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American Gigolo poster

American Gigolo (1980)

“He's the highest paid lover in Beverly Hills. He leaves women feeling more alive than they've ever felt before. Except one.”

6.2/10 · 753 votes 1h 57m r DramaCrimeMystery

#31 of 34 films from 1980 #3191 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Paul Schrader · Written by Paul Schrader

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Julian makes a lucrative living as an escort to older women in the Los Angeles area. He begins a relationship with Michelle, a local politician's wife, without expecting any pay. One of his clients is murdered and Detective Sunday begins pumping him for details on his different clients, something he is reluctant to do considering the nature of his work. Julian begins to suspect he's being framed. Meanwhile Michelle begins to fall in love with him.

Cast

Richard Gereas Julian Kaye
Lauren Huttonas Michelle Stratton
Héctor Elizondoas Detective Sunday
Nina van Pallandtas Anne
Bill Dukeas Leon James
Brian Daviesas Charles Stratton
K Callanas Lisa Williams
Tom Stewartas Mr. Rheiman
Patricia Carras Judy Rheiman
David Cryeras Lt. Curtis
Carole Cookas Mrs. Dobrun
Carol Bruceas Mrs. Sloan
Frances Bergenas Mrs. Laudner
Macdonald Careyas Hollywood Actor

Facts

Release dateFebruary 1, 1980
Runtime117 min (1h 57m) — about the same as the 1980 average of 113 min
GenresDrama, Crime, Mystery
LanguageEN
Budget$5,000,000
Box office$52,700,000 (10.5× budget)
IMDbtt0080365

More from Paul Schrader

First ReformedFirst Reformed2018 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 53m Cat PeopleCat People1982 · ★ 6.1 · 1h 58m The Card CounterThe Card Counter2021 · ★ 6.1 · 1h 52m

If you liked American Gigolo

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ChinatownChinatown1974 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 10m Mississippi BurningMississippi Burning1988 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 8m Blue VelvetBlue Velvet1986 · ★ 7.6 · 2h 0m The ConversationThe Conversation1974 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 55m The Long GoodbyeThe Long Goodbye1973 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 52m Evil Under the SunEvil Under the Sun1982 · ★ 6.9 · 1h 57m FranticFrantic1988 · ★ 6.7 · 2h 0m Above the LawAbove the Law1988 · ★ 6.1 · 1h 39m

Questions

How long is American Gigolo?
American Gigolo runs 117 minutes (1h 57m).
Is American Gigolo worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.2/10 across 753 votes, which places it #31 of 34 films released in 1980 in this index (top 12%) and #3191 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed American Gigolo?
American Gigolo was directed by Paul Schrader. Other well-rated titles by the same director: First Reformed (2018), Cat People (1982), The Card Counter (2021).
Who stars in American Gigolo?
Richard Gere as Julian Kaye; Lauren Hutton as Michelle Stratton; Héctor Elizondo as Detective Sunday; Nina van Pallandt as Anne; Bill Duke as Leon James; Brian Davies as Charles Stratton.
What is American Gigolo rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for American Gigolo?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/13179.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.