Bigger Than Life
“The story of the handful of hope that became a fistful of hell!”
A friendly, successful suburban teacher and father grows dangerously addicted to cortisone, resulting in his transformation into a household despot.
Where to watch Bigger Than Life in United States
Criterion ChannelClick a service to open Bigger Than Life there. Availability last verified on July 11, 2026.
Where is Bigger Than Life streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel | — |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | — |
| Spain | Filmin | — |
About Bigger Than Life
Bigger Than Life is a 1956 English-language drama film directed by Nicholas Ray. The cast is led by James Mason, Barbara Rush, Walter Matthau. It has a runtime of 1h 35m. Viewers rate it 7.2/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.
Bigger Than Life was produced by 20th Century Fox and made in United States of America. It was released on November 20, 1956, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Nicholas Ray
- Writers
- Cyril Hume, Richard Maibaum
- Release date
- November 20, 1956
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Production
- 20th Century Fox
Bigger Than Life cast & crew
Bigger Than Life was directed by Nicholas Ray and written by Cyril Hume and Richard Maibaum.
The cast features James Mason as Ed Avery, Barbara Rush as Lou Avery, Walter Matthau as Wally Gibbs, Robert F. Simon as Dr. Norton, Christopher Olsen as Richie Avery, and Roland Winters as Dr. Ruric.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by David Raksin, cinematography is by Joseph MacDonald, and it was produced by James Mason.
Is Bigger Than Life worth watching?
Bigger Than Life holds an audience score of 7.2/10 from 184 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 1h 35m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy drama, Bigger Than Life is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Bigger Than Life
In United States, you can stream Bigger Than Life on Criterion Channel. 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 Bigger Than Life
James Mason
Ed Avery
Barbara Rush
Lou Avery
Walter Matthau
Wally Gibbs
Robert F. Simon
Dr. Norton
Christopher Olsen
Richie Avery
Roland Winters
Dr. Ruric
Rusty Lane
Bob LaPorte
Rachel Stephens
Nurse
Kipp Hamilton
Pat Wade
Betty Caulfield
Mrs. LaPorte (uncredited)
Virginia Carroll
Mrs. Jones (uncredited)
Renny McEvoy
Mr. Jones (uncredited)
Bigger Than Life — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Bigger Than Life in United States?
Bigger Than Life is streaming on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is Bigger Than Life on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Bigger Than Life is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Bigger Than Life in?
Bigger Than Life is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Bigger Than Life?
Bigger Than Life runs 1 hours 35 minutes (95 minutes).
▸What is Bigger Than Life rated?
Bigger Than Life is rated NR. It holds a 7.2/10 audience score from 184 ratings.
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