The Color Purple
“It's about life. It's about love. It's about us.”
An epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie's abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing 'Mister' Albert Johnson, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres, holding on to her dream of one day being reunited with her sister in Africa.
Where to watch The Color Purple in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On DemandClick a service to open The Color Purple there. Availability last verified on June 23, 2026.
Where is The Color Purple 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 | HBO Max Amazon Channel | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Canada | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| France | Molotov TV | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Canal VOD |
| Spain | — | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies |
| Brazil | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Japan | U-NEXT, HBO Max on U-Next | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
About The Color Purple
The Color Purple is a 1985 English-language drama and history film directed by Steven Spielberg. The cast is led by Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery. It has a runtime of 2h 34m. Viewers rate it 7.7/10 across 2000 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
The Color Purple was produced by Amblin Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures, and The Guber-Peters Company and made in United States of America. It was released on December 18, 1985, and carries a PG-13 certification. Made on a budget of about $15 million, it went on to gross $146 million worldwide.
- Director
- Steven Spielberg
- Writers
- Menno Meyjes
- Release date
- December 18, 1985
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $15 million
- Box office
- $146 million
- Production
- Amblin Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures, The Guber-Peters Company
The Color Purple cast & crew
The Color Purple was directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Menno Meyjes.
The cast features Danny Glover as Albert, Whoopi Goldberg as Celie, Margaret Avery as Shug Avery, Oprah Winfrey as Sofia, Willard E. Pugh as Harpo, and Akosua Busia as Nettie.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Quincy Jones, cinematography is by Allen Daviau, and it was produced by Quincy Jones and Jon Peters.
Is The Color Purple worth watching?
The Color Purple holds an audience score of 7.7/10 from 1,981 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 2h 34m, it's a full-evening commitment.
If you enjoy drama and history, The Color Purple is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Color Purple
The Color Purple 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.
Rate & review
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Cast of The Color Purple
Danny Glover
Albert
Whoopi Goldberg
Celie
Margaret Avery
Shug Avery
Oprah Winfrey
Sofia
Willard E. Pugh
Harpo
Akosua Busia
Nettie
Desreta Jackson
Young Celie
Adolph Caesar
Old Mr.
Rae Dawn Chong
Squeak
Dana Ivey
Miss Millie
Leonard Jackson
Pa
Bennet Guillory
Grady
The Color Purple — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Color Purple in United States?
The Color Purple 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 The Color Purple in?
The Color Purple is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, Portuguese, Spanish. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Color Purple?
The Color Purple runs 2 hours 34 minutes (154 minutes).
▸What is The Color Purple rated?
The Color Purple is rated PG-13. It holds a 7.7/10 audience score from 1,981 ratings.
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