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·Bettina Gilois
ProducersRichard D. Zanuck·Shakim Compere

Where to watch

CraveCraveCrave Amazon ChannelCrave Amazon Channel
Availability shown for Canada · 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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More from Mo'Nique · Co-star actress

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More from Dee Rees · Director

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Bessie — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Bessie?

Bessie is streaming on Crave in Canada, and available to rent or buy on Google Play Movies and YouTube. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Bessie on Netflix?

No, Bessie is not on Netflix in Canada as of September 2026. It's currently on Crave.

Is Bessie on Amazon Prime Video?

No, Bessie isn't on Amazon Prime Video in Canada right now. It's on Crave instead.

Where can I watch Bessie for free?

Bessie is available on Crave in Canada, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.