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Philadelphia (film)

Philadelphia is a 1993 American legal drama directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Ron Nyswaner.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Philadelphia is a 1993 American legal drama directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Ron Nyswaner. Starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, it follows a lawyer who sues his former firm after being fired when his HIV status and homosexuality are revealed. The film is widely noted for bringing HIV/AIDS and homophobia into mainstream Hollywood drama.

Plot

The film centers on Andrew Beckett, a successful attorney whose law firm dismisses him after his AIDS diagnosis and homosexuality become known. He then seeks out Joe Miller, played by Denzel Washington, to help him pursue a wrongful termination and discrimination suit.

Production and release

Philadelphia was directed and produced by Jonathan Demme from a screenplay by Ron Nyswaner. It was released in 1993 and filmed on location in the city of Philadelphia.

Themes and impact

The film is recognized for addressing AIDS, homophobia, and discrimination in a mainstream studio drama. Contemporary commentary and later analysis describe it as an important cultural intervention in public perceptions of HIV/AIDS. It was used as a form of cinematic activism to influence public understanding of AIDS.

Reception

The film was commercially successful, earning $206.7 million worldwide and becoming the 9th highest-grossing film of 1993. It also became one of the most commercially visible AIDS-related films of its era.

Key facts

  • Philadelphia is one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to explicitly address HIV/AIDS and homophobia.
  • The film stars Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett and Denzel Washington as Joe Miller.
  • It grossed $206.7 million worldwide, becoming the 9th highest-grossing film of 1993.
  • The film was shot on location in Philadelphia.
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Canadian context

The film is relevant to Canadian readers as a widely known Hollywood drama that influenced public discussion of HIV/AIDS, discrimination, and LGBTQ+ representation in North American cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is Philadelphia about?
It is about a lawyer who sues his former firm after being fired when his homosexuality and AIDS diagnosis are discovered.
Who directed Philadelphia?
Jonathan Demme directed and produced the film.
Who stars in Philadelphia?
Tom Hanks stars as Andrew Beckett and Denzel Washington plays Joe Miller.
What year was Philadelphia released?
It was released in 1993.
Why is Philadelphia significant?
It is widely regarded as one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to directly address HIV/AIDS and homophobia in a positive or sympathetic framework.
How successful was the film commercially?
It grossed $206.7 million worldwide and was the 9th highest-grossing film of 1993.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_(film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, plot, filming location, commercial gross, and historical significance.
  2. Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia — https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/philadelphia-film/
    Supports: The film as cinematic activism and its role in shaping public understanding of AIDS.
  3. British Film Institute — https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/features/philadelphia-un-packaging-hollywood-aids-drama
    Supports: The film as a major Hollywood AIDS drama and its cultural framing.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/film/philadelphia-film
    Supports: Overview of themes, inspiration from a true case, awards, and cultural impact.