Cry Freedom
“The true story of the friendship that shook South Africa and awakened the world.”
A dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko, a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist.
Where to watch Cry Freedom in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Cry Freedom there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Cry Freedom streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| India | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| Canada | — | Apple TV Store, CosmoGo, Amazon Video |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| France | Molotov TV | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Canal VOD |
| Spain | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video |
| Japan | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
About Cry Freedom
Cry Freedom is a 1987 English-language drama film directed by Richard Attenborough. The cast is led by Kevin Kline, Denzel Washington, Penelope Wilton. It has a runtime of 2h 37m. Viewers rate it 7.0/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Cry Freedom was produced by Universal Pictures and Marble Arch Productions and made in United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. It was released on November 6, 1987, and carries a PG certification. Made on a budget of about $29 million, it went on to gross $26 million worldwide.
- Director
- Richard Attenborough
- Writers
- John Briley
- Release date
- November 6, 1987
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United Kingdom, Zimbabwe
- Budget
- $29 million
- Box office
- $26 million
- Production
- Universal Pictures, Marble Arch Productions
Cry Freedom cast & crew
Cry Freedom was directed by Richard Attenborough and written by John Briley.
The cast features Kevin Kline as Donald Woods, Denzel Washington as Steve Biko, Penelope Wilton as Wendy Woods, Kate Hardie as Jane Woods, John Matshikiza as Mapetla, and Zakes Mokae as Father Kani.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Jonas Gwangwa, cinematography is by Ronnie Taylor, and it was produced by Richard Attenborough and Terence A. Clegg.
Is Cry Freedom worth watching?
Cry Freedom holds an audience score of 7.0/10 from 234 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 2h 37m, it's a full-evening commitment.
If you enjoy drama, Cry Freedom is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Cry Freedom
Cry Freedom isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
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 Cry Freedom
Kevin Kline
Donald Woods
Denzel Washington
Steve Biko
Penelope Wilton
Wendy Woods
Kate Hardie
Jane Woods
John Matshikiza
Mapetla
Zakes Mokae
Father Kani
John Thaw
Kruger
Kevin McNally
Ken
John Hargreaves
Bruce
Juanita Waterman
Ntsiki Biko
Julian Glover
Don Card
Josette Simon
Dr Ramphele
Cry Freedom — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Cry Freedom in United States?
Cry Freedom is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.
▸What language is Cry Freedom in?
Cry Freedom is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Cry Freedom?
Cry Freedom runs 2 hours 37 minutes (157 minutes).
▸What is Cry Freedom rated?
Cry Freedom is rated PG. It holds a 7.0/10 audience score from 234 ratings.
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