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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 2007 โ€บ The Great Debaters

The Great Debaters poster

The Great Debaters (2007)

โ€œWhen the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.โ€

7.3/10 ยท 752 votes 2h 6m pg-13 Drama

#41 of 208 films from 2007 #1196 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Denzel Washington ยท Written by Jeffrey Porro, Robert Eisele

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

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.

Cast

Denzel Whitakeras James Farmer Jr.
Denzel Washingtonas Melvin B. Tolson
Nate Parkeras Henry Lowe
Jurnee Smollett-Bellas Samantha Booke
Forest Whitakeras Dr. James Farmer Sr.
Kimberly Eliseas Pearl Farmer
Jermaine Williamsas Hamilton Burgess
Gina Raveraas Ruth Tolson
John Heardas Sheriff Dozier
Devyn A. Tyleras Helen Farmer
Trenton McClain Boydas Nathaniel Farmer
Ritchie Montgomeryas Deputy
Jackson Walkeras Pig Owner
Tim Paratias Pig Farmer

Facts

Release dateDecember 25, 2007
Runtime126 min (2h 6m) โ€” longer as the 2007 average of 105 min
GenresDrama
LanguageEN
Budget$15,000,000
Box office$30,226,144 (2.0ร— budget)
IMDbtt0427309

More from Denzel Washington

Antwone FisherAntwone Fisher2002 ยท โ˜… 6.9 ยท 2h 0m FencesFences2016 ยท โ˜… 6.9 ยท 2h 19m

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Questions

How long is The Great Debaters?
The Great Debaters runs 126 minutes (2h 6m).
Is The Great Debaters worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.3/10 across 752 votes, which places it #41 of 208 films released in 2007 in this index (top 81%) and #1196 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed The Great Debaters?
The Great Debaters was directed by Denzel Washington. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Antwone Fisher (2002), Fences (2016).
Who stars in The Great Debaters?
Denzel Whitaker as James Farmer Jr.; Denzel Washington as Melvin B. Tolson; Nate Parker as Henry Lowe; Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Samantha Booke; Forest Whitaker as Dr. James Farmer Sr.; Kimberly Elise as Pearl Farmer.
What is The Great Debaters rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Great Debaters?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/38520.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.