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Trailer

Selma

2014Movie2 h 8 minPG-13

DramaHistory
83
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.5Metacritic797.3Rotten Tomatoes99%86%

A nerve-racking, deeply moving history movie about history and society, with standout direction and performances.

Good for family movie night · friends night · party vibe

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for laughs, scares or comfort.

Movies with

Story

One dream can change the world.

"Selma," as in Alabama, the place where segregation in the South was at its worst, leading to a march that ended in violence, forcing a famous statement by President Lyndon B. Johnson that ultimately led to the signing of the Voting Rights Act.

Feels like

  • Powerful Historical Drama
  • Civil Rights Movement
  • Biographical & Inspirational
  • Social Justice Activism
  • Political & Legislative Process
  • Systemic Injustice Depiction
  • Eloquently Scripted Speeches
  • American History & Struggle
  • Emotional & Poignant
  • Resilience & Hope

Cast

24 of 42

Crew

Directed by
Ava DuVernay
Written by
Ava DuVernay, Paul Webb
Produced by
Oprah Winfrey, Christian Colson, Jeremy Kleiner
Music by
Jason Moran

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

December 25, 2014 · 2 h 8 min · PG-13

Released
December 25, 2014
Runtime
2 h 8 min
Age rating
PG-13
Content
Violence, Strong Language, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
History, Drama
Original language
English
Made in
United Kingdom, United States
Budget
$20 million
Box office
$67 million
Available in
59 countries
Keywords
based on true story

Tropes

Composite Character, It's a Long Story, Gory Discretion Shot +9

  • Composite Character
  • It's a Long Story
  • Gory Discretion Shot
  • Would Hit a Girl
  • Beware the Nice Ones
  • Warts and All
  • The Deep South
  • Police Brutality
  • Heel Realization
  • Armor-Piercing Question
  • Historical Villain Upgrade
  • Bigot with a Badge

12 of 37 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream Selma?"

Questions about Selma

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Selma?

NetflixKanopyHooplaStarz

In the United States, Selma streams on Netflix and Starz, and it is free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can rent or buy it from JustWatch TV Free, JustWatch TV Store, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It also streams in 42 other countries.

Is Selma worth watching?

83
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 99%, and Metacritic 79). Critics rate it higher (89 out of 100) than audiences (78).

Is Selma okay for kids?

PG-13ViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery

Yes: it's rated PG-13 in the United States for violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery, and the viewing guide lists it for family nights.

Is Selma plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on pathos (9 of 10) and dialogue centrality (9 of 10) more than on its plot.

Was Selma a box office hit?

Budget$20 million
Box office$67 million

Yes: it cost about $20 million to make and earned $67 million worldwide, 3.3 times its budget.

What tropes does Selma use?

Composite CharacterIt's a Long StoryGory Discretion ShotWould Hit a GirlBeware the Nice OnesWarts and AllThe Deep SouthPolice BrutalityHeel RealizationArmor-Piercing QuestionHistorical Villain UpgradeBigot with a Badgeand 25 more

TV Tropes lists 37 tropes for it, including Composite Character, It's a Long Story, and Gory Discretion Shot.