Primary
Primary is a documentary film about the primary elections between John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey in 1960. Primary is the first documentary to use light equipment in order to follow their subjects in a more intimate filmmaking style. This unconventional way of filming created a new look for documentary films where the camera’s lens was right in the middle of what ever drama was occurring. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation in 1998.
Where to watch Primary in United States
HBO Max Amazon Channel
YouTube TV
Criterion Channel
HBO Max
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Primary there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Primary streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Germany | — | LaCinetek |
| France | — | LaCinetek |
About Primary
Primary is a 1960 English-language documentary film directed by Robert Drew. The cast is led by John F. Kennedy, Hubert H. Humphrey, Jacqueline Kennedy. It has a runtime of 0h 53m. In United States, it is currently streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel.
Primary was produced by Drew Associates and made in United States of America. It was released on November 8, 1960, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Robert Drew
- Writers
- Robert Drew
- Release date
- November 8, 1960
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Production
- Drew Associates
Primary cast & crew
Primary was directed by Robert Drew and written by Robert Drew.
The cast features John F. Kennedy as Self, Hubert H. Humphrey as Self, Jacqueline Kennedy as Self, Robert F. Kennedy as Self, Muriel Humphrey as Self, and Robert Drew as Self.
Behind the camera, cinematography is by Richard Leacock and it was produced by Robert Drew.
Is Primary worth watching?
At 0h 53m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy documentary, Primary is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Primary
In United States, you can stream Primary on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion 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 Primary
John F. Kennedy
Self
Hubert H. Humphrey
Self
Jacqueline Kennedy
Self
Robert F. Kennedy
Self
Muriel Humphrey
Self
Robert Drew
Self
Joseph McBride
Self - Kennedy Volunteer
Joseph Julian
Narrator (voice)
Philleo Nash
Self
Pierre Salinger
Self (uncredited)
Clement John Zablocki
Self (uncredited)
Primary — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Primary in United States?
Primary is streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max in United States.
▸Is Primary on HBO Max Amazon Channel?
Yes — Primary is currently available on HBO Max Amazon Channel in United States.
▸What language is Primary in?
Primary is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Primary?
Primary runs 0 hours 53 minutes (53 minutes).
▸What is Primary rated?
Primary is rated NR. It holds a 6.5/10 audience score from 40 ratings.
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