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Nightjohn

6.219961h 32mMovieDramaTV Movie

John is a man of many talents, including one forbidden skill: he can read. When he teaches a young slave girl named Sarny to read and write, she learns an unforgettable lesson about the power of words and the true meaning of freedom.

DirectorCharles Burnett
WriterBill Cain
ProducerDennis Stuart Murphy

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Nightjohn was released on June 1, 1996 but we couldn't find it on any streaming service yet. Rights can change — try again later.

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Cast · Directed by Charles Burnett

BBBeau Bridges
Beau Bridges
Clel Waller
CLCarl Lumbly
Carl Lumbly
Nightjohn
BCBill Cobbs
Bill Cobbs
Old man
KYKathleen York
Kathleen York
Callie Waller
GCGabriel Casseus
Gabriel Casseus
Outlaw
TNTom Nowicki
Tom Nowicki
Dr. Chamberlain
JT
Joel Traywick
Jeff Waller
AJ
Allison Jones
Sarny
PM
Patty Mack
Evelyn
DD
Deborah Duke
Lethe
DNDanny Nelson
Danny Nelson
Reverend Osee Rush
MF
Monica Ford
Egypt

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More from Charles Burnett · Director

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To Sleep with Anger
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Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation
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Nightjohn — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Nightjohn?

Nightjohn isn't streaming anywhere in United States yet.

Is Nightjohn on Netflix?

No, Nightjohn is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026.

Is Nightjohn on Amazon Prime Video?

No, Nightjohn isn't on Amazon Prime Video in United States right now.

Where can I watch Nightjohn for free?

Nightjohn isn't streaming in United States yet, so there's no way to watch it free at the moment.

What is the OTT release date for Nightjohn?

Nightjohn hasn't started streaming in United States yet. Based on the typical 6–8 week theatrical-to-streaming window, we estimate it will arrive around July 20, 1996. This is a prediction, not a confirmed date.