Browse movies
Whiplash poster8.4/10

Drama · Music · Thriller

Whiplash

“Do your best, he said…”

  • 2014
  • 1h 47m
  • R
  • EN
  • Released
ReleaseOctober 10, 2014
DirectorDamien Chazelle
Rating8.4/10 · 17342 votes
Worldwide gross$50.3M

The story

What Whiplash is about

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

Whiplash is a drama, music and thriller film from 2014, directed by Damien Chazelle. It runs 1h 47m and is rated R in the US. It was produced by Bold Films, Blumhouse Productions and Right of Way Films, with production in United States of America.

The main cast is led by Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist. The screenplay was written by Damien Chazelle. Reported worldwide gross stands at $50.3M.

Why it matters: Whiplash currently holds 8.4/10 from 17342 TMDB user ratings and has taken $50.3M worldwide against a $3.3M budget. Figures move as more ratings and box-office updates arrive.

Editor’s note

Should you watch Whiplash?

Whiplash is best suited to a slower, character-led evening. At 1h 47m, it fits a single evening without a break. The draw is Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, directed by Damien Chazelle.

With 17,342 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, jazz, musician and obsession.

The US certification is R: restricted: it contains material intended for adults, including strong language or violence.

If you like this, try Fight Club, Parasite or Michael.

Auto-generated from TMDB data (runtime, cast, ratings, keywords, certification). Last updated November 4, 2026.

Availability

Where to watch Whiplash

43 official sources across 5 regions. Rows with a direct link open this exact title on the provider’s own site; the others open that provider’s own search for the title, where price, video quality and audio options are confirmed before you pay.

Best option now

Netflix

Included with a Netflix subscription, no extra charge · United States

Watch on Netflix ↗
United States9 options
United Kingdom8 options
Canada13 options
Australia9 options
India4 options

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

Whiplash 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

DirectorDamien Chazelle
WritersDamien Chazelle
ProducersJason Blum, Helen Estabrook
MusicJustin Hurwitz
CinematographySharone Meir
EditingTom Cross

Audience reaction

Ratings and reviews

8.4/1017342 ratings

Whiplash sits at 8.4 out of 10 from 17342 user ratings. For context, the film's worldwide gross is $50.3M.

Scores show TMDB user ratings at the time of publishing and shift as new votes arrive.

MJMUser review

DISGUSTING NONSENSE... *** This review may contain spoilers *** I find it very sad that so many people - including so-called professional reviewers - have rated this crap so highly. I did not walk out (although I was greatly tempted to do so) but saw it to the end. A total waste of time. Here's what might spoi…

Andres GomezScore 9.0/10

Fantastic movie with a good cast with an impressive Miles Teller and a yet even more impressive J.K. Simmons. Decent script, great directing, selection of the repertoire and performances. Just sit down, get a good audio system and enjoy one of the best movies of the 2010s.…

The facts

Whiplash key details

Original titleWhiplash
StatusReleased
Release dateJanuary 16, 2014
Runtime1h 47m
CertificationR in United States, 15 in United Kingdom
Original languageEN
Spoken languagesEnglish
CountryUnited States of America
Budget$3.3M
Worldwide gross$50.3M
StudiosBold Films, Blumhouse Productions, Right of Way Films
Also known asWhiplash, Música y Obsesión, Whiplash - Zum Erfolg getrieben, Whiplash - Musica y obsesion

Release information

Release dates by country

CountryDateCert
United StatesJan 16, 2014R
United KingdomJan 16, 201515
CanadaSep 8, 2014R
AustraliaOct 22, 2014MA 15+
ArgentinaJan 22, 201512
AustriaNov 4, 201412
BelgiumFeb 18, 201518
BrazilJan 8, 201512
ChinaDec 6, 2024NR
CzechiaJan 28, 201518+

Official trailer for Whiplash, via Sony Pictures Classics. Open on YouTube

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Who directed Whiplash?

Whiplash was directed by Damien Chazelle.

Who is in the cast of Whiplash?

The main cast includes Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist, Austin Stowell.

How long is Whiplash?

Whiplash runs 1h 47m.

When was Whiplash released?

It was released in the United States on January 16, 2014. Release dates vary by country — see the table above.

What is Whiplash rated?

Certification depends on the country: R in United States, 15 in United Kingdom. Always check your local rating before watching with family.

Where can I watch Whiplash 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 Whiplash in HD or 4K?

Most digital stores offer Whiplash 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 Whiplash earn?

Reported worldwide gross is $50.3M against a budget of $3.3M. Box office figures update over time.

Keep watching

More films like Whiplash

All movies

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.

At a glance: Whiplash runs 1h 47m, opened in US cinemas on January 16, 2014, has 43 licensed options across 5 regions tracked here.