The Congress (1989): cast, story & where to watch
1989 · Film · ★ 9
Released in 1989, The Congress is a history and documentary film directed by Ken Burns, running about 89 minutes.
What it’s about. For 200 years, the United States Congress has been one of the country's most important and least understood institutions. In this elegant, thoughtful and often touching portrait, Ken Burns explores the history and promise of this unique American institution. Using historical photographs and newsreels, evocative live footage and interviews with David Broder, Alistair Cooke, Cokie Roberts, Charles McDowell and others, the award-winning film chronicles the personalities, events and issues that have animated the first 200 years of Congress and, in turn, our country.
Who’s in it. The Congress stars David McCullough as Narrator (voice), Cokie Roberts as Herself - Journalist, Alistair Cooke as Himself - Journalist and Arthur Miller as Self, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 9.0/10, The Congress sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel, WETA+ and TPT and rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Congress page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Congress tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Congress (1989)?
- In US, The Congress is available to stream on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel, WETA+ and TPT, and rent or buy from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Congress worth watching?
- The Congress holds an audience score of 9.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy history and documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Congress?
- The Congress stars David McCullough, Cokie Roberts, Alistair Cooke, Arthur Miller and Charles McDowell.
- When was The Congress released?
- The Congress was released in 1989, with a runtime of about 89 minutes.