

12 Years a Slave
2014, English. Directed by Steve McQueen.
The extraordinary true story of Solomon Northup.
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.
- Runtime
- 2h 14m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Absolute Cinema
Drop everything and watch it.
7.9/10 from 12,345 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch 12 Years a Slave
12 Years a Slave isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Availability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Steve McQueenDirector
- Chiwetel EjioforSolomon Northup
- Michael FassbenderEdwin Epps
- Lupita Nyong'oPatsey
- Benedict CumberbatchWilliam Ford
- Paul DanoJohn Tibeats
- Sarah PaulsonMary Epps
- Adepero OduyeEliza
- Scoot McNairyBrown
- Paul GiamattiTheophilus Freeman
- Brad PittSamuel Bass
- Michael Kenneth WilliamsRobert
- Alfre WoodardMistress Shaw
Details
- Released
- 21 February 2014
- Country
- United Kingdom, United States of America
- Written by
- John Ridley
- Budget
- $20M
- Box office
- $187M
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News & fan talk
What 12 Years a Slave is based on
12 Years a Slave is based on Twelve Years a Slave, an 1853 memoir or autobiography by Solomon Northup.
Memoir or autobiography · 1853
Twelve Years a Slave
By Solomon Northup
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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12 Years a Slave: quick answers
Is 12 Years a Slave worth watching?
Our verdict is Absolute Cinema: Drop everything and watch it. It scores 7.9/10 from 12,345 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is 12 Years a Slave?
12 Years a Slave runs 134 minutes (2h 14m).
Does 12 Years a Slave have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for 12 Years a Slave. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
12 Years a Slave parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
12 Years a Slave is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is 12 Years a Slave on?
12 Years a Slave isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like 12 Years a Slave?
If you liked 12 Years a Slave, try Emancipation, Free State of Jones, Glory.
Who directed 12 Years a Slave?
12 Years a Slave (2014) was directed by Steve McQueen and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o.
What is 12 Years a Slave based on?
12 Years a Slave is based on Twelve Years a Slave, an 1853 memoir or autobiography by Solomon Northup.