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Trailer

Imitation of Life

1959Movie2 h 5 minNR

DramaRomance
82
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.8Metacritic877.9Rotten Tomatoes82%91%

A deeply moving, nostalgic drama movie about family and show business.

Good for date night · friends night · teens

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Where to watch

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Not for laughs, comfort or warmth.

Movies with

Story

Fannie Hurst's best selling novel of today's tormented generation!

In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.

Feels like

  • Melodrama
  • Race Relations
  • Class Division
  • Mother-Daughter Relationship
  • Show Business
  • Social Commentary
  • Tragic
  • 1940s America
  • Ambition

Cast

24 of 36

Crew

Directed by
Douglas Sirk
Written by
Allan Scott, Eleanore Griffin, Fannie Hurst
Produced by
Ross Hunter
Music by
Henry Mancini, Frank Skinner

Everyone

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

Facts

April 9, 1959 · 2 h 5 min · NR

Released
April 9, 1959
Runtime
2 h 5 min
Age rating
NR
Genres
Drama, Romance
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Available in
18 countries

Q&A

4 questions, like "Where can I stream Imitation of Life?"

Questions about Imitation of Life

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Imitation of Life?

In the United States, you can rent or buy Imitation of Life from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It streams in 2 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is Imitation of Life worth watching?

82
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 82%, and Metacritic 87).

Is Imitation of Life good for date night?

and 2 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing Safe

Yes: romance is 6 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

Is Imitation of Life plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on pathos (9 of 10) and character depth (8 of 10) more than on its plot.