Matewan
“It takes more than guns to kill a man.”
Filmed in the coal country of West Virginia, "Matewan" celebrates labor organizing in the context of a 1920s work stoppage. Union organizer, Joe Kenehan, a scab named "Few Clothes" Johnson and a sympathetic mayor and police chief heroically fight the power represented by a coal company and Matewan's vested interests so that justice and workers' rights need not take a back seat to squalid working conditions, exploitation and the bottom line.
Where to watch Matewan in United States
No streaming info for your region.
Click a service to open Matewan there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Matewan streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| India | MGM Plus Amazon Channel | — |
| United Kingdom | MGM Plus Amazon Channel | — |
| Canada | MGM Amazon Channel | — |
| Australia | MGM Amazon Channel | — |
About Matewan
Matewan is a 1987 English-language drama and history film directed by John Sayles. The cast is led by Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell. It has a runtime of 2h 12m. Viewers rate it 7.4/10 across 100 ratings.
Matewan was produced by Cinecom Entertainment Group, Film Gallery, and Goldcrest and made in United States of America. It was released on August 28, 1987, and carries a PG-13 certification. Made on a budget of about $4 million, it went on to gross $2 million worldwide.
- Director
- John Sayles
- Writers
- John Sayles
- Release date
- August 28, 1987
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $4 million
- Box office
- $2 million
- Production
- Cinecom Entertainment Group, Film Gallery, Goldcrest
Matewan cast & crew
Matewan was directed by John Sayles and written by John Sayles.
The cast features Chris Cooper as Joe Kenehan, James Earl Jones as 'Few Clothes' Johnson, Mary McDonnell as Elma Radnor, Will Oldham as Danny Radnor, David Strathairn as Police Chief Sid Hatfield, and Ken Jenkins as Sephus Purcell.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Mason Daring, cinematography is by Haskell Wexler, and it was produced by Jerry Silva and Mark Balsam.
Is Matewan worth watching?
Matewan holds an audience score of 7.4/10 from 133 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 2h 12m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama and history, Matewan is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Matewan
Matewan isn't currently available on major streaming services in United States. We track availability continuously — add it to your watchlist and we'll keep an eye out.
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 Matewan
Chris Cooper
Joe Kenehan
James Earl Jones
'Few Clothes' Johnson
Mary McDonnell
Elma Radnor
Will Oldham
Danny Radnor
David Strathairn
Police Chief Sid Hatfield
Ken Jenkins
Sephus Purcell
Kevin Tighe
Bill Hickey
Gordon Clapp
Tom Griggs
Bob Gunton
C.E. Lively
Jace Alexander
Hilllard Elkins
Joe Grifasi
Fausto
Nancy Mette
Bridey Mae Tolliver
Matewan — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Matewan in United States?
Matewan is not currently available on major streaming services in United States. Availability changes often — check back soon.
▸What language is Matewan in?
Matewan is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, Italian. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Matewan?
Matewan runs 2 hours 12 minutes (132 minutes).
▸What is Matewan rated?
Matewan is rated PG-13. It holds a 7.4/10 audience score from 133 ratings.
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