Lincoln (2012)
Steven Spielberg's landmark historical drama follows Abraham Lincoln's courageous fight to end the Civil War and abolish slavery.
Lincoln - Movie Information
- Original Title: Lincoln
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 16, 2012 (Canada), November 16, 2012 (United States - PG-13), January 25, 2013 (United Kingdom - 12A), January 22, 2013 (Germany - 12), January 30, 2013 (France - TP), February 8, 2013 (India), January 31, 2013 (New Zealand), January 17, 2013 (Australia - M), January 25, 2013 (Brazil - 12), January 18, 2013 (Mexico), January 24, 2013 (Italy), January 18, 2013 (Spain - 7), March 14, 2013 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: لنكولين (AF), 林肯 (CN), 링컨 (KR), Լինքոլն (AM), Lincoln 2012 (BR), Lincoln (2012) (US), リンカーン (JP), Линкольн (RU)
- Production Companies: DreamWorks Pictures, Reliance Entertainment, Participant, Amblin Entertainment, The Kennedy/Marshall Company, Dune Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America, India
Lincoln - Plot
The revealing story of the 16th US President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.
Lincoln - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see history come to life:
Where to Watch Lincoln
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Lincoln - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Steven Spielberg
Main Cast
- Daniel Day-Lewis
- Sally Field
- David Strathairn
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- James Spader
- Hal Holbrook
- Tommy Lee Jones
- John Hawkes
- Jackie Earle Haley
- Bruce McGill
Writers
- Tony Kushner
Producers
- Kathleen Kennedy
- Steven Spielberg
Lincoln - FAQs
What is Lincoln (2012) about?
Lincoln follows the 16th U.S. President during his turbulent final months in office. Facing a nation torn apart by civil war, Abraham Lincoln fights with fierce moral determination to pass the Thirteenth Amendment and abolish slavery — a decision that would reshape the country for generations. Critics praised it as a gripping portrait of political courage.
Did Daniel Day-Lewis really transform into Lincoln?
Absolutely. Daniel Day-Lewis delivered one of his most celebrated performances, adopting Lincoln's historically documented high-pitched voice, deliberate mannerisms, and storytelling cadence. The role earned him his third Academy Award for Best Actor — a record-breaking achievement — and is widely considered one of the greatest screen portrayals of a historical figure.
Where can you stream Lincoln (2012)?
You can watch Lincoln on YouTube TV. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Plenty of options to choose from depending on your preferred platform.
Is Lincoln based on a true story?
Yes — Lincoln is rooted in real history. The film draws heavily from Doris Kearns Goodwin's biography Team of Rivals, focusing on the actual political maneuvering behind the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in January 1865. While some scenes are dramatized, the core events and key figures are historically grounded.
Who are the main actors in Lincoln?
The film boasts a remarkable ensemble. Daniel Day-Lewis leads as Abraham Lincoln, with Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln and Tommy Lee Jones stealing scenes as the fiery abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens. The cast also includes David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, and Jackie Earle Haley.
What does Tommy Lee Jones' role add to the film?
Tommy Lee Jones is electrifying as Thaddeus Stevens, the radical Republican congressman whose passionate advocacy for racial equality provides the film's moral fire. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and his scenes — particularly the climactic floor debate — are among the most memorable in the movie.
How many Oscars did Lincoln win?
Lincoln received 12 Academy Award nominations — including Best Picture and Best Director — and won two: Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis and Best Production Design. It was one of the most-nominated films of the 2013 ceremony and a dominant presence throughout awards season.
Is Lincoln worth watching today?
Definitely. Lincoln holds a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as one of Spielberg's finest achievements. Beyond the awards, it's a genuinely compelling drama about democracy under pressure — themes that feel as relevant today as ever. Day-Lewis alone makes it unmissable.
More About Lincoln
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