Bessie poster
Where to stream

Bessie

6.420151h 47mMovieDramaMusicTV Movie

The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

DirectorDee Rees
WritersDee Rees·Horton Foote
ProducersShakim Compere·Randi Michel

Where to watch

Foxtel NowFoxtel NowHBO MaxHBO MaxHBO Max Amazon ChannelHBO Max Amazon Channel
Availability shown for Australia · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Dee Rees

QLQueen Latifah
Queen Latifah
Bessie Smith
MMo'Nique
Mo'Nique
Ma Rainey
MEMike Epps
Mike Epps
Richard
TSTika Sumpter
Tika Sumpter
Lucille
MWMichael Kenneth Williams
Michael Kenneth Williams
Jack Gee
CDCharles S. Dutton
Charles S. Dutton
William 'Pa' Rainey
BGBryan Greenberg
Bryan Greenberg
John Hammond
OPOliver Platt
Oliver Platt
Carl Van Vechten
KAKhandi Alexander
Khandi Alexander
Viola
TKTory Kittles
Tory Kittles
Clarence
KJ
Kamryn Johnson
Young Bessie
RM
Rikki McKinney
Chorus Guy

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Hot in Cleveland
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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
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More from Mo'Nique · Co-star actress

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More from Dee Rees · Director

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The Last Thing He Wanted
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Mo' Better Blues
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Bessie — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Bessie?

Bessie is streaming on Foxtel Now and HBO Max in Australia, and available to rent or buy on Fetch TV and Google Play Movies. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Bessie on Netflix?

No, Bessie is not on Netflix in Australia as of October 2026. It's currently on Foxtel Now and HBO Max.

Is Bessie on Amazon Prime Video?

No, Bessie isn't on Amazon Prime Video in Australia right now. It's on Foxtel Now and HBO Max instead.

Where can I watch Bessie for free?

Bessie is available on Foxtel Now and HBO Max in Australia, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.