--- title: "La La Land" year: 2016 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/la-la-land" fi1m_id: "la-la-land" imdb_id: "tt3783958" tmdb_id: 313369 wikidata_id: "Q20856802" fi1m_score: 81 critics_score: 85 critics_reviews: 16 published: "2026-09-16" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:37.491148+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # La La Land (2016) Directed by Damien Chazelle · 2h 09m · MPA PG-13 · Comedy, Drama, Romance ## Identity La La Land - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/la-la-land - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** la-la-land - **IMDb ID:** tt3783958 - **TMDB ID:** 313369 - **Wikidata ID:** Q20856802 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3783958/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/313369, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20856802 **Fi1m score: 81** · Critics 85 from 16 reviews *In a sentence:* The singing makes a surprisingly good case for spending longer on a Los Angeles freeway > Damien Chazelle’s musical is worth seeing for Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling and the pleasure of watching romance turn into dance. The characters are thinly written, but the songs linger and the affection between the leads is easy to believe. ## Synopsis In contemporary Los Angeles, Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) try to find room for romance alongside their creative ambitions. An opening song-and-dance number takes over a freeway, introducing a city whose everyday life keeps giving way to music. Both want love and a chance to pursue their dreams; the difficulty is making those wants fit together. Bill (J.K. Simmons) also features in their story. As Mia and Sebastian grow closer, each has to consider how much room another person’s plans leave for their own. ## Review Damien Chazelle asks us to accept a Los Angeles where people sing and dance without having to apologise for it. We recommend *La La Land* for the pleasure it takes in that proposition, and for two actors who make its romance worth caring about. There is a problem with the writing: Mia and Sebastian need fuller lives beyond their creative hopes and their attraction to one another. The film gets a considerable amount of help from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. The opening freeway number is a useful test of how readily we are prepared to go along with this. We grinned, because the dancing in that unlikely setting is staged with confidence and without an apologetic wink. Linus Sandgren’s fluid camera keeps the dancers readable even as it joins in. The bright colour helps make the singing feel at home in Los Angeles. David Wasco’s production design works well with that colour, making the city look ready for a dance to start. It can also seem too carefully arranged to accommodate anyone who is not in love, which is less helpful when we are meant to worry about ordinary disappointments. Justin Hurwitz supplies melodies that can hold our attention without help from the pictures. They are easy to remember, but they also give the performers feelings to work through, rather than simply another occasion to charm us. Emma Stone makes Mia’s enthusiasm appealing because she also allows it to look vulnerable; there is something at stake whenever she asks us to take a hope seriously. Ryan Gosling brings a useful lightness to Sebastian, a character whose seriousness could otherwise become hard work. The pleasure of watching them together comes from their responsiveness, and neither seems determined to win every exchange. We believe their attraction, and that carries scenes which would look slight on the page. Damien Chazelle’s screenplay is less persuasive about the creative ambition that occupies so much of their lives. Wanting to make something matters here, but the wanting is sometimes asked to do the work of a developed personality. We can understand the pull of their dreams without finding every obstacle to those dreams equally interesting. Tom Cross’s editing gives the musical passages room to build; between them, the slightness of the story becomes harder to overlook, and 129 minutes feels a little generous. Against the musical’s own standards, its chief strength is the ease with which attraction becomes song and movement. There is nothing especially new about the competing claims of love and work, and the borrowed Hollywood style occasionally draws too much attention to itself. But the film understands why we might want to spend time with people who still expect something from their lives, even when their expectations are unreasonable. See it for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and allow the screenplay a little more patience than it earns. *Fi1m score 81, published 16 September 2026.* ## What the critics say The reviews are consistently positive about La La Land, with praise centred on Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s chemistry and Damien Chazelle’s handling of the musical numbers. Most critics find that the film draws on classic Hollywood musicals without simply repeating them, giving its romance a contemporary concern with ambition and compromise. The songs, fluid camerawork and vivid colour attract admiration, while the mixture of joy and sadness gives the spectacle emotional weight for many. The differences concern how much substance supports that charm, with enthusiasm ranging from wholehearted affection to qualified approval rather than outright rejection. Screen Daily finds the story slight, though it admires the romance and ambition; Film Comment questions whether the emotion feels sufficiently earned. The Ringer offers a sharper reservation, finding the characters vague and the borrowed style too dominant, while still appreciating the stars’ light touch. ## Straight answers **Is La La Land worth watching?** *La La Land* is worth watching for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and for the pleasure of seeing romance turn into song and dance; we scored it 81. The characters are thinly written and 129 minutes feels a little generous, but Justin Hurwitz's melodies stay with you and the affection between the leads is easy to believe. **How long is La La Land, and what is it rated?** *La La Land* runs 2h 09m and is rated PG-13 by the MPA in the US. It is a comedy and drama film. **Where can I watch La La Land in the US?** *La La Land* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is La La Land, and is it suitable for children?** *La La Land* is a 12A romantic musical with nothing violent or frightening in it, as far as our review notes. Its subject is love and ambition among adults in Los Angeles, so the certificate reflects grown-up concerns rather than anything alarming; younger children may simply find it long and short on incident. **How does La La Land compare to Singin' in the Rain?** *La La Land* borrows its Hollywood style from musicals like [*Singin' in the Rain*](https://film.one/film/singin-in-the-rain), and the older film is the tighter and funnier of the two. Chazelle's film has the stronger romance and more at stake between its leads, while Donen and Kelly's has the sharper comic timing and a story that never sags. Choose *Singin' in the Rain* for laughs and dancing, *La La Land* for a love story that sings. **What should I watch after La La Land?** After *La La Land*, try [*The Umbrellas of Cherbourg*](https://film.one/film/the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg) (1964, Fi1m 88): For sung romance that takes work, money and disappointment as seriously as desire. Then [*Singin' in the Rain*](https://film.one/film/singin-in-the-rain) (1952, Fi1m 93): For Hollywood ambition, romantic friction and dancing that needs no explanation; and [*The Red Shoes*](https://film.one/film/the-red-shoes) (1948, Fi1m 92): For a sharper, more troubling account of love competing with artistic ambition. ### Reviews we read (20) - **Radio Times**, Emma Simmonds (★★★★★): The critic calls it cinema to make you swoon, lauding the leads' chemistry and the film's embrace of romance, whimsy and life's disappointments. It pays tribute to classic musicals while updating the genre with modern sensibility. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/la-la-land-review-cinema-to-make-you-swoon/) - **Empire**, Ian Freer (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an irresistible, joyful throwback to classic musicals that feels fresh and new thanks to its staging, wit, and the chemistry between its leads. It is a film made with love about love that leaves viewers on a high. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/la-la-land-review-2/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a triumphant and delightful follow-up to Whiplash that continues cinema's love affair with musicals through its magical, bittersweet story of love and dreams in Los Angeles. They single out the note-perfect performances of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, along with the fluid cinematography and vibrant colors, for particular praise. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jan/15/la-la-land-review-emma-stone-ryan-gosling-damien-chazelle) - **Evening Standard**, David Sexton (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it the feelgood movie of the year with brilliant stars, catchy tunes and a beautiful romance, praising its bravura opening number and kinetic filmmaking that makes it feel completely new. It is highly enjoyable and set to sweep up at the Oscars. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/la-la-land-film-review-highly-enjoyable-and-set-to-sweep-up-at-the-oscars-a3439776.html) - **Sight and Sound**, Erika Balsom (80/100, inferred): The critic praises Chazelle's sincere revival of the Hollywood musical genre, noting its blend of nostalgia and contemporary sensibility in a story of love versus creative ambition. The leads' chemistry and the bittersweet coda are highlighted as key strengths. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/upbeat-film-week-la-la-land-modern-musical-stardust-blues) - **The i Paper**, Matthew Turner (★★★★): The critic praises the film as a delightful, fresh modern homage to classic Hollywood musicals with jaw-dropping numbers, strong chemistry between Stone and Gosling, and a bittersweet edge about dreams and compromises. It is stylishly directed and will leave viewers grinning. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/la-la-land-review-40336) - **Screen Daily** (75/100, inferred): The review describes the film as starry-eyed and saturated with pure romance, praising its love for Los Angeles, classic musicals and the leads' charisma. It notes the energetic ambition and delicate reverie despite a slight story. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/la-la-land-venice-review/5108706.article) - **Film Comment**, Michael Sragow (70/100, inferred): The critic finds La La Land a slender, charming nostalgia trip that balances retro and modern elements through strong lead performances by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, infectious songs, and dance sequences. However, the resolution feels too deliberately laid out to be authentically poignant, resulting in an adolescent fantasy with a bittersweet edge rather than deeper emotional resonance. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/deep-focus-la-la-land/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang: Chazelle has assembled a vibrant pastiche that is one of the loveliest films of the year, thanks to the incandescent performances of Stone and Gosling. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-la-la-land-review-20161205-story.html) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy: The critic finds Damien Chazelle's follow-up to Whiplash a daring and beautiful modern musical that revitalizes classic conventions with skill and charm. He singles out the exuberant opening freeway sequence and the appealing chemistry and performances of leads Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone for particular praise. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/la-la-land-review-emma-stone-ryan-gosling-924458/) - **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (Critic's Pick): The film succeeds as both a fizzy fantasy and a hard-headed fable, wrapping intense emotions in cinematic bliss through its structure and final sequence. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/08/movies/la-la-land-review-ryan-gosling-emma-stone.html) - **Variety**: Chazelle stages a lavish song-and-dance musical that is ardent and full of feeling, leading to moments of old-movie exaltation despite not being a masterpiece. [Read](https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/la-la-land-review-venice-ryan-gosling-emma-stone-1201846576/) - **Den of Geek**, Edward Douglas (5/5): The critic calls La La Land sheer perfection as a romantic musical dramedy, praising its full embrace of the musical genre from the opening number onward and Chazelle's skillful blend of comedy, romance, and drama. Stone and Gosling deliver standout performances, with the film ultimately celebrating dreams, fate, and unforgettable musical storytelling. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/la-la-land-review/) - **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (5/5): Chazelle delivers an enchanting romantic musical that serves as a love letter to classic Hollywood without feeling like mere pastiche. The film is profoundly joyful yet tinged with a deep, lingering sadness. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/la-la-land-review/) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): Chazelle delivers a gorgeous, original romantic musical that blends homage to classic screen musicals with contemporary appeal. The leads' performances, especially Stone's, and the memorable songs and choreography stand out as highlights. [Read](https://deadline.com/2016/12/la-la-land-review-emma-stone-ryan-gosling-damien-chazelle-video-1201811177/) - **/Film**, Angie Han (8.5/10): Chazelle's old-fashioned musical sparkles thanks to Gosling and Stone's chemistry and joyful yet bittersweet musical sequences. It captures the push-pull between romantic fancy and reality in contemporary Los Angeles. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/546502/la-la-land-review/) - **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (85/100, inferred): Chazelle creates a vibrant, dreamlike Los Angeles musical that celebrates nostalgia while acknowledging life's messier realities. The chemistry between Gosling and Stone, along with inventive musical numbers, provides consistent enjoyment. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/la-la-land-review-ryan-gosling-emma-stone/) - **Eye for Film**, Owen Van Spall (80/100, inferred): Chazelle crafts a technically slick, well-acted proper musical with ear-friendly tunes and strong chemistry between leads. The film balances big emotions and nostalgia with a disconsolate undercurrent that comments on its own romanticism. [Read](http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/la-la-land-2016-film-review-by-owen-van-spall) - **Collider**, Brian Formo (B): The critic finds the film a delicate delight with stunning visuals and a divine third act, praising the chemistry of Gosling and Stone and the emotional conclusion, though noting some stumbles in the first act. [Read](https://collider.com/la-la-land-review/) - **The Ringer**, K. Austin Collins (70/100, inferred): The critic sees it as charming but cynical, effective in its theme of bittersweet industry change but too nostalgic, vague characters, and reliant on borrowed style; praises the stars' light touch but notes the film is a bit shabby. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2016/12/07/movies/la-la-land-movie-review-59b8b3217da0) ## Details - **Director:** Damien Chazelle - **Director:** Damien Chazelle - **Writer:** Damien Chazelle - **Cinematography:** Linus Sandgren - **Editor:** Tom Cross - **Music:** Justin Hurwitz - **Production design:** David Wasco - **Costume design:** Mary Zophres - **Producer:** Jordan Horowitz, Marc Platt, Fred Berger - **Cast:** Ryan Gosling as Sebastian; Emma Stone as Mia; John Legend as Keith; Rosemarie DeWitt as Laura; Finn Wittrock as Greg; Callie Hernandez as Tracy; Sonoya Mizuno as Caitlin; Jessica Rothe as Alexis - **Runtime:** 2h 09m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13 - **Release (the US):** 16 December 2016 - **Genres:** Comedy, Drama, Romance - **Also in:** [Best Picture winners](https://film.one/collections/oscar-best-picture.md) (Nominee, 2016); [BAFTA Best Film winners](https://film.one/collections/bafta-best-film.md) (Winner, 2016); [Golden Globe Best Musical or Comedy winners](https://film.one/collections/golden-globe-comedy.md) (Winner, 2016) - **Budget:** $30 million - **Box office:** $509 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oBwwSXdO_E ## Where to watch in the US - Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $7.99, uhd *Checked 2026-09-16.* Also available in: AE, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, ID, IE, IN, IT, JP, MX, NO, NZ, PL, SE, TH, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2017: Best Actor (nominated); Best Costume Design (nominated); Best Film Editing (nominated); Best Picture (nominated); Best Sound (nominated); Best Sound Editing (nominated); Best Actress (won); Best Cinematography (won); Best Director (won); Best Original Score (won); Best Original Song (won); Best Production Design (won) ## If you liked this - *The Umbrellas of Cherbourg* (1964), Fi1m 88: For sung romance that takes work, money and disappointment as seriously as desire — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg.md) - *Singin' in the Rain* (1952), Fi1m 93: For Hollywood ambition, romantic friction and dancing that needs no explanation — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/singin-in-the-rain.md) - *The Red Shoes* (1948), Fi1m 92: For a sharper, more troubling account of love competing with artistic ambition — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-red-shoes.md) - *Once* (2007), Fi1m 88: For a smaller musical where shared work makes the attraction worth believing — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/once.md) - *Pyaasa* (1957): For songs, wounded artistic hopes and a less forgiving view of success --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/la-la-land