Year: 1968
Runtime: 153 min
Language: English
Director: Carol Reed
A young orphan named Oliver Twist escapes his workhouse and finds himself navigating the dark and dangerous streets of Victorian London. He falls in with a group of pickpockets led by the manipulative Fagin, and mentored by the quick-witted Artful Dodger. Offered a chance at a better life with the benevolent Mr. Brownlow, Oliver finds himself pursued by the menacing Bill Sikes, who will do anything to protect Fagin's criminal enterprise.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Oliver! yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Get a spoiler-free look at Oliver! (1968) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the soot‑stained alleys of Victorian London, a world of stark contrasts unfolds: towering chimneys and sprawling workhouses sit beside bustling markets and dimly‑lit taverns. The city hums with the rhythm of survival, its streets echoing with the cries of the forgotten and the hopeful songs of those daring enough to dream. Within this gritty tapestry, a young orphan named Oliver Twist awakens to a reality where every morsel of food is hard‑won and every face holds a story of hardship.
Escaping the austere confines of the workhouse, Oliver steps into a labyrinth of narrow lanes and crowded courtyards, where the air is thick with both danger and camaraderie. He soon encounters a charismatic figure who leads a tight‑knit group of street‑wise youths, a quick‑witted youngster known as the Artful Dodger offering a mischievous grin, and the benevolent gentleman Mr. Brownlow, whose quiet generosity hints at a life beyond the shadows. Their intersecting paths suggest a delicate balance between mentorship and survival, each character casting a distinct hue on the city’s restless palette.
Yet the streets are not without their darker currents. A looming presence, embodied by the menacing Bill Sikes, drifts through the underbelly, his reputation casting a wary chill over the fragile alliances forming around Oliver. The film’s tone weaves together melancholy and hope, painting a portrait of a boy thrust into a world where kindness fights tooth and nail against looming threat. As the city’s fog rolls in, it carries whispers of destiny, inviting the audience to wonder how Oliver will navigate the fragile line between innocence and the harsh realities that surround him.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:18
Don't stop at just watching — explore Oliver! in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Oliver! is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Oliver!, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Oliver! with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Oliver! that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Oliver! (1968) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Oliver! (1968) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Oliver! (1968) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Oliver! – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Oliver Twist (2005) Story Summary & Characters
Oliver & Company (1988) Film Overview & Timeline
Twist (2004) Full Movie Breakdown
Billy Elliot (2000) Full Movie Breakdown
Scrooge (1970) Movie Recap & Themes
David Copperfield (1935) Movie Recap & Themes
Newsies (1992) Complete Plot Breakdown
Spirited (2022) Detailed Story Recap
Nicholas Nickleby (2002) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Annie (1982) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Personal History of David Copperfield (2020) Movie Recap & Themes
Twist (2021) Film Overview & Timeline
Hello, Dolly! (1969) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022) Movie Recap & Themes
Great Expectations (2013) Full Summary & Key Details