This study points out the kinds of human needs experienced by the main character and characteristics of self-actualization reflected by the main character, Barnum in The Greatest Showman movie. It is aimed to describe and explain Barnum’s basic needs and the criteria of self-actualization that appeared in him.
This study used the Hierarchy of Needs theory by Abraham Maslow and applied descriptively qualitative research to analyze the collected data from dialogues, monologues, and narratives in the movie script. In data collecting, the researcher used several steps, for instance watching the movie, reading the movie script identifying the data, classifying the data, and reducing the collected data from the movie.
The result of the study highlighted the kinds of human needs experienced by Barnum in The Greatest Showman movie. Every single thing that belonged to him such as having food and water, a house, a wife, other people’s appreciation and still many more reflected the completion of his basic needs. This study also explained the characteristics of self-actualization reflected by Barnum such as the more efficient perception of reality, seeing objects or individuals objectively and accepting nature, other people and oneself, spontaneity, simplicity and naturalness in additional he also shows autonomy, continued freshness of appreciation, Gemeinschaftsgefühl or social interest, a democratic character structure, creativity and resistance to enculturation.
Keyword: Hierarchy of needs theory, Abraham Maslow, The Greatest Showman