The Great Debaters poster
Where to stream

The Great Debaters

7.320072h 6mPG-13MovieDrama

The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.

DirectorDenzel Washington
WritersJeffrey Porro·Robert Eisele
ProducersTodd Black·David Crockett

Where to watch

Lionsgate+ Amazon ChannelLionsgate+ Amazon ChannelYouTube FreeYouTube Free
Availability shown for United Kingdom · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Denzel Washington

DWDenzel Whitaker
Denzel Whitaker
James Farmer Jr.
DWDenzel Washington
Denzel Washington
Melvin B. Tolson
NPNate Parker
Nate Parker
Henry Lowe
JSJurnee Smollett-Bell
Jurnee Smollett-Bell
Samantha Booke
FWForest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker
Dr. James Farmer Sr.
KEKimberly Elise
Kimberly Elise
Pearl Farmer
JWJermaine Williams
Jermaine Williams
Hamilton Burgess
GRGina Ravera
Gina Ravera
Ruth Tolson
JHJohn Heard
John Heard
Sheriff Dozier
DTDevyn A. Tyler
Devyn A. Tyler
Helen Farmer
TB
Trenton McClain Boyd
Nathaniel Farmer
RMRitchie Montgomery
Ritchie Montgomery
Deputy

More from Denzel Whitaker · Lead actor

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More from Denzel Washington · Co-star actor

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The Great Debaters — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Great Debaters?

The Great Debaters is streaming on Lionsgate+ and YouTube Free in United Kingdom, and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store and Amazon Video. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is The Great Debaters on Netflix?

No, The Great Debaters is not on Netflix in United Kingdom as of November 2026. It's currently on Lionsgate+ and YouTube Free.

Is The Great Debaters on Amazon Prime Video?

The Great Debaters isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United Kingdom, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch The Great Debaters for free?

The Great Debaters is available to stream free (with ads) on YouTube Free in United Kingdom.

Is The Great Debaters based on a true story?

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