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Trailer

The Color Purple

1985Movie2 h 34 minPG-13

Drama
78
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.7Metacritic788.2

A deeply moving, profoundly sad drama movie about history and family, with standout performances and characters.

Good for friends night · teens · thought-provoking

Skip it if you want fast pacing

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Not for laughs, scares or warmth.

Movies with

Story

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.

Feels like

  • Emotional Epic
  • Historical Drama
  • Resilience & Survival
  • Family Saga
  • Social Injustice
  • Profound Character Journey
  • Heartbreaking Yet Hopeful
  • Powerful Performances
  • African-American Experience

Cast

24 of 26

Crew

Directed by
Steven Spielberg
Written by
Menno Meyjes, Alice Walker
Produced by
Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, Kathleen Kennedy
Music by
Quincy Jones

Everyone

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Facts

December 18, 1985 · 2 h 34 min · PG-13

Released
December 18, 1985
Runtime
2 h 34 min
Age rating
PG-13
Content
Violence, Sexual Content, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Drama
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Budget
$15 million
Box office
$146 million
Available in
103 countries

Tropes

Masculine Girl, Feminine Boy, I Never Got Any Letters, Love Triangle +9

  • Masculine Girl, Feminine Boy
  • I Never Got Any Letters
  • Love Triangle
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Stalking Is Love
  • Token Black Friend
  • You're Not My Mother
  • Single-Target Sexuality
  • Bar Brawl
  • Queer Romance
  • Single-Issue Psychology
  • Stiff Upper Lip

12 of 73 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream The Color Purple?"

Questions about The Color Purple

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Color Purple?

Tubi TV

In the United States, The Color Purple is free with ads on Tubi TV. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It also streams in 47 other countries.

Is The Color Purple worth watching?

78
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78 (IMDb 7.7 and Metacritic 78).

Is The Color Purple okay for kids?

PG-13ViolenceSexual contentDisturbing imagery

Not for young kids: it's rated PG-13 in the United States for violence, sexual content, and disturbing imagery, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Is The Color Purple plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

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

Is The Color Purple good for date night?

and 2 morePartner WatchAdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPublic Viewing Safe

It suits a quiet night in as a couple: romance is 6 of 10, but the viewing guide doesn't list it for date night.

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 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 tropes for it, including Masculine Girl, Feminine Boy, I Never Got Any Letters, and Love Triangle.