Bessie
“Survival began with a song”
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
Where to watch Bessie in United States
HBO Max Amazon Channel
HBO Max
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Bessie there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Bessie streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| India | JioHotstar | — |
| United Kingdom | HBO Max Amazon Channel | Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Canada | Crave, Crave Amazon Channel | Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple TV Store |
| Australia | Foxtel Now, HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | Fetch TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Germany | HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | Amazon Video |
| France | HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | — |
| Spain | Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total , HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | — |
| Brazil | HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | — |
About Bessie
Bessie is a 2015 English-language drama, music and tv movie film directed by Dee Rees. The cast is led by Queen Latifah, Mo'Nique, Mike Epps. It has a runtime of 1h 47m. Viewers rate it 6.4/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
Bessie was produced by The Zanuck Company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, and HBO Films and made in United States of America. It was released on May 16, 2015, and carries a 15 certification.
- Director
- Dee Rees
- Writers
- Dee Rees, Horton Foote, Bettina Gilois
- Release date
- May 16, 2015
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- 15
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Production
- The Zanuck Company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, HBO Films
Bessie cast & crew
Bessie was directed by Dee Rees and written by Dee Rees, Horton Foote, and Bettina Gilois.
The cast features Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith, Mo'Nique as Ma Rainey, Mike Epps as Richard, Tika Sumpter as Lucille, Michael Kenneth Williams as Jack Gee, and Charles S. Dutton as William 'Pa' Rainey.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Rachel Portman, cinematography is by Jeffrey Jur, and it was produced by Shakim Compere and Randi Michel.
Is Bessie worth watching?
Bessie holds an audience score of 6.4/10 from 129 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 1h 47m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama, music, and tv movie, Bessie is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Bessie
In United States, you can stream Bessie on HBO Max Amazon Channel and HBO Max, 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.
Rate & review
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Cast of Bessie
Queen Latifah
Bessie Smith
Mo'Nique
Ma Rainey
Mike Epps
Richard
Tika Sumpter
Lucille
Michael Kenneth Williams
Jack Gee
Charles S. Dutton
William 'Pa' Rainey
Bryan Greenberg
John Hammond
Oliver Platt
Carl Van Vechten
Khandi Alexander
Viola
Tory Kittles
Clarence
Kamryn Johnson
Young Bessie
Rikki McKinney
Chorus Guy
Bessie — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Bessie in United States?
Bessie is streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max in United States.
▸Is Bessie on HBO Max Amazon Channel?
Yes — Bessie is currently available on HBO Max Amazon Channel in United States.
▸What language is Bessie in?
Bessie is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Bessie?
Bessie runs 1 hours 47 minutes (107 minutes).
▸What is Bessie rated?
Bessie is rated 15. It holds a 6.4/10 audience score from 129 ratings.
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