7.7
Where can I stream The Color Purple legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Color Purple fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world, a touch of humor.
Energy
Violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence7
- Spectacle6
- Tension5
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos10
- Melancholy9
- Catharsis9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
History, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting10
- Character Depth10
- Direction9
Style
Standout score and cinematography
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality9
- Cinematography8
Energy
MediumViolent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Color Purple is violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis9Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighHistory, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, family, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout score and cinematography
Look and sound: the score and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
It's about life. It's about love. It's about us.
An epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie's abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing 'Mister' Albert Johnson, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres, holding on to her dream of one day being reunited with her sister in Africa.
Emotional EpicHistorical DramaResilience & SurvivalFamily SagaSocial InjusticeProfound Character JourneyHeartbreaking Yet HopefulPowerful PerformancesAfrican-American Experience
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Color Purple
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Color Purple worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.7 and Metacritic 78). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Color Purple rated?
PG-13ViolenceSexual contentDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Color Purple?
2 h 34 min
The Color Purple runs 2 h 34 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Color Purple?
Critics78
Audiences80
Yes. Critics average 78 and audiences 80 out of 100, so both groups see The Color Purple much the same way.
Was The Color Purple a box office hit?
Budget$15 million
Box office$146 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $146 million worldwide, 9.8 times its budget.
What language is The Color Purple in?
EnglishPortugueseSpanish
It was made in English, with some Portuguese, Spanish. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Color Purple?
103
+89
+89GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Color Purple in 103 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Color Purple use?
Masculine Girl, Feminine BoyI Never Got Any LettersLove TriangleDomestic AbuseStalking Is LoveToken Black FriendYou're Not My MotherSingle-Target SexualityBar BrawlQueer RomanceSingle-Issue PsychologyStiff Upper Lipand 61 more
TV Tropes lists 73 storytelling tropes for The Color Purple, including Masculine Girl, Feminine Boy, I Never Got Any Letters, Love Triangle.