Where to Watch Billy Budd (1962) in the US

What it's about

H.M.S. Avenger is headed into battle against the French fleet during the Napoleonic Wars, and the dark shadow of two recent mutinies in the English fleet concern Captain Vere (Sir Peter Ustinov). He relies on his cruel and often sadistic Master-at-Arms John Claggert (Robert Ryan) to maintain what he believes to be tenuous order and discipline aboard the ship. When a new seaman, Billy Budd (Terence Stamp), is pressed into service from a passing merchantman, his innocent, happy-go-lucky attitude quickly endears him to his messmates as well as the ship's officers. However, his charismatic naivete seems to bother Claggert, whose perverse depravity makes him resent Billy's good-natured purity, especially after the teenager's promotion to fore-top Captain. The mean-spirited Claggert unfairly plots to put him on report and ultimately perjures himself when he accuses Billy of conspiring to mutiny.

Cast and crew

Director

Peter Ustinov

Writer

Peter Ustinov, DeWitt Bodeen, Louis O. Coxe

Starring

Terence Stamp, Robert Ryan, Peter Ustinov

Details

Release date

Nov 12, 1962

Language

English

Country

United Kingdom

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 2 wins & 8 nominations total

Where to Watch Billy Budd (1962) in the US — common questions

Where to watch Billy Budd in the United States?

Billy Budd is available with a subscription or to rent in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on HBO Max (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I stream Billy Budd or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on HBO Max (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I watch Billy Budd for free in the United States?

We have not confirmed a free option for Billy Budd in the United States.