Bessie
2015, English. Directed by Dee Rees.
Survival began with a song
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
- Runtime
- 1h 47m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.4/10 from 133 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
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Where to watch Bessie
Bessie is streaming on JioHotstar in India.
Stream
JioHotstarAvailability in India as of 7 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Dee ReesDirector
- Queen LatifahBessie Smith
- Mo'NiqueMa Rainey
- Mike EppsRichard
- Tika SumpterLucille
- Michael Kenneth WilliamsJack Gee
- Charles S. DuttonWilliam 'Pa' Rainey
- Bryan GreenbergJohn Hammond
- Oliver PlattCarl Van Vechten
- Khandi AlexanderViola
- Tory KittlesClarence
- Kamryn JohnsonYoung Bessie
- Rikki McKinneyChorus Guy
Details
- Released
- 16 May 2015
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Dee Rees, Horton Foote, Bettina Gilois
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
If you liked Bessie
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Bessie: quick answers
Is Bessie worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.4/10 from 133 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Bessie?
Bessie runs 107 minutes (1h 47m).
Does Bessie have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Bessie. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Bessie parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Bessie yet.
Which OTT platform is Bessie on?
Bessie is streaming on JioHotstar in India. (Checked 7 November 2026.)
What movies are like Bessie?
If you liked Bessie, try Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Cadillac Records.
Who directed Bessie?
Bessie (2015) was directed by Dee Rees and stars Queen Latifah, Mo'Nique, Mike Epps.