The Lottery (1969): cast, story & where to watch

1969 · Film · ★ 6.7

The Lottery poster

Released in 1969, The Lottery is a horror and mystery film directed by Larry Yust, running about 19 minutes.

What it’s about. Every year, on June 27th, in a small village in New England, inhabited by no more than 300 people, a lottery is held in which a family is chosen as part of a ritual to ensure a good harvest.

Who’s in it. The Lottery stars Olive Dunbar as Tessie Hutchinson, William Benedict as Joe Summers, William Fawcett as Old Man Warner and Joe Haworth as Bill Hutchinson, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, The Lottery has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Lottery page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Lottery tend to enjoy Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, The Shining and Alien.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Lottery (1969)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Lottery change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Lottery worth watching?
The Lottery holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy horror and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Lottery?
The Lottery stars Olive Dunbar, William Benedict, William Fawcett, Joe Haworth and Ed Begley Jr..
When was The Lottery released?
The Lottery was released in 1969, with a runtime of about 19 minutes.