The Birth of a Nation
1920, English. Directed by D.W. Griffith.
The Fiery Cross of the Ku Klux Klan!
Two families, abolitionist Northerners the Stonemans and Southern landowners the Camerons, intertwine. When Confederate colonel Ben Cameron is captured in battle, nurse Elsie Stoneman petitions for his pardon. In Reconstruction-era South Carolina, Cameron founds the Ku Klux Klan, battling Elsie's congressman father and his African-American protégé, Silas Lynch.
- Runtime
- 3h 15m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- U
Start now and it ends at ….
Snoozefest
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5.9/10 from 625 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Birth of a Nation
The Birth of a Nation is streaming on Artiflix in India.
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Artiflix
JustWatch TV BetaAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
The Life of a Nation Collection
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The Life of a Nation: watch order
Cast & crew
- D.W. GriffithDirector
- Lillian GishStoneman's Daughter Elsie
- Mae MarshFlora Cameron
- Henry B. WalthallCol. Ben Cameron
- Miriam CooperMargaret Cameron
- Mary AldenStoneman's Housekeeper Lydia
- Ralph LewisLeader of the House Hon. Austin Stoneman
- George SiegmannLieut. Governor Silas Lynch
- Walter LongGus
- Robert HarronTod
- Wallace ReidJeff, the Blacksmith
- Joseph HenaberyAbraham Lincoln
- Elmer CliftonStoneman's Elder Son Phil
Details
- Released
- 27 February 1920
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Frank E. Woods, D.W. Griffith
- Budget
- $100K
- Box office
- $100M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Birth of a Nation is based on
The Birth of a Nation is based on The Clansman (1905) by Thomas Dixon Jr..
1905
The Clansman
By Thomas Dixon Jr.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
Watch before The Birth of a Nation
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The Birth of a Nation: quick answers
What should I watch before The Birth of a Nation?
Watch The Fall of a Nation (1916) first.
Is The Birth of a Nation worth watching?
Our verdict is Snoozefest: Your time is worth more. It scores 5.9/10 from 625 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Birth of a Nation?
The Birth of a Nation runs 195 minutes (3h 15m).
Does The Birth of a Nation have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Birth of a Nation. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Birth of a Nation parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Birth of a Nation is rated U in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is The Birth of a Nation on?
The Birth of a Nation is streaming on Artiflix in India. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Birth of a Nation?
If you liked The Birth of a Nation, try Zulu, The Last Rifleman, Gods and Generals.
Who directed The Birth of a Nation?
The Birth of a Nation (1920) was directed by D.W. Griffith and stars Lillian Gish, Mae Marsh, Henry B. Walthall.
What is The Birth of a Nation based on?
The Birth of a Nation is based on The Clansman (1905) by Thomas Dixon Jr..