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The Butler (2013) poster

The Butler

2013, English. Directed by Lee Daniels.

One quiet voice can ignite a revolution.

Cecil Gaines was a sharecropper's son who grew up in the 1920s as a domestic servant for the white family who casually destroyed his. Eventually striking out on his own, Cecil becomes a hotel valet of such efficiency and discreteness in the 1950s that he becomes a butler in the White House itself. There, Cecil would serve numerous US Presidents over the decades as a passive witness of history with the American Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum even as his family has troubles of its own. As his wife, Gloria, struggles with alcoholism and his defiant eldest son, Louis, strives for a just world, Cecil must decide whether he should take action in his own way.

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Runtime
2h 12m
Post-credits
None listed
Language
English
Rated
PG-13

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Worth the Hype

Clear your evening for this.

7.3/10 from 3,110 TMDB viewer ratings.

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Where to watch The Butler

The Butler isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.

Availability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.

Details

Released
16 August 2013
Country
United States of America
Written by
Danny Strong
Budget
$25M
Box office
$177M
usa presidentthe white house1970sbutlerslaveryjohn f. kennedyblack panther partyracial segregationmartin luther kingbased on true storyronald reaganrichard nixonracismracial tension

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News & fan talk

What The Butler is based on

The Butler is adapted from a real person.

Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.

If you liked The Butler

The Butler: quick answers

Is The Butler worth watching?

Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.3/10 from 3,110 TMDB viewer ratings.

How long is The Butler?

The Butler runs 132 minutes (2h 12m).

Does The Butler have a post-credits scene?

None is listed for The Butler. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.

The Butler parents guide: is it suitable for kids?

The Butler is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.

Which OTT platform is The Butler on?

The Butler isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)

What movies are like The Butler?

If you liked The Butler, try All the Way, W., Selma.

Who directed The Butler?

The Butler (2013) was directed by Lee Daniels and stars Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo.

What is The Butler based on?

The Butler is adapted from a real person.

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