The Great Debaters (2007)
Kernel Score: 81% · 685 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2007-12-25
Runtime: 126 minutes
Where to watch The Great Debaters
- Stream: Angel Studios
- Free with ads: Fawesome, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.
The Great Debaters parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Great Debaters is an inspiring true story about Black students overcoming racism through debate.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The film depicts racial segregation and threats of white-supremacist violence relevant to the era.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Great Debaters
If you liked The Great Debaters, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- 42 (2013) — 82%
- The Help (2011) — 91%
- Selma (2014) — 82%
- The Banker (2020) — 86%
- Richard Jewell (2019) — 83%
- The Best of Enemies (2019) — 82%
- To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) — 88%
- Radio (2003) — 83%
Director
Cast
- Denzel Whitaker as James Farmer Jr.
- Denzel Washington as Melvin B. Tolson
- Nate Parker as Henry Lowe
- Jurnee Smollett as Samantha Booke
- Forest Whitaker as Dr. James Farmer Sr.
- Kimberly Elise as Pearl Farmer
- Jermaine Williams as Hamilton Burgess
- Gina Ravera as Ruth Tolson
- John Heard as Sheriff Dozier
- Devyn A. Tyler as Helen Farmer
The Great Debaters FAQ
Is The Great Debaters good?
The Great Debaters has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 685 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Great Debaters?
In the US you can stream The Great Debaters on Angel Studios, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Great Debaters OK for kids?
The Great Debaters is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Great Debaters is an inspiring true story about Black students overcoming racism through debate.
What movies are like The Great Debaters?
If you liked The Great Debaters, try 42, The Help, Selma and The Banker.