Burroughs: The Movie poster
Where to stream

Burroughs: The Movie

7.019841h 30mNRMovieDocumentary

An exploration of Burroughs’ life story, as told by Burroughs himself along with many of his contemporaries, including Allen Ginsberg, Brion Gysin, Francis Bacon, Herbert Huncke, Patti Smith, Terry Southern, and William Burroughs Jr.

DirectorHoward Brookner
ProducersHoward Brookner·Edouard Douek

Where to watch

Criterion ChannelCriterion Channel
Availability shown for Canada · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Howard Brookner

WBWilliam S. Burroughs
William S. Burroughs
Self
MB
Mortimer Burroughs
Self
LC
Lucien Carr
Self
JCJackie Curtis
Jackie Curtis
Self
AGAllen Ginsberg
Allen Ginsberg
Self
JGJohn Giorno
John Giorno
Self
JG
James Grauerholz
Self
BGBrion Gysin
Brion Gysin
Self
PSPatti Smith
Patti Smith
Self
TSTerry Southern
Terry Southern
Self
FBFrancis Bacon
Francis Bacon
Self
LHLauren Hutton
Lauren Hutton
Self (archive footage)

More from William S. Burroughs · Lead actor

American Playhouse
American Playhouse
1982 · 6.6
Drugstore Cowboy
Drugstore Cowboy
1989 · 7.1
Twister
Twister
1989 · 5.6
Chappaqua
Chappaqua
1966 · 6.3
Bloodhounds of Broadway
Bloodhounds of Broadway
1989 · 5.7
Thanksgiving Prayer
Thanksgiving Prayer
1991 · 6.1
Decoder
Decoder
1984 · 6.2
The Junky's Christmas
The Junky's Christmas
1993 · 6.8
The Book of Life
The Book of Life
1998 · 6.4
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy
1999
See all fromWilliam S. Burroughs

More from Howard Brookner · Director

American Playhouse
American Playhouse
1982 · 6.6
Bloodhounds of Broadway
Bloodhounds of Broadway
1989 · 5.7
Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars
Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars
1987 · 9.0
Robert E. Fulton III Edit of Burroughs: The Movie
Robert E. Fulton III Edit of Burroughs: The Movie
2015
See all fromHoward Brookner

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Burroughs: The Movie — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Burroughs: The Movie?

Burroughs: The Movie is streaming on Criterion Channel in Canada, and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Burroughs: The Movie on Netflix?

No, Burroughs: The Movie is not on Netflix in Canada as of September 2026. It's currently on Criterion Channel.

Is Burroughs: The Movie on Amazon Prime Video?

No, Burroughs: The Movie isn't on Amazon Prime Video in Canada right now. It's on Criterion Channel instead.

Where can I watch Burroughs: The Movie for free?

Burroughs: The Movie is available on Criterion Channel in Canada, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.

Is Burroughs: The Movie based on a true story?

Yes — Burroughs: The Movie is based on true events, dramatising real people and events (some details may be fictionalised for the screen).