

Wittgenstein
“If people never did silly things nothing intelligent would ever get done.”
A dramatization, in modern theatrical style, of the life and thought of the Viennese-born, Cambridge-educated philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose principal interest was the nature and limits of language. A series of sketches depict the unfolding of his life from boyhood, through the era of the first World War, to his eventual Cambridge professorship and association with Bertrand Russell and John Maynard Keynes. The emphasis in these sketches is on the exposition of the ideas of Wittgenstein, a homosexual, and an intuitive, moody, proud, and perfectionistic thinker generally regarded as a genius.
Where to watch Wittgenstein in United States
Can I watch Wittgenstein in United States? Yes — you can stream Wittgenstein in United States on BFI Player Amazon Channel, Kanopy, and Hoopla.
Click a service to open Wittgenstein there. Availability last verified on September 30, 2026.
Where is Wittgenstein streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | BFI Player Amazon Channel, Kanopy, Hoopla, Plex | — |
| United Kingdom | BFI Player, BFI Player Amazon Channel, BFI Player Apple TV Channel | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Canada | Hoopla | — |
| Spain | Filmin | — |
| Japan | — | FOD |
About Wittgenstein
Wittgenstein is a 1993 English-language drama, history and comedy film directed by Derek Jarman. The cast is led by Clancy Chassay, Karl Johnson, Michael Gough. It has a runtime of 1h 12m. Viewers rate it 6.4/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on BFI Player Amazon Channel, Kanopy, Hoopla.
Wittgenstein was produced by BFI, Bandung Productions, and Channel 4 Television and made in Japan and United Kingdom. It was released on March 26, 1993, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Derek Jarman
- Writers
- Terry Eagleton, Derek Jarman, Ken Butler
- Release date
- March 26, 1993
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Japan, United Kingdom
- Production
- BFI, Bandung Productions, Channel 4 Television
Wittgenstein cast & crew
Wittgenstein was directed by Derek Jarman and written by Terry Eagleton, Derek Jarman, and Ken Butler.
The cast features Clancy Chassay as Young Wittgenstein, Karl Johnson as Ludwig Wittgenstein, Michael Gough as Betrand Russell, Tilda Swinton as Lady Ottoline Morrell, Kevin Collins as Johnny, and Nabil Shaban as Martian.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Jan Latham-Koenig, cinematography is by James Welland, and it was produced by Takashi Asai and Ben Gibson.
Is Wittgenstein worth watching?
Wittgenstein holds an audience score of 6.4/10 from 92 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 1h 12m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy drama, history, and comedy, Wittgenstein is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Wittgenstein
In United States, you can stream Wittgenstein on BFI Player Amazon Channel, Kanopy, Hoopla, Plex, and Plex Channel. 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.
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Cast of Wittgenstein

Clancy Chassay
Young Wittgenstein

Karl Johnson
Ludwig Wittgenstein

Michael Gough
Betrand Russell

Tilda Swinton
Lady Ottoline Morrell
Kevin Collins
Johnny

Nabil Shaban
Martian

Sally Dexter
Hermine Wittgenstein

Lynn Seymour
Lydia Lopokova

Jill Balcon
Leopoldine Wittgenstein
Gina Marsh
Gretyl Wittgenstein
Vanya Del Borgo
Helene Wittgenstein
Ben Scantlebury
Hans Wittgenstein
Wittgenstein — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Wittgenstein in United States?
Wittgenstein is streaming on BFI Player Amazon Channel, Kanopy, Hoopla, Plex in United States.
▸Is Wittgenstein on BFI Player Amazon Channel?
Yes — Wittgenstein is currently available on BFI Player Amazon Channel in United States.
▸What language is Wittgenstein in?
Wittgenstein is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Wittgenstein?
Wittgenstein runs 1 hours 12 minutes (72 minutes).
▸What is Wittgenstein rated?
Wittgenstein is rated NR. It holds a 6.4/10 audience score from 92 ratings.











