Bessie

2015 · 1h 47m · Released

Drama, Music, TV Movie

The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

Ratings

Based on audience scores

6.4 The Movie Database

N/A IMDb

N/A Rotten Tomatoes

N/A Metacritic

Where to stream Bessie

Streaming now in the United States on HBO Max.

Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.

Trailers and promos

Bessie: Trailer (HBO Films)

Top cast and crew

Dee Rees Director

Queen Latifah Bessie Smith

Mo'Nique Ma Rainey

Mike Epps Richard

Tika Sumpter Lucille

Michael Kenneth Williams Jack Gee

Charles S. Dutton William 'Pa' Rainey

Bryan Greenberg John Hammond

Oliver Platt Carl Van Vechten

Limelight

Discover, track, and enjoy the best movies and shows

Save what you want to watch, see where it streams, and get notified the moment it lands on a service you pay for. Ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic for every title, and recommendations that learn what you like. No ads.

iPhone
iPad
Mac

More like Bessie

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom2020

Hounddog2008

Cadillac Records2008

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge1999

Iron Jawed Angels2004

Selena1997

Good Vibrations2012

Mo' Better Blues1990

Frequently asked questions about Bessie

Where can I watch Bessie in the United States?

Bessie is available to stream on HBO Max in the United States, and to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability is provided by JustWatch and can change over time.

Is Bessie on HBO Max?

Yes. Bessie is streaming on HBO Max in the United States.

Can I watch Bessie for free?

Not free in the United States right now. Bessie needs a subscription to HBO Max, or you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.

What are the ratings for Bessie?

Bessie scores 6.4 on The Movie Database.

Who stars in Bessie?

Bessie stars Queen Latifah, Mo'Nique, Mike Epps, Tika Sumpter, and Michael Kenneth Williams. Dee Rees is the director.

How long is Bessie?

Bessie runs 1h 47m (107 minutes).

When did Bessie come out?

Bessie was released on May 16, 2015.

Which studio made Bessie?

Bessie was produced by The Zanuck Company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, and HBO Films in the United States.

Ratings and streaming availability are aggregated from third-party sources; metadata from The Movie Database (TMDB), streaming data from JustWatch. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming availability checked September 2026.