Dancer in the Dark (2000)
A mother's love and musical fantasies clash with the bleak realities of impending blindness and injustice.
Selma, a Czech immigrant on the verge of blindness, struggles to make ends meet for herself and her son, who has inherited the same genetic disorder and will suffer the same fate without an expensive operation. When life gets too difficult, Selma learns to cope through her love of musicals, dreaming up little numbers to the rhythmic beats of her surroundings.
How intense is Dancer in the Dark?
Dancer in the Dark has light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Dancer in the Dark feels like
- Tone
- bleakmelancholysurrealintimatedarkly comic
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Dancer in the Dark
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Dancer in the Dark for you?
Is Dancer in the Dark scary?
No. Dancer in the Dark is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Dancer in the Dark gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is Dancer in the Dark sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Dancer in the Dark OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is Dancer in the Dark?
Dancer in the Dark runs 2h 20m.
Where can I stream Dancer in the Dark?
Dancer in the Dark is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Dancer in the Dark have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
No. Brace yourself.
Cast and crew
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