Akeelah and the Bee
2006 · Movie · PG · 113 min · ★ 7.1 · 79% critics
A gifted 11-year-old from South Los Angeles discovers a talent for spelling and is pushed into competitive bees, even as school pressures and family doubts weigh on her. With guidance from a dedicated mentor and support from her community, she trains for bigger stages and learns that success is about more than just a trophy.
Where to watch
Streaming on Lionsgate+.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 2006
- Release date
- 2006-04-28
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 113 min
- Critic score
- 79/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.1/10 (350 votes)
About
If you enjoy warm, inspiring underdog stories about talent, hard work, and community support, this is a great pick, especially if you liked The Ron Clark Story or Queen of Katwe; Not for you if you dislike sentimental, formula-driven dramas.
Pros: uplifting underdog journey; strong performances; heartfelt life lessons | Cons: predictable story beats; some stereotypes; spelling tension varies
Themes
- spelling
- spelling bee
- family drama
- single mother
- community spirit
- pre-teen
- parental abuse
- south central los angeles
- black community
- independent film
Awards & recognition
- Broadcast Film Critics Association Award — Best Family Film · 2006 · nominated
Cast & crew
Keke Palmer
as Akeelah Anderson
Laurence Fishburne
as Dr. Larabee
Angela Bassett
as Tanya Anderson
Curtis Armstrong
as Mr. Welch
J.R. Villarreal
as Javier
Sean Michael Afable
as Dylan Chiu
Sahara Garey
as Georgia
Lee Thompson Young
as Devon
Julito McCullum
as Terrence
Erica Hubbard
as Kiana
Directed by Doug Atchison