Year: 1974
Runtime: 144 min
Language: English
Director: Jack Clayton
During the roaring 1920s on Long Island, a young man becomes captivated by the lavish lifestyle of millionaire Jay Gatsby. Drawn into Gatsby's world, he discovers the truth behind his mysterious parties and learns of Gatsby's relentless pursuit of the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. Their connection intertwines with themes of wealth, social class, and the unattainable American Dream, revealing a poignant story of love and loss.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Great Gatsby (1974) 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 glittering summer of the 1920s, Long Island’s glittering shorelines become a stage for excess and ambition. Two neighboring peninsulas—opulent East Egg and the more modest West Egg—reflect a silent competition of old money versus newly‑earned fortunes, while jazz, flamboyant gowns, and endless parties pulse through the night, shaping an atmosphere that is simultaneously intoxicating and restless.
Nick Carraway arrives from the Midwest, drawn by the promise of opportunity and a quiet place to write. He settles into a humble cottage in West Egg, his perspective grounded yet curious, as he watches the world of his affluent neighbors unfold. Directly across the water lives the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a mysterious tycoon whose name is whispered at every lavish gathering, a man whose charisma and secretive past hint at a deeper yearning behind his extravagance.
Across the water’s edge, the elegant Daisy Buchanan and her formidable husband Tom Buchanan embody the glittering veneer of East Egg’s aristocracy. Their world, filled with polished interiors and cultivated charm, feels both alluring and distant. Jordan Baker, a poised friend of Daisy’s, drifts through the same circles, offering a glimpse of the era’s modern, independent spirit. Through Nick’s eyes, the contrast between the gilded façade and the underlying currents of longing, expectation, and social tension becomes ever more pronounced.
Amid this tapestry of wealth and aspiration, Gatsby remains fixated on a singular vision—a reunion with the beautiful Daisy that seems to promise redemption and fulfillment. Their connection, set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties, invites contemplation of the American Dream’s promise and its elusive nature, leaving the audience to wonder whether love, ambition, or illusion will ultimately shape their fates.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 18:21
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Tragic stories of yearning for a beautiful, impossible ideal.If you were captivated by the tragic pursuit of an ideal in The Great Gatsby, explore these movies about unattainable dreams. This collection features similar stories of yearning, where characters chase a beautiful but impossible vision, often set against a backdrop of wealth and leading to heartbreaking endings.
The narrative follows a protagonist obsessed with achieving a specific, idealized goal—be it love, status, or a version of the past. Their pursuit is characterized by opulence and grand effort, yet the story methodically unravels the futility of their quest. The climax is not a triumph but a shattering realization of the dream's emptiness, culminating in a bleak or bittersweet conclusion.
These films are grouped by their shared focus on the central theme of an impossible ideal. They deliver a heavy emotional weight through a melancholic tone and a steady, deliberate pacing that builds towards an inevitable tragic or disillusioned ending. The mood is consistently one of nostalgic yearning and somber reflection.
Lavish worlds that hide profound moral emptiness and personal tragedy.Fans of The Great Gatsby's portrayal of 1920s decadence will appreciate these movies about wealth and disillusionment. Discover similar films where glamorous parties and luxurious settings hide tragic flaws, corrupt values, and the inevitable collapse of characters trapped by their own desires and social expectations.
Stories unfold within a world of extreme privilege and aesthetic beauty, using the setting to critique the emptiness beneath the surface. The plot often involves a outsider's perspective being drawn into this world, only to witness the moral compromises, infidelities, and tragic fates of those who inhabit it. The narrative arc is one of initial fascination giving way to sobering disillusionment.
These movies share a specific atmospheric blend of visual opulence and emotional bleakness. The key connection is the use of a decadent setting—be it historical or contemporary—to explore themes of corruption, class, and the high personal cost of wealth. They balance a reflective, somber mood with the dramatic tension of secrets and social collapse.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Great Gatsby 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 The Great Gatsby is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Great Gatsby, 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 The Great Gatsby with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Great Gatsby. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Great Gatsby: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like The Great Gatsby 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.
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