What's Love Got to Do With It

Play trailer

What's Love Got to Do With It

R

1993

1h 58m

Biography

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

59 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Based on the life of the legendary soul singer, Tina Turner (Angela Bassett) -- born Anna Mae Bullock -- discovers her love of singing in her Tennessee church choir. She moves to St. Louis to pursue a career, and there she meets the charismatic Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne), who rechristens her Tina and offers to help her succeed. As a musical team, Ike and Tina take the charts by storm. But as his physical abuse worsens, Tina has to make the tough decision to leave Ike and set out on her own.

Critics Consensus

With a fascinating real-life story and powerhouse performances from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, What's Love Got to Do With It? is a can't miss biopic.

Read Critics Reviews

Derek Malcolm

Guardian

05/12/2021

What's Love Got To Do With It may not be quite in the class of George Cukor but it's a lot better, for instance, than Mark Rydell's picking of the bones of Janis Joplin in The Rose.

Go to Full Review

Stephen Amidon

Financial Times

04/21/2021

The two leads turn in powerful performances.

Go to Full Review

Geoff Brown

The Times (UK)

04/21/2021

As an actor's showcase, the film is a dream.

Go to Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

02/06/2025

7/10

The characterizations and details are occasionally startling; the extent of her husband’s vicious mistreatment and relentless disregard for her safety – and its significant effects on her mental wellbeing – are thoroughly monstrous.

Go to Full Review

Joseph Robinson

Fish Jelly Films (YouTube)

07/29/2023

4.5/5

What's Love Got to Do With It is a classic and should be used as the blueprint for this sort of sweeping biopic: superb acting, a strong script, excellent production value, and access to the artist's material.

Go to Full Review

Philip French

Observer (UK)

05/12/2021

A major high spot and a pivotal point in the couple's troubled relationship comes when Phil Spector intrudes to produce 'River Deep, Mountain High'. The power of the song embodies the drama.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Joy B.

@9mr_0 Jan 14

فلم حلو. القصة متماسكة وسردها المخرج بطريقة ممتازة و متزنة. اداء الممثلين كان رائع و خصوصا البطلة ادائها كان قوي وحضورها رائع. التصوير كان رائع و اختيار الاغاني كان جيد جدا.

See more

In Obsidian O

@TheTvMartian Nov 14

My partner convinced me to watch this. I knew little about Tina Turner and expected the same biopic as all others (Self-Indulgent, Celeb Worship Meh) I was not ready to be traumatised. Not for the faint-hearted, this movie captures a dark truth about women's exploitation and does not shy away from the horror of domestic violence. Performances are incredible with Angela Bassett giving an Oscar-worthy performance.

See more

Tyler S

@tylerking24 Jul 23

I enjoyed this very much. Tragic to see what Tina Turner went through, but now I can say I generally know her career. The tunes were really freaking good too. And props to Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne on some great performances as Ike and Tina Turner.

See more

Nicholas B

@Nicholas657 05/26/2025

What's Love Got to Do with It is an outstanding five-star biographical drama that I absolutely admire. With its powerful performances, gripping storytelling, and emotional depth, it delivers an unforgettable and inspiring experience. Angela Bassett shines as Tina Turner, capturing her strength and resilience, while Laurence Fishburne delivers a compelling portrayal of Ike Turner. The film’s raw depiction of Tina’s journey—from hardship to triumph—makes it a deeply moving and impactful masterpiece!

See more

Stephen C

@bob25009 05/20/2025

1 hour and 58 minutes based on real events!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The worldwide gross is $39,100,956.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See more

Francisco S

@FranciscoSerrano73 04/19/2025

I´ve seen boxing movies with less punches thrown.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Brian Gibson

Director

Angela Bassett

Tina Turner

Laurence Fishburne

Ike Turner, Sr.

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Jackie

Jenifer Lewis

Zelma Bullock

RaéVen Larrymore Kelly

Young Anna Mae Bullock

I Shot Andy Warhol

78%

70%

I Shot Andy Warhol

Watchlist

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge

83%

81%

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge

Watchlist

Surviving Picasso

33%

60%

Surviving Picasso

Watchlist

Why Do Fools Fall in Love

54%

76%

Why Do Fools Fall in Love

Watchlist

Norma Jean & Marilyn

60%

42%

Norma Jean & Marilyn

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

87 Fearless Women Movie Heroes Who Inspire Us

50 F–k Yeah Moments of Female Empowerment in the Movies

Definitive Angela Bassett Roles

View more photos

Synopsis

Based on the life of the legendary soul singer, Tina Turner (Angela Bassett) -- born Anna Mae Bullock -- discovers her love of singing in her Tennessee church choir. She moves to St. Louis to pursue a career, and there she meets the charismatic Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne), who rechristens her Tina and offers to help her succeed. As a musical team, Ike and Tina take the charts by storm. But as his physical abuse worsens, Tina has to make the tough decision to leave Ike and set out on her own.

Director: Brian Gibson
Producer: Doug Chapin, Barry Krost
Screenwriter: Tina Turner, Kurt Loder, Kate Lanier
Distributor: Abril Vídeo, Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 9, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $38.9M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Surround