Rotten Tomatoes
Suggestions will appear as you start typing. Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App New News Showtimes

Meet Me in St. Louis

Play trailer Poster for Meet Me in St. Louis 1944,  1h 53m,  Musical Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 99% 81 Reviews Tomatometer 87% 25,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
99% Tomatometer 81 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
"Meet Me in St. Louis" is a classic MGM romantic musical comedy that focuses on four sisters (one of whom is the nonpareil Judy Garland) on the cusp of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. The film spotlights the sisters' education in the ways of the world, which includes, but isn't limited to, learning about life and love, courtesy of the prototypical boy next door. In the end, love -- accompanied by song, dance and period costumes, all in glorious Technicolor -- conquers all.
Meet Me in St. Louis

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A disarmingly sweet musical led by outstanding performances from Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien, Meet Me in St. Louis offers a holiday treat for all ages.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View More
Clarissa Start St. Louis Post-Dispatch Nov 10, 2022
If you were born and brought up in St. Louis, and aware from earliest childhood of The Fair... then the picture will seem even more like watching the youth of your parents and aunts and uncles, and it is all just as they told you. Go to Full Review
Marjory Adams Boston Globe Nov 10, 2022
Practically every member of the family from the 5-year-olds to grandma will find entertainment and fun. Go to Full Review
Ida Belle Hicks Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com Nov 10, 2022
Altogether the picture will give you an exhilarated feeling and a sense of well being plus an appreciation for this bright bit of Americana. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 3, 2025
4/4
Not only one of Hollywood’s all-time great musicals but also the second best Christmas movie ever made (under It’s a Wonderful Life, of course)​. Go to Full Review
Douglas Corzine Washington City Paper Sep 15, 2025
Few films deploy nostalgia as effectively as Meet Me in St. Louis. Go to Full Review
Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Feb 6, 2025
3/10
The story just doesn’t possess much power or resonance; the tribulations of the Smith family never really merit a full theatrical picture, nor do the romances, which aren’t all that passionate or memorable. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Poe R Apr 17, 2019 A charming classic, memorable for its colorful rich cinematography, songs and the overall atmosphere of a nice family living in peace and having good relationships. Every character in this movie has his/her own opportunity to develop oneself; the time goes by very quickly watching wonderful movies such as this. See more
Hermione R Feb 18, 2019 A great movie, with all the songs you'd expect from a great musical. In Hollywood's attempt to recreate 1903 St. Louis, were they correct in envisaging concrete driveways, sidewalks, and curbs, but dirt streets? It was cheaper to haul the dirt in over the streets on the Hollywood backlots, I assume. Nevertheless, you can't beat this movie-musical. This is certainly one of the best musicals of all time. See more
Abraham P Jan 4, 2019 A charming little family drama with plenty of comedy. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) is a triumph of pleasant songs to warm your heart, sweet romance to endear these characters to you, and mischievous girls to entertain you. The film's plot is pretty basic and the way it is shot feels standard, but it remains a beautiful film that I enjoy more each time I revisit Meet Me in St. Louis. Judy Garland is a darling lead as Ester with the forward attitude of a more modern girl to thrust herself at her male desire. Garland's singing voice is lovely and she effortless belts out several memorable songs throughout the film. Her charisma is self evident as her likability is very relatable and engaging. Garland elevates the movie into something truly special. You are dazzled by her beauty in the moonlight and darkened rooms as she feigns putting out the lights. It's a lovely scene that really captures her charms in full. Similarly, Lucille Bremer is excellent as Rose. Her upset longing for marriage is sweet and sincere to watch, while her charming performance as Rose captivates you each moment. I think the leading actresses really make Meet Me in St. Louis. That is not to say that Leon Ames as the father Alonzo does not make for a great character. His steady and furious nature keep you laughing and wondering what will he think to say next. Ames is funny in his indignation, but his soft spot for his daughters make Meet Me in St. Louis a much more tender film because of his portrayal. Vincente Minnelli directed Meet Me in St. Louis using stunning close up shots and tender lighting to keep everything lit with a sweet glow. His camera work is steady and hypnotizes you around this gorgeous house from scene to scene. He really captures the sweet atmosphere of lounging around in St. Louis well. I have to mention my favorite part of the movie though! The two little actresses that play the youngest daughters: Margaret O'Brien as Tootie and Joan Caroll as Agnes. Their feisty personalities and quick wit make for highly entertaining sequences. They are two of the finest child actresses I have ever seen in any film! When Margaret O'Brien gets scared while out for Halloween tricks is adorable and hilarious. I think the entire Halloween sequence is my favorite scene in Meet Me in St. Louis. As this is often cited as a Christmas film, I must say the family vibe and the message of appreciating where you are, what you have, and who is around you holds up well. See more
Luke W Dec 23, 2018 It is alittle weird, but still one of the great classic musicals.
Harry R Dec 11, 2018 One of the strangest of the big MGM musicals. Almost nothing happens and what plot there is plays out in a far more melodramatic fashion than you'd expect. Still, the musical numbers are mostly great and Garland is wonderful in this. See more
Draco S Nov 12, 2018 Highly overrated film despite infectious songs and some really cute acting by Margaret O'Brien. Nothing really happens and the really big climax is a fizzer as they finally get to the world fair and its obviously just a studio lot with none of the grandeur or spectacle they refer to. Wasn't even filmed in St Louis. See more
Read all reviews
Meet Me in St. Louis

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING
Bachelor Mother 100% 89% Bachelor Mother Watchlist Swing Time 96% 86% Swing Time Watchlist How to Marry a Millionaire 81% 78% How to Marry a Millionaire Watchlist Funny Girl 95% 85% Funny Girl Watchlist TRAILER for Funny Girl On the Town 94% 83% On the Town Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis "Meet Me in St. Louis" is a classic MGM romantic musical comedy that focuses on four sisters (one of whom is the nonpareil Judy Garland) on the cusp of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. The film spotlights the sisters' education in the ways of the world, which includes, but isn't limited to, learning about life and love, courtesy of the prototypical boy next door. In the end, love -- accompanied by song, dance and period costumes, all in glorious Technicolor -- conquers all.
Director
Vincente Minnelli
Producer
Arthur Freed
Screenwriter
Irving Brecher, Fred F. Finklehoffe
Distributor
Warner Home Vídeo, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co
Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Genre
Musical
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 28, 1944, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 19, 2016
Runtime
1h 53m
Sound Mix
Mono
Join The Newsletter Join The Newsletter Cookie Settings