Les Misérables (2012 film)

Les Misérables (film)
Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	2012
Founder	Tom Hooper (director), William Nicholson, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer (screenplay)
Key people	Tom Hooper (director), Cameron Mackintosh (producer), Eric Fellner (producer), Tim Bevan (producer), Debra Hayward (producer)
Products	Musical film
Parent	Working Title Films

Les Misérables is a 2012 grand-scale period musical film helmed by director Tom Hooper, with a screenplay crafted by William Nicholson, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, and Herbert Kretzmer. This adaptation is based on the stage musical created by Schönberg, Boublil, and Jean-Marc Natel, which itself draws from Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables. The cast features Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen, supported by performances from Samantha Barks, Aaron Tveit, and Daniel Huttlestone. Set in early 19th-century France, the narrative follows Jean Valjean as he is relentlessly pursued by the policeman Javert while caring for the daughter of a factory worker during the 1832 June Rebellion.

After spending more than ten years in development limbo with various studios and talents involved, producer Cameron Mackintosh transferred the film rights to Eric Fellner, who co-financed the project alongside Tim Bevan and Debra Hayward through Working Title Films. Filming commenced in June 2011 under Hooper’s direction; principal photography took place from March to June 2012 across multiple locations including England, France, and Pinewood Studios.

The film debuted at London's Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on 5 December 2012, followed by a release through Universal Pictures on 25 December in the United States and on 11 January 2013 in the United Kingdom. It received widespread acclaim for its direction, production quality, musical sequences, and acting—particularly praising Jackman, Hathaway, Redmayne, Seyfried, Tveit, and Barks—though Crowe’s interpretation of Javert faced criticism. With a production budget of $61 million, it grossed $442.8 million worldwide. The film garnered eight nominations at the 85th Academy Awards, securing three wins, along with numerous other honors. Both the National Board of Review and American Film Institute included it among the top ten films of 2012. It is frequently recognized as one of the finest musical films produced in the 21st century.

To commemorate the stage musical’s 40th anniversary in 2025, a digitally remixed and remastered edition was re-released theatrically in Dolby Cinema on 14 February 2024 in the UK and on 23 February 2024 in the US.

Plot

In 1815, Jean Valjean, recently freed after serving nineteen years for bread theft and escape attempts, struggles to find employment or shelter despite his parole. The Bishop of Digne offers him aid and inspires a transformation toward an honest existence. Valjean violates his parole conditions and adopts a new identity to seek redemption.

Eight years onward, Valjean has become a respected factory owner and mayor of Montreuil. Javert, once a prison guard now serving as police chief, grows suspicious of Valjean’s true identity after witnessing his courageous acts. Fantine, an employee at Valjean’s factory, is dismissed because she has an illegitimate child named Cosette who lives under the harsh care of the Thénardiers. As Fantine’s health deteriorates, she sacrifices her hair and teeth and resorts to prostitution to support Cosette. Arrested by Javert but saved by Valjean, Fantine dies after entrusting her daughter’s welfare to him. Valjean clears Fantine’s debts and escapes with Cosette to avoid Javert.

Nine years later in Paris amid political unrest following General Lamarque’s death, Valjean serves as a benefactor. The revolutionary group Friends of the ABC conspires against the monarchy. Marius Pontmercy, part of this group, falls for Cosette. Éponine, daughter of the Thénardiers secretly enamored with Marius, assists him in locating Cosette but conceals their exchanges.

When Thénardier attempts to burglarize Valjean’s residence, Éponine intervenes. As Lamarque’s funeral procession ignites rebellion across Paris with barricades erected throughout the city, Javert infiltrates the insurgents but is unmasked by street child Gavroche. Éponine sacrifices herself protecting Marius and confesses her love before handing him Cosette’s letter. Valjean joins the uprising to defend Marius and spares Javert by staging his execution.

Following a military assault on the barricade, only Marius and Valjean survive by escaping through Paris’s sewers. Conflicted by Valjean’s mercy toward him, Javert takes his own life. Marius recovers but mourns Éponine’s passing.

Marius reunites with Cosette; Valjean reveals his history and decides to depart to safeguard their future happiness. At their wedding, Thénardier attempts blackmail but is exposed by Marius. They locate Valjean who provides letters confessing his past before dying peacefully. His spirit joins those who perished fighting for justice and redemption.

Cast

Hugh Jackman portrays Jean Valjean, a Frenchman freed after 19 years in prison for theft. To embody his character’s transformation, Jackman underwent weight fluctuations and engaged in extensive vocal training with coach Joan Lader, broadening his vocal range from baritone to tenor. His preparation also involved a demanding routine influenced by original co-director Trevor Nunn.
Russell Crowe takes on the role of Javert, a police inspector relentlessly pursuing Valjean. Crowe was initially reluctant but was persuaded by director Tom Hooper’s vision. He deepened his interpretation by studying historical figures such as Eugene Francois Vidocq.
Anne Hathaway plays Fantine, a factory worker who resorts to prostitution after losing her employment. For authenticity, Hathaway cut her hair and overcame early concerns regarding her age suitability for the part.
Amanda Seyfried appears as Cosette, Fantine’s daughter who is raised by Valjean. Seyfried collaborated with a vocal coach to capture the character’s emotional nuances. The younger version of Cosette is portrayed by child actress Isabelle Allen.
Eddie Redmayne embodies Marius Pontmercy, a revolutionary student who falls in love with Cosette. Redmayne contributed artistically by proposing that his character’s song begin a cappella to enhance its emotional impact.
The scheming innkeepers, the Thénardiers, are played by Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen. Bonham Carter reunited with Hooper following their work on The King's Speech, while Cohen prioritized this role over another significant film project.
Samantha Barks portrays Éponine, daughter of the Thénardiers. Having previously performed the role on stage, Barks combined elements from both the novel and musical to add depth to the character.
Aaron Tveit assumes the role of Enjolras, leader of the revolutionary faction. Despite being new to musical theatre, Tveit embraced the complexity of the role during an intense filming schedule.
Daniel Huttlestone plays Gavroche, the resourceful street child. Huttlestone reprised this role from the West End production to critical acclaim.

Supporting roles include original West End and Broadway cast members such as Colm Wilkinson as Bishop of Digne and Frances Ruffelle as a prostitute. Additional notable stage performers like Hadley Fraser, Gina Beck, and Michael Jibson also appear.

Several West End actors portray members of the revolutionary students: including George Blagden (Grantaire), Killian Donnelly (Combeferre), and Fra Fee (Courfeyrac). Other seasoned theatre professionals such as Kate Fleetwood, Hannah Waddingham, and Kerry Ellis contribute minor roles, enhancing the film’s theatrical authenticity.

Musical numbers

A selection of tracks from the soundtrack was issued by Universal Republic Records on 21 December 2012. A deluxe two-disc edition, released alongside the film’s DVD and Blu-ray, became available on 19 March 2013.

The motion picture includes almost every song from the original stage production, omitting only "I Saw Him Once" and "Dog Eats Dog," with many numbers shortened for pacing. Noteworthy edits include condensed versions of "The Attack on Rue Plumet" and "Little People." During "Valjean's Death," the Bishop sings alongside Fantine instead of Eponine, and "Stars" is repositioned before "Look Down," reflecting the arrangement from the 1985 London staging. Lyrics were modified in places to suit narrative adjustments and setting changes. The film also introduces a new piece titled "Suddenly," incorporates original compositions for battle sequences, and rearranges several songs' order. Key numbers such as "Who Am I?", "Stars," and both "Soliloquy" songs are performed in keys different from most prior recordings.

"Look Down" – Convicts, Javert, Valjean^†§
"The Bishop" – Bishop of Digne^†§
"Valjean's Soliloquy" – Valjean^†§
"At the End of the Day" – Poor, Foreman, Workers, Factory Women, Fantine, Valjean^†§
"The Runaway Cart" – Valjean, Javert
"The Docks (Lovely Ladies)" – Sailors, Old Woman, Fantine, Crone, Whores, Pimp, Toothman^§
"I Dreamed a Dream" – Fantine^†§
"Fantine's Arrest" – Bamatabois, Fantine, Javert, Valjean^§
"Who Am I?" – Valjean^§
"Fantine's Death" – Fantine, Valjean^§
"The Confrontation" – Javert, Valjean^†§
"Castle on a Cloud" – Young Cosette, Mme. Thénardier^†§
"Master of the House" – Thénardier, Mme. Thénardier, Inn Patrons^†§
"The Well Scene" – Valjean, Young Cosette^§
"The Bargain" – Valjean, Thénardier, Mme. Thénardier^§
"The Thénardier Waltz of Treachery" – Thénardier, Valjean, Mme. Thénardier, Young Cosette^§
"Suddenly" – Valjean^†§
"The Convent" – Valjean^§
"Stars" – Javert^§
"Paris/Look Down" – Gavroche, Beggars, Enjolras, Marius, Students^§
"The Robbery" – Thénardier, Mme. Thénardier, Éponine, Valjean^§
"Javert's Intervention" – Javert, Thénardier^§
"Éponine's Errand" – Éponine, Marius
"ABC Café/Red and Black" – Students, Enjolras, Marius, Grantaire, Gavroche^†§
"In My Life" – Cosette, Valjean, Marius, Éponine^§
"A Heart Full of Love" – Marius, Cosette, Éponine^†§
"The Attack on Rue Plumet" – Thénardier, Thieves, Éponine, Valjean
"On My Own" – Éponine^†§
"One Day More" – Valjean, Marius, Cosette, Éponine, Enjolras,
Javert,
Thénardier,
Mme. Thénardier,
Cast of ^†§
"Do You Hear the People Sing?" – Enjolras,
Marius,
Students,
Beggars^§
"Building the Barricade (Upon These Stones)" – Enjolras,
Javert,
Gavroche,
Students^§
"Javert's Arrival" – Javert,
Enjolras^§
"Little People" – Gavroche,
Students,
Enjolras,
Javert^§
"A Little Fall of Rain" – Éponine,
Marius^§
"Night of Anguish" – Enjolras,
Marius,
Valjean,
Javert,
Students
"Drink With Me" – Grantaire,
Marius,
Gavroche,
Students^†§
"Bring Him Home" – Valjean^†§
"Dawn of Anguish" – Enjolras,
Marius,
Gavroche,
Students^§
"The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche)" – Gavroche,
Enjolras,
Students,
Army Officer^§
"The Sewers" – Valjean,
Javert^§
"Javert's Suicide" – Javert^†§
"Turning" – Parisian women^§
"Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" – Marius^†§
"A Heart Full of Love [Reprise]" – Marius,
Cosette,
Valjean,
Gillenormand^§
"Valjean's Confession" – Valjean,
Marius^§
"Suddenly [Reprise]" – Marius,
Cosette^§
"Wedding Chorale" – Chorus,
Marius,
Thénardier,
Mme. Thénardier <su p=""> § </su p="">
“Beggars at the Feast” – Thénardier,
Mme. Thénardier <su p=""> § </su p="">

# 	“Valjean’s Death” - Valjean , Fantine , Cosette , Marius , Bishop of Digne < sup > † § < / sup >
# 	“Do You Hear the People Sing? [Reprise] / Epilogue” - The Cast of  < sup > † § < / sup >

* <su p=""> † </su p=""> Tracks included on highlights edition soundtrack
<su p=""> § </su p=""> Tracks included on deluxe edition soundtrack

Development

In 1988, Alan Parker was approached to direct a film version of the Les Misérables musical. By 1991, Bruce Beresford had been appointed as director. In 1992, producer Cameron Mackintosh revealed that TriStar Pictures would join as co-producers, but the project was eventually shelved. Interest in adapting the musical reignited in 2005, with Mackintosh stressing the importance of selecting a director who possessed a clear vision to maintain the involvement of the original creative team and deliver a fresh cinematic experience.

Negotiations to acquire film rights began in 2009, led by producer Eric Fellner, and were finalized toward the end of 2011. Fellner, Tim Bevan, and Debra Hayward partnered with Mackintosh as producers, commissioning William Nicholson to develop the screenplay, which he completed within six weeks. The announcement of the film adaptation was confirmed through the Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary DVD and Blu-ray release.

Pre-production

By March 2011, Tom Hooper entered talks to direct based on Nicholson’s script. Official production commenced in June with Mackintosh and Working Title Films collaborating as co-producers. Hugh Jackman began discussions to portray Jean Valjean, with Paul Bettany considered for Javert. Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter were also attached to the project.

By September 2011, Jackman secured the role of Valjean while Russell Crowe was cast as Javert. In October, Mackintosh confirmed Hathaway’s casting as Fantine; other actresses considered for the role included Amy Adams and Kate Winslet. Hathaway underwent a significant physical transformation for Fantine, including an on-camera haircut and a weight loss of 25 pounds. Jackman likewise reduced his weight to authentically depict Valjean’s imprisonment.

Eddie Redmayne joined the cast as Marius in November 2011. The role of Éponine attracted notable contenders such as Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift. After an extensive audition process, Samantha Barks—who had previously portrayed Éponine on stage—was cast in January 2012. Amanda Seyfried was offered Cosette, while Helena Bonham Carter was confirmed as Madame Thénardier.

Hooper committed to retaining the musical’s sung-through structure with minimal spoken dialogue and opted against filming in 3D, focusing on emotional depth rather than visual spectacle. Sacha Baron Cohen entered negotiations for Thénardier, and Aaron Tveit was cast as Enjolras. Cameo appearances were made by original West End performers Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle.

A notable innovation during production involved actors singing live on set while listening to piano tracks through earpieces; orchestral accompaniment was added during post-production. This approach received praise from cast members for enhancing performance authenticity.

Casting calls for extras occurred in early 2012 at venues including the University of Portsmouth and Chatham Maritime. Additionally, Mackintosh unveiled a new song titled "Suddenly," composed to enrich Valjean’s relationship with Cosette.

Rehearsals began in January 2012 ahead of principal photography planned for March. Sacha Baron Cohen’s casting was officially confirmed that same month. Interestingly, no table read took place before filming commenced.

Filming

With a production budget set at $61 million, principal photography commenced on 8 March 2012 in Gourdon. Filming locations across England included Boughton House, the Chantry Chapel and Cloisters at Winchester College, Winchester Cathedral Close, Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth, Chatham Dockyard, the Ashridge Estate, St Mary the Virgin Church in Ewelme, South Oxfordshire, and Pinewood Studios. During April 2012, the crew constructed a replica of the Elephant of the Bastille in Greenwich, reflecting the novel’s depiction where Gavroche resides within this deteriorating monument.

Additional scenes were shot on location in Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes in France. Footage featuring Hathaway performing "I Dreamed a Dream" was unveiled at CinemaCon on 26 April 2012. On 5 June 2012, Russell Crowe confirmed completion of his scenes, followed by Samantha Barks and Hugh Jackman, who announced their filming wrapped on 23 June 2012. Some final shots were reshot in Bath, Somerset during October 2012 to correct stunt sequences for Javert's suicide at Pulteney Weir, which was not originally filmed there but required adjustments due to post-production issues.

Post-production

The film’s vocal performances were captured live on set, accompanied by live piano played through earpieces as a reference, with orchestral arrangements incorporated later during post-production. This approach differs from the conventional technique where actors lip-sync to pre-recorded tracks played back during filming. To record these vocals, production sound mixer Simon Hayes utilized 50 DPA 4071 lavalier microphones. Director Hooper explained his reasoning behind this decision:

Although marketed as an innovative technique, live vocal recording has precedent in earlier cinema, including early talkies, the 1975 20th Century Fox productions At Long Last Love and The Magic Flute, the 1995 film The Fantasticks, segments of the 1996 film Evita, the 2001 release Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and the Beatles-inspired 2007 movie Across the Universe.

On 27 August 2012, producers revealed that orchestral recording sessions would commence in London on 10 October with a 70-piece orchestra. Composer Claude-Michel Schönberg also contributed additional score material to enhance the film’s soundtrack.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Marketing

On 20 September 2012, an extended first look was shared on the film's official Facebook page, emphasizing Hooper’s live vocal recording technique as opposed to traditional pre-recorded studio tracks. Hugh Jackman highlighted that this method granted him increased artistic freedom by allowing him to concentrate entirely on his performance. Both Hooper and the cast believed this would infuse the film with greater emotional depth and authenticity. Throughout the video, cast members praised Hooper’s vision, with Hooper describing it as "an amazing opportunity to do something genuinely groundbreaking."

Clips showcasing performances by Jackman, Hathaway, Seyfried, Redmayne, and Barks received positive reactions, particularly Hathaway’s rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" featured in the teaser trailer. On 24 September 2012, a poster displaying young Cosette (Isabelle Allen), reminiscent of the musical’s iconic imagery, was released via the film’s Facebook page. Subsequent character posters for Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine, and Cosette appeared on 12 October, followed by posters for Thénardiers and Marius on 1 November.

Release

The initial release date was planned for 7 December 2012, but in the United States, it was postponed to 14 December. On 18 September, the launch was further postponed to 25 December to avoid clashing with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (which premiered on 14 December), leading to a concurrent debut with Django Unchained. In the United Kingdom, the film was released on 11 January 2013.

The movie had its premiere at Lincoln Center in New York City on 23 November 2012, where it was met with a standing ovation. A later screening in Los Angeles also received favorable feedback.

Les Misérables officially debuted on 5 December 2012 at the Empire, Leicester Square in London. The red carpet event was broadcast live online, hosted by Michael Ball, who originally portrayed Marius in the West End production. On its US release date of 25 December 2012, the film opened in select IMAX venues across New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Montreal, followed by an international IMAX rollout on 10 January 2013. Distribution responsibilities were managed by Universal Pictures throughout North America, Latin America, and much of Europe, while Toho (via Toho-Towa) handled distribution in Japan.

2024 Dolby Cinema remaster and re-release

On 16 August 2023, Mackintosh revealed plans for a digital remix and remaster of the film utilizing Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies in anticipation of the stage musical’s 40th anniversary in 2025. The Dolby Atmos remix was overseen by Mackintosh, director Hooper, music producer Lee McCutcheon, music director Stephen Metcalfe, and sound engineer Andy Nelson. Hooper emphasized the immersive nature of the remix, describing it as "spreading the orchestra" around audiences to deliver a superior musical experience comparable to a "musical equivalent of a wide shot."

The remastered edition premiered at the Odeon Luxe West End on 6 February 2024 and was subsequently released for limited one-week engagements at select Dolby Cinema and AMC Theatres locations: on 14 February in the UK, Australia, and Ireland; 23 February in the US; 14 March in the Netherlands; and 9 May in New Zealand. The worldwide rollout will continue throughout 2024 with scheduled releases in South Korea, Germany, Denmark during Q2, and Japan in August.

Hugh Jackman expressed excitement about the re-release, describing it as "one of the great experiences" of his career and commending director Tom Hooper alongside his fellow cast members. He encouraged audiences to enjoy the film as it was originally meant to be seen—on the big screen.

Home media

In the United Kingdom, the film became available on DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD starting 13 May 2013; in the United States, these formats were released on 22 March 2013. The DVD edition features three behind-the-scenes featurettes: The Stars of Les Misérables, Creating the Perfect Paris, and The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, along with an audio commentary by director Tom Hooper. The Blu-ray version includes four additional featurettes: Les Misérables Singing Live, Battle at the Barricade, The West End Connection, and Les Misérables On Location. A 4K Blu-ray release followed in the US on 18 July 2023 and later in the UK on 11 September 2023.

Box office

The film accumulated $149.3 million across the United States and Canada, with an international haul of $293.5 million, bringing the global total to $442.8 million.

Debuting in North America on December 25, 2012, it premiered in 2,808 venues and secured the top spot at the box office with $18.1 million on opening day—setting a new record for the highest single-day revenue for a musical film and ranking second among Christmas Day openings. Its total for the opening weekend reached $27.3 million, placing it third behind Django Unchained and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Upon its UK release on January 11, 2013, the film earned £8.1 million (approximately $13.1 million) during its first weekend, marking the strongest debut for both a musical film and a Working Title Productions release. It held the record for the largest worldwide opening for a stage musical adaptation until Wicked surpassed it with a $162.9 million global launch.

In 2024, a Dolby Cinema re-release ran for one week starting February 23 in 162 North American theaters, competing directly with the IMAX reissue of Christopher Nolan's Tenet. The re-release generated $160,000 on its initial day and totaled $450,370 throughout its run. In New Zealand during May 2024, this reissue earned $6,778 in its opening weekend and concluded with a cumulative gross of $7,850.

Critical response

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 70% approval rating based on 258 reviews, averaging 6.9/10, with a consensus noting: "Meticulously crafted yet occasionally overblown, it largely succeeds due to outstanding performances from its distinguished ensemble." On Metacritic, it achieved a score of 63 out of 100 from 41 critics, reflecting "generally favorable" reviews. Audience feedback via CinemaScore resulted in an average grade of "A." The cast received commendation, particularly Jackman, Hathaway, Redmayne, Seyfried, Barks, and Tveit; however, Crowe’s portrayal attracted criticism. The live vocal performances elicited mixed reactions despite significant promotional emphasis.

Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph awarded five stars, describing the film as a blockbuster filled with “bursts of sorrow” and “million-dollar heartbreak spectacles,” recommending viewing on large screens during its initial week. The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw deemed it "captivating and at times compelling," even appealing to those not typically fans of sung-through musicals. Kenneth Turan from Los Angeles Times praised its emotional resonance, while Peter Travers of Rolling Stone highlighted its blend of humor, heartbreak, and romance despite some flaws.

In contrast, Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter acknowledged its appeal to specific audiences but questioned its overall quality. Manohla Dargis of The New York Times criticized the director’s heavy-handed approach. Justin Chang from Variety commended most lead performances aside from Crowe’s and found the editing pace hurried.

Calum Marsh of Slant Magazine rated it one star, condemning both the live singing and cinematography as excessive and poorly handled. Michael Phillips from Chicago Tribune assigned one-and-a-half stars, citing disorganized camerawork and overwhelming intensity.

Anne Hathaway’s interpretation of "I Dreamed a Dream" received widespread acclaim and was frequently likened to Jennifer Hudson’s iconic rendition in Dreamgirls. Critics such as Christopher Orr from The Atlantic predicted an Oscar win due to her emotionally powerful delivery. Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post identified it as the film’s centerpiece, while Joy Tipping of The Dallas Morning News described her performance as "angelic." Claudia Puig from USA Today called Hathaway's work "superb," and Peter Travers labeled it "volcanic" with strong Oscar potential. Hathaway ultimately secured the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Eddie Redmayne garnered significant praise for his role as Marius; Bloomberg News referred to his portrayal as the most emotionally stirring in the film. Samantha Barks also received accolades portraying Éponine—described by Digital Journal as elegant and by Claudia Puig as "heartbreakingly soulful." Richard Roeper called her performance "star-making."

Russell Crowe’s performance attracted negative feedback. Director Tom Hooper defended his casting decisions in an interview with USA Today, explaining the difficulty in finding actors capable of both singing live and delivering convincing screen acting simultaneously. Hooper stressed that using original live vocal takes preserved authenticity and emotional depth. Emma Gosnell from The Daily Telegraph reported leaving early due to unsatisfactory singing by Crowe and Jackman. Playback singer Marni Nixon commented that Crowe lacked vocal skill and suggested Jackman might have benefited from a stronger voice.

Legacy

Since its debut, the film has been met mostly with positive assessments. In 2018, Den of Geek included it among the "Best Movie Musicals of the 21st Century," applauding Tom Hooper’s success in merging gritty source material with an expansive songbook. Eddie Redmayne’s rendition of "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" was singled out as one of the most emotionally resonant musical sequences in contemporary cinema.

NextBestPicture ranked it fifth on their list of top movie musicals from this century, recognizing it as a definitive adaptation that emphasizes themes like redemption and love. In 2020, HuffPost placed it fourteenth within their "20 Best Movie Musicals Of The 21st Century." By 2022, MovieWeb ranked it third overall while highlighting Anne Hathaway’s standout performance in "I Dreamed a Dream"; they also positioned it thirteenth among best musical adaptations citing cinematic benefits from closed-set filming.

For its tenth anniversary in 2022, Screen Rant lauded production elements such as costume design, makeup artistry, large-scale sets alongside Hathaway’s live singing performance. The site ranked it sixteenth among all-time great musicals and eighth among twenty-first-century movie musicals. In 2023, Collider placed it ninth among historical epics describing it as “one of the most powerful and emotionally charged musicals ever produced.” Additionally, Marie Claire featured it within their list titled "The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time." That year, CinemaBlend acknowledged evolving opinions about the film but emphasized that performances by Hathaway, Redmayne, and others remain enduring highlights.

A review accompanying the 2024 Dolby Cinema remaster by Jack Walters of Loud and Clear Reviews praised Hooper’s direction for fully realizing narrative scope through production design and cinematography—advantages unique to cinema versus stage adaptations. Tim Grierson from RogerEbert.com revisited Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Javert as courageous and sincere despite earlier criticism.

By February 2025, The Washington Post ranked this adaptation fourteenth among top movie musicals of the century highlighting Hooper’s skill at capturing both epic scale and intimate melodrama. In July 2025, readers voted it number 475 on The New York Times Readers' Choice list titled "The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century."

Hooper’s innovative choice to have actors sing live during filming marked a pivotal evolution in movie musicals influencing productions like Cats, Dear Evan Hansen, Cyrano, along with select sequences in both La La Land and ‘’West Side Story.’’ This technique enhanced authenticity and emotional resonance within musical cinema.

Cultural impact

Much like its theatrical counterpart, this film remains frequently referenced within popular culture. Noteworthy examples include the 2013 Tumblr phenomenon "Les Mean Girls," which combined stills from this movie with dialogue from the 2004 comedy Mean Girls. A memorable parody by Key & Peele, featuring Keegan-Michael Key as Javert struggling vocally alongside Jordan Peele's Valjean—filmed emulating Tom Hooper’s signature visual style—also gained attention. In 2014, a Sesame Street spoof titled Les Mousserables, starring Cookie Monster as “Jean Bom-Bom,” used similar production designs inspired by this film's aesthetic.

The rendition of "Do You Hear The People Sing?" became notably symbolic during protests amid the 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 outbreak, where clips circulated widely on Twitter before being censored by Chinese authorities. Furthermore, scenes depicting barricades from the stage version—shot using this movie’s cinematic techniques paired with the original French version of "Do You Hear The People Sing?"—were referenced during the “Liberté” segment at the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Accolades

At the 2013 Academy Awards ceremony, Les Misérables secured three wins: Best Supporting Actress (Anne Hathaway), Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Sound Mixing. It also earned five additional nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hugh Jackman.

External links

Armenian version of Les Misérables