Year: 2013
Runtime: 143 min
Language: English
Director: Baz Luhrmann
In 1922 New York, Nick Carraway leaves the Midwest for the excitement of city life. He becomes neighbor to the mysterious Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man known for his extravagant parties. Nick is drawn into Gatsby’s world, discovering a poignant story of ambition, romance, and the illusions of the American Dream. As Nick learns more about Gatsby's past and his relentless pursuit of a lost love, he witnesses the tragic consequences of chasing an unattainable ideal.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Great Gatsby (2013) 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 summer of 1922, a restless Midwestern graduate arrives in New York, trading his quiet hometown for the glittering promise of the city’s bright lights. He settles in the modest enclave of West Egg, a place where freshly minted fortunes sit beside modest homes, and the air hums with the restless energy of jazz, speakeasies, and endless possibility. The world he steps into is a delicate balance of opulence and yearning, a landscape where every party seems to whisper of deeper ambitions and forgotten dreams.
There, he meets the enigmatic neighbor whose name haunts the gossip of every gathering. Jay Gatsby is a figure shrouded in mystery, known for his lavish soirées that draw the city’s elite and hopeful alike. Though his wealth is on display, his true motives remain an alluring secret, hinted at in the wistful glances he casts toward a distant past. Alongside him, the charismatic Daisy Buchanan, a woman of effortless charm, and her charismatic yet guarded husband Tom Buchanan navigate their own tangled social currents, while the cool, observant Jordan Baker offers a sharp, modern perspective on the world’s fickle pursuits.
Through the narrator’s keen, slightly disillusioned eyes, the film paints a portrait of an era intoxicated by the idea of reinventing oneself. The tone drifts between the dazzling glow of midnight parties and the quiet melancholy that follows each sunrise, suggesting that beneath the glitter lies an undercurrent of longing for something unattainable. As the newcomer becomes drawn deeper into this glittering maze, he discovers that the pursuit of the American Dream can be both intoxicating and hollow, setting the stage for a story that is as much about the allure of hope as it is about the shadows it casts.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 06:30
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 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.
The Great Gatsby (2013) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Great Gatsby (2013) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Great Gatsby (2013) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Great Gatsby – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Great Gatsby (1974) Movie Recap & Themes
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Great Expectations (1998) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Bright Lights, Big City (1988) Movie Recap & Themes
Splendor in the Grass (1961) Full Movie Breakdown
The Gambler (1974) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Big Town (1987) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Daisy Miller (1974) Full Summary & Key Details
Live by Night (2016) Film Overview & Timeline
Goodfellas (1990) Complete Plot Breakdown
Gone Girl (2014) Full Movie Breakdown
Midnight in Paris (2011) Story Summary & Characters
Love Affair (1939) Story Summary & Characters
Café Society (2016) Complete Plot Breakdown
New York, New York (1977) Detailed Story Recap