Imitation of Life
“Fannie Hurst's best selling novel of today's tormented generation!”
In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
Where to watch Imitation of Life in United States
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Imitation of Life there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Imitation of Life streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| India | — | Amazon Video |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Canada | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| France | Molotov TV | Apple TV Store, Orange VOD, LaCinetek |
| Spain | Amazon Prime Video, Filmin, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | — |
| Brazil | Looke, Looke Amazon Channel, NetMovies | — |
| Japan | — | FOD |
About Imitation of Life
Imitation of Life is a 1959 English-language drama and romance film directed by Douglas Sirk. The cast is led by Lana Turner, John Gavin, Juanita Moore. It has a runtime of 2h 5m. Viewers rate it 7.5/10 across 300 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.
Imitation of Life was produced by Universal International Pictures and made in United States of America. It was released on April 9, 1959, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Douglas Sirk
- Writers
- Eleanore Griffin, Allan Scott
- Release date
- April 9, 1959
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Production
- Universal International Pictures
Imitation of Life cast & crew
Imitation of Life was directed by Douglas Sirk and written by Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott.
The cast features Lana Turner as Lora Meredith, John Gavin as Steve Archer, Juanita Moore as Annie Johnson, Sandra Dee as Susie (16), Susan Kohner as Sarah Jane (18), and Robert Alda as Allen Loomis.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Frank Skinner, cinematography is by Russell Metty, and it was produced by Ross Hunter.
Is Imitation of Life worth watching?
Imitation of Life holds an audience score of 7.5/10 from 320 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 2h 5m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama and romance, Imitation of Life is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Imitation of Life
Imitation of Life isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
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 Imitation of Life
Lana Turner
Lora Meredith
John Gavin
Steve Archer
Juanita Moore
Annie Johnson
Sandra Dee
Susie (16)
Susan Kohner
Sarah Jane (18)
Robert Alda
Allen Loomis
Dan O'Herlihy
David Edwards
Karin Dicker
Sarah Jane (8)
Terry Burnham
Susie (6)
John Vivyan
Young man
Lee Goodman
Photographer
Ann Robinson
Showgirl
Imitation of Life — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Imitation of Life in United States?
Imitation of Life is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies and YouTube.
▸What language is Imitation of Life in?
Imitation of Life is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Imitation of Life?
Imitation of Life runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).
▸What is Imitation of Life rated?
Imitation of Life is rated NR. It holds a 7.5/10 audience score from 320 ratings.
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