Is Cabaret Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Cabaret is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 104 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Cabaret Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1986, Cabaret enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A young jazz musician's desire to advance in his career runs afoul of organized crime in this thriller from Haruki Kadokawa. Under the direction of Haruki Kadokawa, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Hironobu Nomura. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Cabaret offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Cabaret resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Cabaret is available for streaming on Hulu. It is also featured on platforms like KADOKAWA channel Amazon Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Cabaret centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. A young jazz musician's desire to advance in his career runs afoul of organized crime in this thriller from Haruki Kadokawa. After a saxophonist starts playing at a particular nightspot, a thug from the Yakuza adopts him as a special friend for no greater reason than he plays one of his favorite songs well. As the dangerous life of the gangster intertwines with that of the musician, it brings harm to the musician's girlfriend, who is raped. This changes the young saxophonist's attitude about his patron, but his Yakuza "friend" is still too embroiled in his own problems to worry about anything else. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1986 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Cabaret has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Cabaret sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Cabaret (1986): with an audience rating of 4/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Crime, Music cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Cabaret Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hulu
KADOKAWA channel Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Cabaret has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Crime, Music), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, Cabaret stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1986 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabaret movie hit or flop?
Cabaret is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is Cabaret worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, Cabaret may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Cabaret online?
Cabaret is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, KADOKAWA channel Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Cabaret movie hit or flop?
Cabaret is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is Cabaret worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, Cabaret may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Cabaret online?
Cabaret is currently available for streaming on Hulu. You can also check for it on platforms like Hulu, KADOKAWA channel Amazon Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of Cabaret?
Cabaret is a Drama, Crime, Music movie that follows: A young jazz musician's desire to advance in his career runs afoul of organized crime in this thriller from Haruki Kadokawa. After a saxophonist starts playing at a particular nightspot, a thug from t...
Is Cabaret family friendly?
Cabaret falls under Drama, Crime, Music, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is Cabaret available in?
Cabaret is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A young jazz musician's desire to advance in his career runs afoul of organized crime in this thriller from Haruki Kadokawa. After a saxophonist starts playing at a particular nightspot, a thug from the Yakuza adopts him as a special friend for no greater reason than he plays one of his favorite songs well. As the dangerous life of the gangster intertwines with that of the musician, it brings harm to the musician's girlfriend, who is raped. This changes the young saxophonist's attitude about his patron, but his Yakuza "friend" is still too embroiled in his own problems to worry about anything else.
Critic Reviews
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