Z
“He is alive!”
A prominent politician is murdered during a demonstration. The government and army are trying to suppress the truth, but a tenacious magistrate is determined to not to let them get away with it.
Where to watch Z in United States
Criterion Channel
HBO Max
Apple TV StoreClick a service to open Z there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Z streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel, HBO Max | Apple TV Store |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Apple TV Store |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| France | — | Amazon Video, Pathé Home, ARTE Boutique |
| Spain | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | — |
| South Korea | wavve, Watcha | wavve |
About Z
Z is a 1969 French-language thriller, crime and drama film directed by Costa-Gavras. The cast is led by Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant. It has a runtime of 2h 2m. Viewers rate it 7.8/10 across 600 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, HBO Max.
Z was produced by Valoria Films, Reggane Films, and Office National pour le Commerce et l'Industrie Cinématographique (ONCIC) and made in Algeria and France. It was released on February 26, 1969, and carries a NR certification. At the box office it grossed around $0 million worldwide.
- Director
- Costa-Gavras
- Writers
- Jorge Semprún, Costa-Gavras
- Release date
- February 26, 1969
- Original language
- French
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Algeria, France
- Box office
- $0 million
- Production
- Valoria Films, Reggane Films, Office National pour le Commerce et l'Industrie Cinématographique (ONCIC)
Z cast & crew
Z was directed by Costa-Gavras and written by Jorge Semprún and Costa-Gavras.
The cast features Yves Montand as Z, Irene Papas as Hélène, Jean-Louis Trintignant as Examining Magistrate, Jacques Perrin as Photojournalist, Charles Denner as Manuel, and François Périer as Public Prosecutor.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Míkis Theodorakis, cinematography is by Raoul Coutard, and it was produced by Ahmed Rachedi and Jacques Perrin.
Is Z worth watching?
Z holds an audience score of 7.8/10 from 627 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed thriller films.
At 2h 2m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy thriller, crime, and drama, Z is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Z
In United States, you can stream Z on Criterion Channel and HBO Max, or rent and buy it on Apple TV Store. 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 Z
Yves Montand
Z
Irene Papas
Hélène
Jean-Louis Trintignant
Examining Magistrate
Jacques Perrin
Photojournalist
Charles Denner
Manuel
François Périer
Public Prosecutor
Bernard Fresson
Matt
Pierre Dux
Gendarmerie General Missou
Georges Géret
Nick
Magali Noël
Nick's Sister
Marcel Bozzuffi
Vago
Julien Guiomar
Gendarmerie Colonel
Z — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Z in United States?
Z is streaming on Criterion Channel, HBO Max in United States.
▸Is Z on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Z is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Z in?
Z is originally in French, with audio tracks including French, Russian. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Z?
Z runs 2 hours 2 minutes (122 minutes).
▸What is Z rated?
Z is rated NR. It holds a 7.8/10 audience score from 627 ratings.
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