Is Oklahoma! Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Oklahoma! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies.
It features a runtime of 148 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Oklahoma! Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1955, Oklahoma! enters the Western genre with a narrative focused on In the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the twentieth century, two young cowboys vie with a violent ranch hand and a traveling peddler for the hearts of the women they love. Under the direction of Fred Zinnemann, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Gordon MacRae, Gloria Grahame, Gene Nelson. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Oklahoma! offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 148-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Oklahoma! is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.6/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Western, Music, Romance, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Oklahoma!
- Gordon MacRae – Curly McLain
- Gloria Grahame – Ado Annie Carnes
- Gene Nelson – Will Parker
- Charlotte Greenwood – Aunt Eller
- Shirley Jones – Laurey Williams
Top Highlights
Gordon MacRaeCurly McLain
Gloria GrahameAdo Annie Carnes
Gene NelsonWill Parker
Charlotte GreenwoodAunt Eller
Shirley JonesLaurey Williams
Eddie AlbertAli Hakim
James WhitmoreMr. Carnes
Rod SteigerJud Fry
Barbara LawrenceGertie
Jay C. FlippenSkidmore
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Oklahoma! stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1955 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma! movie hit or flop?
Oklahoma! has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Oklahoma! worth watching?
Oklahoma! is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Western, Music, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Oklahoma!?
Oklahoma! is a Western, Music, Romance movie that In the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the twentieth century, two young cowboys vie with a violent ranch hand and a traveling peddler for the hearts...
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Critic Reviews
Great music, lyrics and dancing - but boy, what a truly sterile delivery. By necessity, staging has to be precise in a theatre; cinema offers little of such spacial restrictions so why is this musical choreographed to within an inch of it's life? There is virtually none of the spontaneity - especially with the rumbustious dances - that the big screen offered and what we are left with, though colourful and cheery, just lacks... something! So frequently it is as if they are still performing to that seat in the centre of the Royal Circle - complete with the casual supporting cast with their delicate short steps and stage whispers in each other's ear. Gordon MacRae looks pristine, way too pristine, and Gloria Grahame a very pale imitation of Doris Day from 2 years earlier in "Calamity Jane". Charlotte Greenwood does a cracking job as the worldly "Aunt Eller" as does Eddie Albert as the improbably named "Ali Hakim"; even Rod Steiger does genuinely carry off the role of the disgruntled "Jud Fry" but I'm afraid the whole just doesn't equal the sum of the parts - and with Rodgers & Hammerstein providing "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning"; "Surrey with a Fringe on Top" "I'm Just a Girl Who Can't Say No" & the eponymous title tune; that's a real shame...