RKO 281 poster
Where to stream

RKO 281

6.519991h 24mMovieDramaHistoryTV Movie

In 1939, boy-wonder Orson Welles leaves New York, where he has succeeded in radio and theater, and, hired by RKO Pictures, moves to Hollywood with the purpose of making his first film.

DirectorBenjamin Ross
WriterJohn Logan
ProducersSu Armstrong·Ridley Scott

Where to watch

HBO Max Amazon ChannelHBO Max Amazon ChannelHBO MaxHBO Max
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Benjamin Ross

LSLiev Schreiber
Liev Schreiber
Orson Welles
JCJames Cromwell
James Cromwell
William Randolph Hearst
MGMelanie Griffith
Melanie Griffith
Marion Davies
JMJohn Malkovich
John Malkovich
Herman Mankiewicz
LCLiam Cunningham
Liam Cunningham
Gregg Toland
DSDavid Suchet
David Suchet
Louis B. Mayer
FSFiona Shaw
Fiona Shaw
Hedda Hopper
AHAnastasia Hille
Anastasia Hille
Carole Lombard
BBBrenda Blethyn
Brenda Blethyn
Louella Parsons
RSRoy Scheider
Roy Scheider
George Schaefer
RARoger Allam
Roger Allam
Walt Disney
SA
Simeon Andrews
John Houseman

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RKO 281 — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams RKO 281?

RKO 281 is streaming on HBO Max in United States. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is RKO 281 on Netflix?

No, RKO 281 is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on HBO Max.

Is RKO 281 on Amazon Prime Video?

No, RKO 281 isn't on Amazon Prime Video in United States right now. It's on HBO Max instead.

Where can I watch RKO 281 for free?

RKO 281 is available on HBO Max in United States, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.

Is RKO 281 based on a true story?

Yes — RKO 281 is based on true events, dramatising real people and events (some details may be fictionalised for the screen).