Notorious (2009)
Kernel Score: 75% · 777 TMDB ratings · Rated R
Genres: Music, Drama, History
Released: 2009-01-16
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to watch Notorious
- Stream: Starz
- Free with ads: Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-12.
Overview
"Notorious" is the story of Christopher Wallace. Through raw talent and sheer determination, Wallace transforms himself from Brooklyn street hustler (once selling crack to pregnant women) to one of the greatest rappers of all time: The Notorious B.I.G. Follow his meteoric rise to fame and his refusal to succumb to expectations - redefining our notion of "The American Dream."
Notorious parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated biopic about Notorious B.I.G. depicts drug dealing, street violence, and crude street life.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts street violence and murder connected to the rapper's rise from Brooklyn street life.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Portrays crack dealing, including selling to pregnant women, as part of the protagonist's past.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Notorious
If you liked Notorious, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Straight Outta Compton (2015) — 89%
- Hustle & Flow (2005) — 81%
- 8 Mile (2002) — 81%
- Street Flow (2019) — 75%
- American Satan (2017) — 81%
- Cadillac Records (2008) — 78%
- Gully Boy (2019) — 81%
- Better Man (2024) — 84%
Director
Cast
- Jamal Woolard as Christopher 'Biggie' Wallace
- Derek Luke as Sean 'Puffy' Combs
- Naturi Naughton as Lil' Kim
- Anthony Mackie as Tupac "2Pac" Shakur
- Antonique Smith as Faith Evans
- Angela Bassett as Voletta Wallace
- Marc John Jefferies as Lil Cease
- Sean Ringgold as Suge Knight
- C.J. Wallace as Biggie (age 8-13)
- Dennis L.A. White as Damion 'D-Roc' Butler
Notorious FAQ
Is Notorious good?
Notorious has a 75% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch Notorious?
In the US you can stream Notorious on Starz, watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is Notorious OK for kids?
Notorious is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated biopic about Notorious B.I.G. depicts drug dealing, street violence, and crude street life.
What movies are like Notorious?
If you liked Notorious, try Straight Outta Compton, Hustle & Flow, 8 Mile and Street Flow.