The Reader
The story of Michael Berg, a German lawyer who, as a teenager in the late 1950s, had an affair with an older woman, Hanna, who then disappeared only to resurface years later as one of the defendants in a war crimes trial stemming from her actions as a concentration camp guard late in the war. He alone realizes that Hanna is illiterate and may be concealing that fact at the expense of her freedom.
Ratings
Based on audience scoresWhere to stream The Reader
Streaming now in the United States on Amazon Prime Video, Britbox Apple TV channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, Howdy Amazon Channel, Kanopy, and Hoopla.
Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Trailer
The Reader (2008) official trailer HD
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Frequently asked questions about The Reader
Where can I watch The Reader in the United States?
The Reader is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Britbox Apple TV channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, Howdy Amazon Channel, Kanopy, and Hoopla 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 The Reader on Amazon Prime Video?
Yes. The Reader is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the United States, alongside Britbox Apple TV channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, Howdy Amazon Channel, Kanopy, and Hoopla.
Can I watch The Reader for free?
The Reader streams free with ads in the United States on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, and The CW. A subscription is not required, though the service may ask you to register.
What are the ratings for The Reader?
The Reader scores 7.5 on The Movie Database.
Who stars in The Reader?
The Reader stars Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, David Kross, Lena Olin, and Bruno Ganz. Stephen Daldry is the director.
How long is The Reader?
The Reader runs 2h 4m (124 minutes).
When did The Reader come out?
The Reader was released on December 10, 2008.
Which studio made The Reader?
The Reader was produced by The Weinstein Company, Mirage Enterprises, and Studio Babelsberg in Germany and the United States.
What was the budget for The Reader?
The Reader was made on a budget of $32,000,000.
How much did The Reader make at the box office?
The Reader grossed $108,902,486 worldwide, against a budget of $32,000,000.
What languages is The Reader in?
The Reader is in English, German, Greek, and Latin, and its original language is English.
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.