Primary Colors
“What went down on the way to the top.”
In this adaptation of the best-selling roman à clef about Bill Clinton's 1992 run for the White House, the young and gifted Henry Burton is tapped to oversee the presidential campaign of Governor Jack Stanton. Burton is pulled into the politician's colorful world and looks on as Stanton -- who has a wandering eye that could be his downfall -- contends with his ambitious wife, Susan, and an outspoken adviser, Richard Jemmons.
Where to watch Primary Colors in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Primary Colors there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Primary Colors streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| United Kingdom | BBC iPlayer | — |
| Canada | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | Filmlegenden Amazon Channel | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| France | — | Orange VOD, Canal VOD |
| Japan | — | Google Play Movies |
| South Korea | — | wavve |
About Primary Colors
Primary Colors is a 1998 English-language drama and comedy film directed by Mike Nichols. The cast is led by John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton. It has a runtime of 2h 23m. Viewers rate it 6.3/10 across 300 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Primary Colors was produced by Universal Pictures, Mutual Film Company, and Icarus and made in France and Germany. It was released on March 20, 1998, and carries a R certification. Made on a budget of about $65 million, it went on to gross $52 million worldwide.
- Director
- Mike Nichols
- Writers
- Elaine May
- Release date
- March 20, 1998
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- R
- Status
- Released
- Country
- France, Germany
- Budget
- $65 million
- Box office
- $52 million
- Production
- Universal Pictures, Mutual Film Company, Icarus
Primary Colors cast & crew
Primary Colors was directed by Mike Nichols and written by Elaine May.
The cast features John Travolta as Jack Stanton, Emma Thompson as Susan Stanton, Billy Bob Thornton as Richard Jemmons, Adrian Lester as Henry Burton, Maura Tierney as Daisy Green, and Paul Guilfoyle as Howard Ferguson.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Ry Cooder, cinematography is by Michael Ballhaus, and it was produced by Mike Nichols and Neil Machlis.
Is Primary Colors worth watching?
Primary Colors holds an audience score of 6.3/10 from 349 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 2h 23m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama and comedy, Primary Colors is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Primary Colors
Primary Colors 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 Primary Colors
John Travolta
Jack Stanton
Emma Thompson
Susan Stanton
Billy Bob Thornton
Richard Jemmons
Adrian Lester
Henry Burton
Maura Tierney
Daisy Green
Paul Guilfoyle
Howard Ferguson
Larry Hagman
Gov. Fred Picker
Kathy Bates
Libby Holden
Diane Ladd
Mamma Stanton
Rebecca Walker
March
Caroline Aaron
Lucille Kaufman
Tommy Hollis
Fat Willie
Primary Colors — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Primary Colors in United States?
Primary Colors 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 Primary Colors in?
Primary Colors is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Primary Colors?
Primary Colors runs 2 hours 23 minutes (143 minutes).
▸What is Primary Colors rated?
Primary Colors is rated R. It holds a 6.3/10 audience score from 349 ratings.
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