Deacons for Defense poster
Where to stream

Deacons for Defense

6.420051h 35mMovieDramaTV Movie

Inspired by a true story, this drama is set in 1965, not long after passage of the Civil Rights Act. Despite the Act, the African-American citizens of Bogalusa are still treated like third-class citizens, their fundamental rights as human…

DirectorBill Duke
WritersRichard Wesley·Frank Military
ProducerNick Grillo

Where to watch

Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Prime Video with Ads
Availability shown for Australia · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Bill Duke

FWForest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker
Marcus Clay
JSJonathan Silverman
Jonathan Silverman
Michael Deane
CBChris Britton
Chris Britton
William Chase
ODOssie Davis
Ossie Davis
Reverend 'Rev' Gregory
TBTyrone Benskin
Tyrone Benskin
Archie
MKMpho Koaho
Mpho Koaho
Bailey
MNMelanie Nicholls-King
Melanie Nicholls-King
Rose Clay
AW
Adam Weiner
Charles Hillibrand
BBBoyd Banks
Boyd Banks
Weber
PBPaul Benjamin
Paul Benjamin
Otis
AW
Aaron Walpole
Jimmy
BSBeau Starr
Beau Starr
Neely

More from Forest Whitaker · Lead actor

Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds
2005 · 8.3
American Dad!
American Dad!
2005 · 7.0
ER
ER
1994 · 7.8
Empire
Empire
2015 · 7.1
The Shield
The Shield
2002 · 8.2
Hill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues
1981 · 7.6
Andor
Andor
2022 · 8.3
Star Wars Rebels
Star Wars Rebels
2014 · 7.7
Cagney & Lacey
Cagney & Lacey
1982 · 7.0
Godfather of Harlem
Godfather of Harlem
2019 · 8.2
See all fromForest Whitaker

More from Jonathan Silverman · Co-star actor

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
1999 · 8.0
Friends
Friends
1994 · 8.4
CSI: Miami
CSI: Miami
2002 · 7.7
9-1-1
9-1-1
2018 · 8.2
Castle
Castle
2009 · 8.0
Medium
Medium
2005 · 7.5
Psych
Psych
2006 · 7.9
Scandal
Scandal
2012 · 7.2
Numb3rs
Numb3rs
2005 · 7.0
White Collar
White Collar
2009 · 8.2
See all fromJonathan Silverman

More from Bill Duke · Director

Dallas
Dallas
1978 · 6.9
Falcon Crest
Falcon Crest
1981 · 5.6
Knots Landing
Knots Landing
1979 · 6.9
Strong Medicine
Strong Medicine
2000 · 7.4
Hill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues
1981 · 7.6
Miami Vice
Miami Vice
1984 · 7.4
Matlock
Matlock
1986 · 7.0
American Playhouse
American Playhouse
1982 · 6.6
The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone
1985 · 7.7
Cagney & Lacey
Cagney & Lacey
1982 · 7.0
See all fromBill Duke

More like this

The Great Debaters
The Great Debaters
2007 · 7.3
Girl in the Box
Girl in the Box
2016 · 6.7
Skin
Skin
2009 · 6.4
Son of the South
Son of the South
2021 · 6.5
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird
1962 · 8.0
Disgrace
Disgrace
2008 · 6.2
The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
2021 · 7.3
Richard Jewell
Richard Jewell
2019 · 7.4
Glory
Glory
1989 · 7.5
Nickel Boys
Nickel Boys
2024 · 6.6
Trees of Peace
Trees of Peace
2021 · 7.2
The Hate U Give
The Hate U Give
2018 · 8.1

Deacons for Defense — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Deacons for Defense?

Deacons for Defense is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Australia. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Deacons for Defense on Netflix?

No, Deacons for Defense is not on Netflix in Australia as of November 2026. It's currently on Amazon Prime Video.

Is Deacons for Defense on Amazon Prime Video?

Yes — Deacons for Defense is included with an Amazon Prime Video subscription in Australia as of November 2026.

Where can I watch Deacons for Defense for free?

Deacons for Defense is available on Amazon Prime Video in Australia, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.

Is Deacons for Defense based on a true story?

Yes — Deacons for Defense is based on true events, dramatising real people and events (some details may be fictionalised for the screen).