Whiplash

Play trailer

1:35

Whiplash

R

2014

1h 46m

Drama

Music

Mystery & Thriller

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

303 Reviews

94%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life. But Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Intense, inspiring, and well-acted, Whiplash is a brilliant sophomore effort from director Damien Chazelle and a riveting vehicle for stars J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller.

Read Critics Reviews

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

09/01/2017

C+

The film has potential, but ultimately there's more bark than bite.

Go to Full Review

Emma Myers

IndieWire

08/16/2016

A-

Revealing both the dangers and payoffs of artistic ambition, Whiplash is sure to establish Chazelle as a directorial force to be reckoned with.

Go to Full Review

Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

06/18/2016

It's a thorny, thoughtful movie that asks provocative questions and isn't cocky enough to boast of knowing the answers.

Go to Full Review

Brendan Cassidy

InSession Film

06/17/2024

Whiplash is a monster of a film, paced with a kinetic energy that moves like its own jazz piece.

Go to Full Review

Wael Khairy

The Cinephile Fix

11/06/2023

Here the classroom is the battlefield and dropping a drumstick feels just as devastating and crucial a moment as a grenade falling between your feet.

Go to Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

08/19/2023

This is as much psychological thriller as musical drama and it turns on the increasingly toxic chemistry between two clearly damaged people, to the exclusion of pretty much anyone else in the film

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Bret

10/09/2024

This movie is my tempo

See more

Danny

09/30/2024

Unbelievable film. Such a treat to see it in the theater!!

See more

Matt McFarland

09/27/2024

Best movie I've ever seen. Saw it in the theaters with my 15 year old kid when it first came out. I've seen so many times and it's always wonderful. Just left the theater to watch the 10th anniversary showing with my now 25 year old boy! Go watch it!! It's incredible!!!

See more

Max

09/26/2024

never get tired of this movie

See more

Kemp C

09/26/2024

One of my favorite movies. So freaking intense and immersive. Every second of this movie hits you like a ton of bricks....and yet there are so many unspoken moments that you don't realize the importance of until you see it a second time or third or fourth...

See more

Fletcher I barely kno her

09/26/2024

I think this movie is thrilling and worth a watch by most. The music takes a backseat to the main story, which is unfortunate given that better jazz could’ve probably elevated the film to elite status. I’m still not quite sure if Chazelle’s message in the film is that greatness requires tremendous discomfort or if he lends a more critical view toward Fletcher’s approach. I do think that the extensive focus on the technicality and discipline does a disservice towards the passion and artistry that drives musicians as well. Ultimately, though I may disagree with Chazelle’s message I do believe this to be an awesome movie that is worth seeing.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Damien Chazelle

Director

Miles Teller

Andrew

J.K. Simmons

Terence Fletcher

Melissa Benoist

Nicole

Paul Reiser

Jim

Austin Stowell

Ryan

Vox Lux

62%

36%

Vox Lux

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Vox Lux

Patti Cake$

86%

78%

Patti Cake$

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Patti Cake$

Love Beats Rhymes

44%

63%

Love Beats Rhymes

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Love Beats Rhymes

Hustle & Flow

83%

83%

Hustle & Flow

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Hustle & Flow

Her Smell

83%

43%

Her Smell

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Her Smell

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Whiplash: 10th Anniversary Re-Release Trailer

1:35

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life. But Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity.

Director: Damien Chazelle
Producer: Helen Estabrook, Jason Blum, Michel Litvak, David Lancaster
Screenwriter: Damien Chazelle
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Bold Films, Right of Way Films, Blumhouse
Rating: R (Strong Language|Some Sexual References)
Genre: Drama, Music, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 10, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $911.4K
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital