Paris Is Burning_
"Having a ball… Wish you were here"
Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.
Starring
Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza
Box Office
$3.8M
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
MUBI
27 countries
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Box office
Paris Is Burning earned $3.8M worldwide on a $500K budget — a 660% return on investment.
Year context
Paris Is Burning was released 35 years ago in 1991.
Paris Is Burning is a Documentary film with a runtime of 1h 18m.
CAST (20)
Pepper LaBeija
Self
Octavia St. Laurent
Self
Venus Xtravaganza
Self
Dorian Corey
Self
Willi Ninja
Self
Paris Dupree
Self
Freddie Pendavis
Self
SW
Sol Williams Pendavis
Self
Junior LaBeija
Self
Angie Xtravaganza
Self
Carmen Xtravaganza
Self
Brooke Xtravaganza
Self
KP
Kim Pendavis
Self
SN
Sandy Ninja
Self
Avis Pendavis
Self
AC
Andre Christian
Self
SS
Stevie St. Laurent
Self
BX
Bianca Xtravaganza
Self
DX
Danny Xtravaganza
Self
DX
David Xtravaganza
Self
BOX OFFICE
$500K
Budget
$3.8M
Revenue
+660%
ROI
MASSIVE HIT
Verdict
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
78 min (1h 18m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
8.0/10 (526 votes)
Popularity
1
Budget
$500,000
Box Office
$3,800,000
Profit
+$3,300,000
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Paris Is Burning about?
Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.
How long is Paris Is Burning?
Paris Is Burning has a runtime of 78 minutes (1h 18m).
Who stars in Paris Is Burning?
The cast of Paris Is Burning includes Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, Willi Ninja.
How much did Paris Is Burning make at the box office?
Paris Is Burning earned $3,800,000 worldwide at the box office. The production budget was $500,000.
What is the rating of Paris Is Burning?
Paris Is Burning has a rating of 8.0 out of 10 based on 526 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (1)
Documentary