film's credits. Open a name to see that person's other work on MovieState.
Behind the camera
Direction and crew
DirectorSergio Leone
WritersSergio Leone, Franco Arcalli
ProducersArnon Milchan
MusicEnnio Morricone
CinematographyTonino Delli Colli
EditingNino Baragli
Audience reaction
Ratings and reviews
8.4/106301 ratings
Once Upon a Time in America sits at 8.4 out of 10 from 6301 user ratings. For context, the film's worldwide gross is $5.5M.
Scores show TMDB user ratings at the time of publishing and shift as new votes arrive.
**It's an excellent film, which proves the importance of good post-production, and how bad editing can ruin the whole thing.** There are certain films that impress us so much when we see them that we are really surprised when we discover how ignored they were by the great awards. This film is one of them: I was real…
The facts
Once Upon a Time in America key details
| Original title | Once Upon a Time in America |
|---|---|
| Status | Released |
| Release date | October 12, 1984 |
| Runtime | 2h 19m |
| Certification | R in United States, 18 in United Kingdom, A in India |
| Original language | EN |
| Spoken languages | English, French, Hebrew |
| Country | Italy, United States of America |
| Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide gross | $5.5M |
| Studios | Embassy International Pictures, PSO, The Ladd Company, Rafran Cinematografica |
| Also known as | 美國往事, Het Gebeurde in Amerika, Suuri gangsterisota |
Release information
Release dates by country
| Country | Date | Cert |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Jun 1, 1984 | R |
| United Kingdom | Aug 18, 1984 | 18 |
| India | Oct 21, 2012 | A |
| Canada | May 30, 1984 | R |
| Australia | Oct 4, 1984 | R 18+ |
| Argentina | Oct 11, 1984 | +18 |
| Brazil | Oct 19, 1984 | 18 |
| CM | Jun 8, 1984 | NR |
| Chile | May 31, 1984 | NR |
| China | Apr 23, 2015 | NR |
Official trailer for Once Upon a Time in America, via Adam Metwally. Open on YouTube
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Who directed Once Upon a Time in America?
Once Upon a Time in America was directed by Sergio Leone.
Who is in the cast of Once Upon a Time in America?
The main cast includes Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Joe Pesci, Burt Young.
How long is Once Upon a Time in America?
Once Upon a Time in America runs 2h 19m.
When was Once Upon a Time in America released?
It was released in the United States on October 12, 1984. Release dates vary by country — see the table above.
What is Once Upon a Time in America rated?
Certification depends on the country: R in United States, 18 in United Kingdom, A in India. Always check your local rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch Once Upon a Time in America online?
Availability changes by region and by week. The table above lists the streaming, rental and purchase services reported for major markets. Check the provider page for today's price and quality.
Can I watch Once Upon a Time in America in HD or 4K?
Most digital stores offer Once Upon a Time in America in HD, and newer releases are often available in 4K. Check the quality label on the provider's page before you pay.
How much did Once Upon a Time in America earn?
Reported worldwide gross is $5.5M against a budget of $30.0M. Box office figures update over time.
Director filmography
More from Sergio Leone
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Data sources: TMDB (titles, cast, crew, release dates, provider listings and user ratings). Availability and box office figures change over time; this page was last rebuilt on November 4, 2026. We publish information only; we do not host or stream video files.
Exact record pages: IMDb record · TMDB record
At a glance: Once Upon a Time in America runs 2h 19m, opened in US cinemas on October 12, 1984, has 42 licensed options across 5 regions tracked here.