The Color Purple (1985)
Kernel Score: 86% · 1,936 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, History
Released: 1985-12-18
Runtime: 154 minutes
Where to watch The Color Purple
- Free with ads: Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
The Color Purple parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Color Purple depicts sustained physical and sexual abuse, incest, and racism across decades in the Jim Crow South.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts domestic abuse, an abusive father, a violent husband, and racial bigotry across the story.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Rape and incest are central plot elements, discussed rather than graphically shown.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Color Purple
If you liked The Color Purple, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Straight Outta Compton (2015) — 89%
- American History X (1998) — 91%
- Precious (2009) — 82%
- An Elephant Sitting Still (2018) — 85%
- Sweet Smell of Success (1957) — 86%
- Nocturnal Animals (2016) — 83%
- Room (2015) — 89%
- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) — 86%
Director
Cast
- Danny Glover as Albert
- Whoopi Goldberg as Celie
- Margaret Avery as Shug Avery
- Oprah Winfrey as Sofia
- Willard E. Pugh as Harpo
- Akosua Busia as Nettie
- Desreta Jackson as Young Celie
- Adolph Caesar as Old Mr.
- Rae Dawn Chong as Squeak
- Dana Ivey as Miss Millie
The Color Purple FAQ
Is The Color Purple good?
The Color Purple has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,936 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Color Purple?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Color Purple OK for kids?
The Color Purple is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Color Purple depicts sustained physical and sexual abuse, incest, and racism across decades in the Jim Crow South.
What movies are like The Color Purple?
If you liked The Color Purple, try Straight Outta Compton, American History X, Precious and An Elephant Sitting Still.