Licorice Pizza

A nostalgic journey through first love and youthful ambition in the heart of California.

Critics broadly praised the film as a warm, distinctive, and richly nostalgic coming-of-age romance anchored by its lead performances and Paul Thomas Anderson's direction.

• Alana is an older photographer's assistant while teenage Gary pursues her through friendship, business schemes, and flirtation.
• The San Fernando Valley of 1973 is presented as a sunlit landscape of school photographs, auditions, mattress sales, and aimless summer movement.
• Gary repeatedly launches ventures, including a waterbed business, while navigating auditions and Hollywood-adjacent opportunities.
• The leads cross paths with flamboyant figures such as Jack Holden, Rex Blau, and Jon Peters during their restless adventures.

• The Last Picture Showshared nostalgic coming of age atmosphere, unconventional romance, and episodic 1970s California setting
• Dazed and Confusedshared wistful adolescent romance, loose structure, and intimate character-driven humor
• Punch-Drunk Loveshared distinctive auteur comedy, romantic tension, and heightened encounters with eccentric adults
• American Graffitishared nostalgic period setting, youthful restlessness, and bittersweet romantic energy

Director

Paul Thomas Anderson

Release Date

2021-11-26

Runtime

133 min

Rating

6.9 / 10 (2827)

What is Licorice Pizza about?

Two restless San Fernando Valley misfits turn teenage hustle and uncertain attraction into a sprawling, nostalgic dance around first love.

What is Licorice Pizza like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Licorice Pizza as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.

Is Licorice Pizza violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Licorice Pizza.

What did critics think of Licorice Pizza?

Critics broadly praised the film as a warm, distinctive, and richly nostalgic coming-of-age romance anchored by its lead performances and Paul Thomas Anderson's direction.

Which films are like Licorice Pizza?

Films with a similar feel include The Last Picture Show, Dazed and Confused, Punch-Drunk Love, and American Graffiti.

How long is Licorice Pizza?

Licorice Pizza runs 133 minutes.

Where can I watch Licorice Pizza?

In United States, Licorice Pizza streams on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV.