Philadelphia Poster

Philadelphia 1993

★ 7.74,580 votes126 min📅 1993-12-22

"No one would take on his case... until one man was willing to take on the system."

Jonathan Demme's groundbreaking drama Philadelphia (1993) weaves a powerful story of courage and justice as two lawyers stand against a powerful law firm accused of firing an employee due to AIDS discrimination.

Director: Jonathan Demme

Cast

Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks
Andrew Beckett
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington
Joe Miller
Jason Robards
Jason Robards
Charles Wheeler
Mary Steenburgen
Mary Steenburgen
Belinda Conine
Antonio Banderas
Antonio Banderas
Miguel Alvarez
Ron Vawter
Ron Vawter
Bob Seidman
Robert Ridgely
Robert Ridgely
Walter Kenton
Charles Napier
Charles Napier
Judge Garnett
Lisa Summerour
Lisa Summerour
Lisa Miller
Obba Babatundé
Obba Babatundé
Jerome Green

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philadelphia (1993) about?

Philadelphia follows Andrew Beckett, a talented lawyer with AIDS who is fired by his prestigious firm after they learn of his diagnosis. Determined to fight, he seeks representation, leading to an unlikely partnership with Joe Miller, a personal injury attorney. Together, they take on the firm in a landmark discrimination case.

Who directed Philadelphia?

Jonathan Demme directed Philadelphia. Known for his versatile storytelling, Demme's direction infuses the film with emotional depth and social urgency.

Who stars in Philadelphia?

The film stars Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, and Antonio Banderas in pivotal roles.

Is Philadelphia (1993) worth watching?

Philadelphia is widely regarded as a pivotal drama that tackles serious themes with sensitivity and power. Tom Hanks' Oscar-winning performance and Denzel Washington's compelling portrayal anchor a story that remains relevant. While its tone is heavy, its message about justice and humanity is timeless.

How long is Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a runtime of 126 minutes, offering a compelling blend of courtroom drama and character-driven storytelling.

🎥 Trailer

About Philadelphia (1993) — A Landmark Drama on AIDS Discrimination and Justice

Jonathan Demme's groundbreaking drama Philadelphia (1993) weaves a powerful story of courage and justice as two lawyers stand against a powerful law firm accused of firing an employee due to AIDS discrimination. Tom Hanks delivers a career-defining performance as Andrew Beckett, a brilliant attorney whose life unravels after his HIV diagnosis, while Denzel Washington plays Joe Miller, a street-smart lawyer initially hesitant to take the case. Their evolving partnership becomes a beacon of hope amid societal prejudice and institutional corruption. The film captures the raw emotion of the early AIDS crisis, blending courtroom intensity with intimate character moments.

Against a backdrop of 1990s skepticism and stigma, Philadelphia transcends its legal drama to explore themes of empathy, dignity, and the fight for basic human rights. With its haunting score and unflinching direction, the movie remains a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema and a testament to the power of standing up for what's right. Whether you're drawn in by Hanks and Washington's chemistry or the film's historical significance, it's an unforgettable story that resonates decades later.