2008·History·2h 8m
7.4
★
The true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man ever elected to public office. In San Francisco in the late 1970s, Harvey Milk becomes an activist for gay rights and inspires others to join him in his fight for equal rights that should be available to all Americans.
Directed by Gus Van Sant
california
election campaign
politics
homophobia
san francisco, california
1970s
mayor
politician
biography
based on true story
murder
male homosexuality
morality
election
biting
lgbt
candlelight vigil
lgbt activist
mayoral campaign
gay history
gay theme
gay rights
cautionary
intense
antagonistic
enraged
inflammatory
Rank
#28 in 2008·#1981 overall
Trailer
Where to Watch
Cast
Sean Penn
Harvey Milk
Emile Hirsch
Cleve Jones
Josh Brolin
Dan White
Diego Luna
Jack Lira
James Franco
Scott Smith
Alison Pill
Anne Kronenberg
Victor Garber
Mayor Moscone
Denis O'Hare
John Briggs
Joseph Cross
Dick Pabich
Stephen Spinella
Rick Stokes
Boyd Holbrook
Denton Smith
Lucas Grabeel
Danny Nicoletta
Crew
Gus Van Sant
Director
Dustin Lance Black
Writer
Danny Elfman
Original Music Composer
Elliot Graham
Editor
Harris Savides
Director of Photography
Bruce Cohen
Producer
Dustin Lance Black
Executive Producer
William Horberg
Executive Producer
Bruna Papandrea
Executive Producer
Dan Jinks
Producer
Michael London
Executive Producer
Leslie Shatz
Sound Designer
Popular Reviews
765 reviews
Michael JecmenPRO
7.9★ · 05/12/26
a biopic about an sf legend? sign me up
sean penn rules. #getmilked
sean penn rules. #getmilked
a biopic about an sf legend? sign me up
sean penn rules. #getmilked
sean penn rules. #getmilked
6
1Ben GivertzPRO
8.6★ · 05/13/26
5
1Adrian LopezPRO
9.1★ · 12/20/25
If a man chooses to love another man, it’s really none of my business and I could care less. I was shocked to learn that being gay in that day and age was damn near illegal. This was a great movie overall, very informative and I learned a little bit about that community.
Sean Penn goes deeep into character haha I really admired his performance, some of his best acting honestly. I liked that Emile Hirsch from Alpha Dog and The Girl Next Door was in here, always good to see him working. One of my favorite Franco roles as well his portrayal as this character was unique I really felt his sorrow for Harvey. Brolin is just a professional. This was a tremendous film. 🎥
Sean Penn goes deeep into character haha I really admired his performance, some of his best acting honestly. I liked that Emile Hirsch from Alpha Dog and The Girl Next Door was in here, always good to see him working. One of my favorite Franco roles as well his portrayal as this character was unique I really felt his sorrow for Harvey. Brolin is just a professional. This was a tremendous film. 🎥
If a man chooses to love another man, it’s really none of my business and I could care less. I was shocked to learn that being gay in that day and age was damn near illegal. This was a great movie overall, very informative and I learned a little bit about that community.
Sean Penn goes deeep into character haha I really admired his performance, some of his best acting honestly. I liked that Emile Hirsch from Alpha Dog and The Girl Next Door was in here, always good to see him working. One of my favorite Franco roles as well his portrayal as this character was unique I really felt his sorrow for Harvey. Brolin is just a professional. This was a tremendous film. 🎥
Sean Penn goes deeep into character haha I really admired his performance, some of his best acting honestly. I liked that Emile Hirsch from Alpha Dog and The Girl Next Door was in here, always good to see him working. One of my favorite Franco roles as well his portrayal as this character was unique I really felt his sorrow for Harvey. Brolin is just a professional. This was a tremendous film. 🎥
3
3Caity FreitasPRO
8.5★ · 05/12/26
SF history, Duboce Park cameo, crazy real story, sweetness! Recommend to any SF resident
SF history, Duboce Park cameo, crazy real story, sweetness! Recommend to any SF resident
4
Jay Hope
sean penn gets milked
sean penn gets milked
1