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12 Years a Slave

2013·Movie·R·134 min·7.9(12,026)

The extraordinary true story of Solomon Northup.

In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.

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Where to watch 12 Years a Slave in United States

Click a service to open 12 Years a Slave there. Availability last verified on June 23, 2026.

Where is 12 Years a Slave streaming around the world?

CountryStreaming onRent / Buy
United StatesHuluAmazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies
United KingdomApple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video
CanadaApple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo
AustraliaStanJustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video
GermanyArthouseCNMA, Arthouse CNMA Amazon Channel, Magenta TV+Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies
FranceMolotov TVApple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Canal VOD
SpainNetflix, Amazon Prime Video, Movistar Plus+, Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies
BrazilAmazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, MUBI, Paramount+ Amazon Channel
JapanGoogle Play Movies

About 12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave is a 2013 English-language drama and history film directed by Steve McQueen. The cast is led by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o. It has a runtime of 2h 14m. Viewers rate it 7.9/10 across 12000 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Hulu.

12 Years a Slave was produced by New Regency Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, and River Road Entertainment and made in United Kingdom and United States of America. It was released on October 18, 2013, and carries a R certification. Made on a budget of about $20 million, it went on to gross $187 million worldwide.

Director
Steve McQueen
Writers
John Ridley
Release date
October 18, 2013
Original language
English
Age rating
R
Status
Released
Country
United Kingdom, United States of America
Budget
$20 million
Box office
$187 million
Production
New Regency Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, River Road Entertainment
#slavery#louisiana#based on true story#racism#based on memoir or autobiography#period drama#slave owner#shocking#19th century#sold into slavery#abolitionist#african american history#american history#deep south

12 Years a Slave cast & crew

12 Years a Slave was directed by Steve McQueen and written by John Ridley.

The cast features Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, Michael Fassbender as Edwin Epps, Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey, Benedict Cumberbatch as William Ford, Paul Dano as John Tibeats, and Sarah Paulson as Mary Epps.

Behind the camera, the score was composed by Hans Zimmer, cinematography is by Sean Bobbitt, and it was produced by Dede Gardner and Bill Pohlad.

Is 12 Years a Slave worth watching?

12 Years a Slave holds an audience score of 7.9/10 from 12,026 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.

At 2h 14m, it's a standard feature-length watch.

If you enjoy drama and history, 12 Years a Slave is worth a place on your watchlist.

How and where to watch 12 Years a Slave

In United States, you can stream 12 Years a Slave on Hulu, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Click any service above to open it directly.

Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.

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Cast of 12 Years a Slave

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Solomon Northup

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender

Edwin Epps

Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o

Patsey

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch

William Ford

Paul Dano

Paul Dano

John Tibeats

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson

Mary Epps

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye

Eliza

Scoot McNairy

Scoot McNairy

Brown

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti

Theophilus Freeman

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt

Samuel Bass

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael Kenneth Williams

Robert

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard

Mistress Shaw

12 Years a Slave — FAQs

Where can I watch 12 Years a Slave in United States?

12 Years a Slave is streaming on Hulu in United States.

Is 12 Years a Slave on Hulu?

Yes — 12 Years a Slave is currently available on Hulu in United States.

What language is 12 Years a Slave in?

12 Years a Slave is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.

How long is 12 Years a Slave?

12 Years a Slave runs 2 hours 14 minutes (134 minutes).

What is 12 Years a Slave rated?

12 Years a Slave is rated R. It holds a 7.9/10 audience score from 12,026 ratings.

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